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Common Questions We Get About Upper Limb Prostheses

Amber Henson
by Amber Henson
Oct 7, 2025

Hi there! Are you new to the world of upper limb prostheses? That’s not a surprise — it’s a pretty small world. There aren’t television commercials for prosthetic arms or a lot of people out there sporting prosthetic fingers. But we know that patients who need upper limb prosthetic care find these devices very helpful and everyone on the Arm Dynamics team loves helping those people.

So, what questions do you have? Look below to see if we answer them. If not, please comment at the bottom of this article, or feel free to send us a message.

What kind of devices are out there?

Well, there’s passive (which includes passive-positional devices), body-powered, myoelectric, hybrid and activity-specific. You can learn more about what’s available for your limb difference level in our article What Are My Prosthetic Options Based on My Amputation Level? and also read about when you should meet with us.

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Are there devices for partial finger or partial hand differences or loss?

Yes! There are way more choices now than there were even 10 years ago. You can find out what is out there in our article Prosthetic Options for Varying Levels of Finger/Hand Differences or Loss.

How much do upper limb prostheses cost?

Good question, and one we get often. Prices for prosthetic devices vary dramatically depending on the specific prosthetic option chosen — so, for instance, a passive device is less than a myoelectric device. Each patient’s limb difference is unique and we custom fit every device. Because of this, and since insurance providers may cover some of the cost of a prosthesis, we can’t give you an answer here. But, if you message us and schedule a complimentary in-person or video consultation, we can start the discussion about costs of various prosthetic options. The opposite question is, “What will it cost me not to get an upper limb prosthesis?" The answer is overuse issues, which we talk about in our article What If I Decide Not to Wear an Upper Limb Prosthesis?

Does insurance cover the cost of a prosthesis?

Most likely! Insurance providers may cover all or some of the cost. It’s definitely worth looking into. Sometimes you might receive a denial back from your insurance provider and need to submit an appeal. A quote from our patient, Kiersten, pictured below (she is an actor/model): “Don’t let a denial deter you. Yes, it was a struggle, but I know my body and what it needs best. After speaking with my physician and my prosthetist, I was told that a myoelectric device would work best for me. I wrote letters and made a lot of calls. Being told ‘no’ by a big corporation can be scary. It made me second guess myself, like, 'They said I don’t need it, maybe I don’t?' But I kept pushing. For me, it was a great opportunity to learn how to advocate for myself. There is so much power in patient self-advocacy. I cannot stress that enough.”

Once you contact us, our support team will walk you through how to self-advocate, and you can read more in our article How Do I Get Help When I Need a Prosthetic Arm?

Kiersten

Is feeling nervous about pursuing prosthetic care normal?

For sure! It’s a big task that, when you start, you likely know nothing about. Totally understandable that you might feel nervous about starting. Read more in our article Are You Anxious About Getting Prosthetic Care?

Do people wear their devices when they go to bed?

Nope! It’s best to give the residual limb a break at night, and for some people, depending on things like skin grafts, type of prosthetic device or how much they sweat, it’s best to take a break from the device during the day as well. Our patient Gerry: “I’ll take breaks after lunch to give myself a rest, give my arms a rest — especially in the summer when that sweat and moisture builds up inside the socket I have to take off my prostheses to give the skin a break.”

Are there prosthetic options for kids?

Absolutely! We want parents to know that fitting their kid with a device as early as possible can reduce overuse symptoms and help the child adjust to wearing a device, so that as an adult, they are familiar with how to use a prosthesis (keeping those overuse symptoms at bay) and allowing them to do the same things as their peers, like ride a bike or play French horn. Learn more in our article Terminal Devices for Babies, Children and Adolescents.

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Can prosthetic devices be used in the shower?

Well, it depends on the device. Many body-powered or passive devices can be damaged when soaked, and while the TASKA multi-articulating hand is waterproof, it’s probably best to leave these off when showering, so you can wash your residual limb. Showering one-handed isn’t easy, though! Check out Bathroom Routine Hacks for People with a Limb Difference.

What can an upper limb prosthesis help me do?

