Pediatric Amputation Rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed Kids
Children and teens who experience limb loss deserve compassionate care, advanced technology and a team dedicated to helping them return to the activities they love. At Mary Free Bed Kids, our pediatric-focused, family-centered amputation rehabilitation team provides expert care for babies, children, adolescents and teens—supporting them every step of the way, from acute recovery to long-term independence.
Whether limb loss occurs because of a congenital limb difference, traumatic injury, illness or cancer treatment, each child’s journey is unique. Our mission is to make recovery feel hopeful and achievable. With specialized inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for patients age 18 and younger, we create individualized care plans that support growth, development and long-term independence.
Established in 1946, the center was the nation’s first pediatric amputee clinic. Ever since, we’ve focused exclusively on the needs of infants, children and teenagers.
Conditions We Treat
Mary Free Bed Kids cares for children and teens with congenital limb differences, traumatic amputations, limb loss related to cancer or infection, and cases requiring ongoing support or revision surgeries. We welcome families from across Michigan and beyond, offering expert pediatric rehabilitation tailored to the needs of growing bodies and active young lives.
Comprehensive Pediatric Rehabilitation Services
Our care model includes both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation designed exclusively for children. Inpatient rehabilitation is ideal for kids who need a more intensive level of medical and therapeutic support.
The inpatient rehabilitation schedule includes:
- Daily physical and occupational therapy
- Play-centered recreational therapy
- Emotional and psychological support
- School programming to keep your child on track academically
As children progress, outpatient rehabilitation helps them continue building strength, mobility, coordination, and confidence.
Outpatient therapy may include:
- Prosthetic or gait training
- Strength and endurance development
- Aquatic therapy
- Participating in adaptive sports
Every program is designed to help your child regain independence and return to activities they enjoy—whether that’s school, sports or play.
Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids
Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because we offer a depth of pediatric expertise rarely found in one location. Our outcomes consistently show that children in our program make strong gains in mobility, independence and prosthetic use.
We’re home to seven board-certified pediatric physiatrists—an experienced team with more than 100 years of combined expertise caring for children with complex medical and orthopedic needs.
We also offer advanced pediatric rehabilitation technology including:
- Gait-tracking systems
- Virtual reality balance tools
- Body-weight support
- Adaptive therapy equipment designed specifically for children
With access to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital specialists located on our shared campus, your child benefits from coordinated, comprehensive medical care.
For families traveling to Grand Rapids, the Mary Free Bed Inn provides convenient, comfortable lodging just steps from our hospital so parents can stay close during inpatient rehabilitation.
Prosthetic Support for Growing Children
Children grow quickly—and their prosthetic devices must grow with them. Our pediatric-trained prosthetists and therapists work closely with families to ensure each child’s prosthesis fits well, supports their activity level and encourages confidence in movement. As your child grows, we revise, refit or replace devices to match developmental milestones and lifestyle changes. Training includes first-time prosthetic use, adaptive sports prosthetics and school-readiness skills, ensuring children can comfortably and confidently participate in activities they love.
Emotional, Social & Family Support
Children grow quickly—and their prosthetic devices must grow with them. Our pediatric-trained prosthetists and therapists work closely with families to ensure each child’s prosthesis fits well, supports their activity level and encourages confidence in movement. As your child grows, we revise, refit or replace devices to match developmental milestones and lifestyle changes. Training includes first-time prosthetic use, adaptive sports prosthetics and school-readiness skills, ensuring children can comfortably and confidently participate in activities they love.
Emotional, Social & Family Support
Amputation affects more than physical mobility—it can impact a child’s sense of identity, confidence and emotional well‑being. Our psychologists, social workers and child life specialists help children and families adjust through developmentally appropriate coping tools, peer support programs and therapeutic play.
Families also receive guidance on:
- Returning to school
- Communicating with teachers and classmates
- Accessing community resources like support groups and adaptive sports
Returning to School & Community Life
We understand how important it is for children to feel included and supported when they return to school, sports, and community activities. Our team collaborates with teachers, coaches, and school staff to ensure a smooth and confident transition. This may include school visits, classroom education, transportation planning, physical education recommendations and support for participation in sports and extracurricular activities.
Schedule Pediatric Amputation Care
Your child deserves the highest level of pediatric rehabilitation expertise. At Mary Free Bed Kids, we combine specialized medical care, advanced technology and a compassionate team dedicated to helping children grow stronger every day. We’re here to support your family at every step of the journey.
Ready to begin? Schedule care for your child today and connect with our pediatric rehabilitation specialists.
