Amy’s Bionic Arm Reduces Overuse Injuries: “I Didn’t Want to Wait”

After more than five decades of living one-handed, Amy decided to explore a bionic arm for her congenital limb difference. The decision centered on protecting her body and continuing the life she had already built.

“I’ve grown up without an arm and adapted my whole life,” Amy said. “Recently, I started to feel the physical cost of doing everything one-handed. As I get older, I want to learn something new and use it before arthritis and overuse make that harder.”

Amy was born with a congenital right below-elbow limb difference, which doctors believe may have been caused by amniotic band syndrome. She learned early how to handle everyday tasks with one hand, from tying her shoes to typing at a desk. That independence supported a successful career, frequent work travel, and a demanding schedule.

Over time, the strain increased.

Amy’s dominant left side has carried the workload for decades. “I’m starting to feel it in my body, especially when I’m traveling, because I’m doing everything with my dominant side,” she said.

Travel plays a major role in Amy’s work. She oversees multiple facilities and spends significant time in airports. She adapted the same way she always had, though the tradeoffs became more noticeable.

“It was probably three years ago as I was traveling more. I always like to have my coffee when I’m traveling,” she said. “I had my bag, and it was really starting to affect my body because one side is doing everything.”

Switching to a rolling suitcase reduced some strain, though it introduced another limitation. “The rolling bag solved one issue, then I ran into the next,” Amy said. “I can’t hold a coffee. I have to choose.”

At work, the impact showed up in other ways. Amy types efficiently with one hand, though one-handed work requires constant reaching. “Even something as simple as typing, hitting ‘control,’ I’m stretching in a way that’s not natural,” she said. “That’s why I’m starting to feel more soreness in my muscles.”

Amy wanted to reduce wear on her body and maintain long-term mobility. “I want to be less one-sided and even things out,” she said.

Amy spent years researching before moving forward. “I first came across Open Bionics on LinkedIn. It showed up in my feed, and I’ve been following the company there since 2019,” she said.

While traveling for work, Amy scheduled a free consultation with Jonah Rhymer, certified prosthetist at our clinic in Chicago, Illinois. Seeing the technology in person mattered to her. “I’m hands down a ‘I want to see it, touch it, and know if it’s going to be a thing for me’ kind of person,” she said.

Her husband, James, attended the appointment. “It was important for me to be there, to help make sure we’re hearing everything and carrying it forward once we get home,” he said.

Amy was able to be fitted with her Hero PRO after verifying coverage through insurance and completing a clinical evaluation with her clinician. Her Hero PRO bionic arm is a multi-grip myoelectric prosthetic designed to support two-handed tasks and reduce long-term overuse. The wireless, water-resistant bionic arm supports daily function, precision control, and comfort.

James reflected on Amy’s earlier experience with prosthetics. “The old hook was hard on her shoulder,” he said. “This is different. It’s custom-made, and it feels a lot more natural.”

Amy’s goals focus on everyday tasks. She now travels without constant tradeoffs, types without reaching across her body, and distributes effort across both sides during daily activities.

Choosing a bionic arm can feel significant for someone who has lived one-handed for decades. Amy valued moving forward at her own pace. “I never felt pressured,” she said. “It never felt like someone was trying to make a sale. The process was really quick and seamless. I felt like I got all the information I needed. I appreciated the check-ins and being asked where I was in the process.”

Even with a positive experience, the emotions felt layered. “A lot of people were super excited for me, and I was more apprehensive, because I’ve lived with this my whole life,” Amy said. “With Jonah, I felt calm. He was willing to go at my pace.”

Amy’s story shows that independence does not require accepting long-term strain. For adults with a congenital limb difference, a modern bionic arm can help reduce overuse pain and support mobility over time, especially after years of one-handed living.

If you are experiencing daily compensations or exploring current options, the next step can begin with a conversation. Book a free consultation with an upper limb specialist to see if a Hero PRO bionic arm could help you reach your goals.

We work with clinicians to support the best possible outcome. Connect with our team for training on our advanced bionic technology to know what’s available for your patients.