Michigan Dad’s Bionic Arm is a “Game Changer” for Work and at Home

As the manager of an automobile crushing yard, Paul knows the value of having the right tools for the job. Eight years ago, a fracture in his hand led to circulation issues in his right hand, and the injury spiralled into complications that required a below-elbow amputation. Since then, the 37-year-old has relied on body-powered prosthetics that got him through the day, but at a steep cost.

“They’re durable,” Paul said. “But they’re very limited. It’s really hard on your shoulders and back. You just feel it.”

Over the years, those compensations took a toll. Years of relying almost entirely on his left side have caused tendonitis, arthritis, and chronic shoulder pain, and doctors warned that continued overuse could eventually require surgery.

Paul and his fiancé, Jessica, were thrilled to learn about the opening of the nearby Chicago clinic. “She found Open Bionics online and signed me up, but the only clinic back then was just too far away,” he said. “Then an office opened in Chicago and they reached out. So, yep. I’m very stoked.”

Paul was fitted with the Hero PRO bionic arm at the Open Bionics clinic in Chicago. He noticed a difference immediately. “It fits perfectly. No pinching really or anything like that. I feel like I’ll be able to get some of that muscle back in my shoulder. Now, I’ll be able to actually put some down force on my arm and not have to carry it, dragging it along with me, so to speak.”

According to Jessica, the difference was clear the moment they left the clinic. “The first thing Paul did when we left Chicago was hold a soda while driving,” she said. “He was able to lock the hand and hold and drink with it without having to cross over his body.”

The durability and strength of the Hero PRO was important to Paul. “The very first thing I did with it was a push-up,” he said with a laugh.

“When we got home the next morning he was able to make breakfast a lot easier because he could hold the pan while frying and flipping things,” Jessica added.

The Hero PRO was designed with multiple grips out of the box, a lightweight, breathable socket, and wireless myoelectric controls. “I’m able to operate the arm pretty well,” he said. “It felt nice being able to have a hand there.”

Jessica said the changes go beyond convenience. “Physically, his body and shoulders especially feel so much better,” she said. “At work the biggest difference would be making it easier for him to operate equipment.”

At home, Paul is able to cut his own food and get dressed without relying on Jessica to help with buttons. He wears clothes based on what he likes rather than what he can manage on his own. “The kids were so excited and overjoyed,” Jessica said. “They think it is the coolest thing ever.”

For Paul, the Hero PRO brings relief from daily pain, renewed independence, and the return of small but meaningful moments with his family and at work. “It’s going to be a game changer,” he said.

“This place is without a doubt amazing!” Jessica said in a public review shared on Google. “The team as a whole was exceptional and Jonah was a wonderful person to work with, very easy going and willing to help with anything we needed! …He is still there for us anytime we need him. I’d recommend this team to anyone!”

If you’re in the Midwest and living with upper-limb loss, the Open Bionics Chicago clinic is here to help you explore your options. Book a free consultation to see how the Hero PRO can support your goals at work and at home.