We are amazed at what our patients show us they can do! While there are limitations and every individual will have their own goals, wearing a prosthesis can help people with their daily tasks, like cooking and cleaning. It can get people driving and going to work. It can allow them to play music, ride a bicycle, work out and so much more. Upper limb prostheses have improved a lot in recent years, so there are more options than ever. The holistic prosthetic care that we offer is about more than just fitting you with a device — it’s about our prosthetists fitting you with a device that gets you doing what you want to do, comfortably, and our clinical therapy specialists teaching you how to do it!

How often will I need to replace my prosthetic device?

It depends. Variables include what kind of device you get, how rough you are on it, and how well you stay up on maintenance. You know the adage “It’s not the age, it’s the mileage!” We’ve known patients who’ve needed to replace their device after a couple of years and others who have been able to keep their device for 10 years. Your prosthetist will let you know what you can expect from your particular device and can also discuss when your insurance may cover a replacement. Learn more in our article When Am I Eligible for a New Prosthetic Device?

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Do I need more than one prosthetic device?

Another “depends” answer! It's contingent on your goals and what you want to be able to do with the prosthesis. It also depends on your insurance coverage. Some insurance providers will cover more than one device; others may cover a second device if they deem you “successful” with your first device. When possible, it’s helpful to have more than one device, especially if you want to do an activity like weightlifting, bowling or kayaking.

How do you put on or take off a prosthesis?

This is called “donning” and “doffing” a prosthesis, like the old words we used to use for putting on or taking off a hat. Read about how it works in our article Donning and Doffing Your Upper Limb Prosthesis.

How much input can I have on how my prosthesis looks?

Quite a bit! Check out some of the options in the photo below. We showcase a lot of our devices on our Instagram page, or you can check out our Prosthesis Showcase article.

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Does wearing an upper limb prosthesis hurt?

It shouldn’t, though the weight of it might take a little time to get used to. There can also be some sensitivity depending on things like nerve damage or skin grafts, though the type of silicones we use in our sockets can help a lot with those things. Our patient Joe, fire chief of Lindale, TX: “The silicone has been an enormous help to me. When I'm teaching new firefighters, I'll wear the prosthetic for eight hours or more. Since my injury, I don't have a lot of fatty tissue on my hands, and the silicone provides some additional cushioning and comfort in those bony areas.”

Strengthening exercises for your residual limb can also help reduce discomfort you may experience when you first start wearing an upper limb prosthesis. For some people with really sensitive residual limbs, we mitigate pain by creating a lightweight prosthesis for them, something we have a lot of experience with.

How long will it take me to get a prosthesis?

Once you submit a request to your insurance provider, that process can take weeks or months, depending on the process and depending on if you have to appeal. Once it is approved, our team will move quickly. For our patients who don’t live near our centers or for those who would find the process more convenient, we have our Comprehensive Accelerated Fitting Process™, which means most patients can be fit in a five-day appointment (Mon-Fri), or sometimes less. Learn more in our article How Long Does It Take to Get Fitted for an Upper Limb Prosthesis? If you want to know how the prostheses are fit, check out How Are Prosthetic Arms, Hands and Partial Hands Fitted?

What are some positive things about limb loss/limb difference?

Let’s finish up on a positive note! We’ve heard from many of our patients that their limb loss helped them realize that they are stronger than they thought. We’ve heard from many of our patients with congenital limb differences that they enjoy being different. Our prosthetists love helping fit patients with devices that improve their function and have an appearance that pleases the patient. Our clinical therapy specialists are there at every appointment, teaching patients how to use their prostheses. Our centers are places of hope and joy.

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There are more questions that we answer throughout the Upper Limb Library, including Why Would My Doctor Tell Me Not to Get an Upper Limb Prosthesis?, What is a Customized Activity-Specific Prosthesis?, Which is the Best Upper Limb Prosthesis?, “Is Everyone Looking at Me?” Upper Limb Differences and Public Perception and After an Amputation, How Can I Get Back to Feeling Like Myself?.

If you would like your questions answered by one of our certified prosthetists or our licensed clinical therapy specialists, please contact us. Or leave a comment/question below!

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