What does it really take to learn to walk again after an amputation?
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes physical therapist John Lottes, DPT, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy and an adjunct professor who specializes in prosthetic rehabilitation.
John shares how an unexpected career path led him to working with individuals with limb loss and explains why the biggest hurdle in recovery often isn’t physical—it’s confidence. Together, Mike and John discuss the importance of celebrating small victories, building trust with your rehabilitation team, and developing the mindset needed to regain independence.
They also explore:
- Why confidence is the foundation of successful rehabilitation
- The small wins that lead to life-changing progress
- Common frustrations people experience after amputation
- How physical therapists, prosthetists, physicians, and caregivers work together
- The patient story that shaped John’s career
- Why human connection will always matter, even as AI transforms healthcare
Whether you’re living with limb loss, supporting a loved one, or working in rehabilitation, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and a reminder that recovery is about far more than learning to use a prosthesis.
About Our Guest
John Lottes is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy (https://www.1ststeppt.com/), and an adjunct professor at Touro University (http://touro.edu) who teaches future physical therapists. He specializes in lower-limb prosthetic rehabilitation and has dedicated his career to helping people regain mobility, confidence, and independence after amputation.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
Post-amputation pain can be debilitating, but a new treatment called hydrodissection is showing promise in providing relief. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, we explore this groundbreaking therapy and its potential to improve the lives of amputees. Hydrodissection is a relatively new and promising treatment for post-amputation pain, particularly for neuroma-related pain and phantom limb pain. Here’s how it compares to other common pain treatments for amputees. Mike Bolland also shines a spotlight on Infinite Dance Flow, an inclusive dance company that is redefining what it means to move, featuring dancers of all abilities.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland welcomes Allison Sweet Grant, author of I Am The Cage, a powerful novel inspired by her own medical experiences. Allison shares her journey of undergoing the Lizarov limb-lengthening procedure as a teenager and how those experiences shaped her writing. Like her protagonist Elisabeth, Allison grappled with feelings of isolation, a lack of agency, and the struggle to be heard in a confusing healthcare system. She opens up about translating her personal trauma into fiction, creating a character who faces her own battles with bodily autonomy and self-forgiveness.
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, we highlight two incredible stories of resilience and empowerment. First, we celebrate Forreston High School wrestler Lucas Nelson, who recently reached his 100th career win—an impressive feat made even more inspiring by the fact that he competes with a limb difference. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any challenge. We also spotlight Penta Prosthetics, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making prosthetic devices more accessible to those in need. With millions of people worldwide unable to afford proper prosthetic care, Penta Prosthetics works to bridge the gap by recycling, refurbishing, and redistributing prosthetic limbs to individuals who need them most. Their mission is transforming lives, giving people the mobility and independence they deserve.
