23rd June 2025
Getting your first prosthetic arm can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’ve recently undergone an amputation or were born with a limb difference, stepping into the world of upper limb prosthetics is a major life change — one that comes with new challenges, possibilities, and discoveries.
At Open Bionics, we’ve supported thousands of first-time users on their journey with the Hero Arm, and now Hero PRO and Hero RGD. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve gathered three essential tips that every new upper limb prosthetic user should know.
1. Start Slow and Build Confidence
It’s completely normal for your new prosthetic arm to feel unfamiliar at first. Just like learning to drive a car or ride a bike, mastering a prosthesis takes time. We recommend starting with simple daily activities — holding lightweight objects, opening a door, or brushing your teeth — before moving on to more complex tasks.
Don’t rush. Your muscles, skin, and brain need time to adapt. At first, you may experience fatigue or even mild discomfort as your body gets used to the new movements and sensory inputs. With consistent practice and patience, the Hero Arm will begin to feel like a natural extension of you.
Pro Tip: Use the Open Bionics Sidekick app to track progress, get tutorials, and adjust grip modes as your skills improve.
2. Work Closely With Your Prosthetist and Occupational Therapist
Your clinical team is your support system. From the initial fitting to follow-up care, your prosthetist and occupational therapist (OT) will help ensure your prosthesis fits well, functions properly, and supports your daily lifestyle.
OTs in particular play a huge role for first-time users. They can guide you through exercises to strengthen residual muscles, train you on grip strategies, and even help you adapt your work or home environment.
Stay in regular contact with your clinicians — especially during the first few months. If something feels off or uncomfortable, speak up. The more feedback you provide, the better your team can personalize your experience.
3. Connect With the Community
One of the most powerful steps you can take is finding others who’ve walked a similar path. There are thriving online communities, support groups, and local meetups where people with upper limb differences share tips, celebrate wins, and offer support during setbacks.
Joining a community not only builds confidence, but also helps normalize your experience. You’ll quickly learn that no two journeys are the same — and that’s OK. Whether you’re a gamer, athlete, artist, or student, someone out there is using a bionic arm just like you.
Check out: Charities like the LimbBo Foundation, Lucky Fin Project or Enhancing Skills for Life.
Final Thoughts
Every first-time prosthetic user deserves to feel empowered, supported, and informed. At Open Bionics, we’re proud to offer the most accessible multi-grip bionic arm on the market — designed to help you thrive.
Whether you’re just starting or already on your journey, remember: progress is personal. You’ve got this.
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