Interview with our personal coach and exercise trainer Frank Dik

Frank, how did you become a trainer for amputees?

In 1997 I was approached by an instrument maker. He had clients who wanted to move a little more with their prostheses. I had been an athletic trainer for able-bodied athletes for 15 years and accepted this challenge with both hands! I started looking for information about training with a prosthetic leg, but there was very little to find on the internet and libraries.

How did you do research?

I combined my knowledge of able-bodied athletics with everything I saw happen to the people I trained. I made videos, went looking for information about knees and feet and so I mastered this 'branch of sport' through trial and error.

I combined elements of 'valid' athletics with the practical experience we gained and with the knowledge I gained about prostheses.

You also became a Paralympic national coach?

Yes, between 2000 and 2008 I was national coach in athletics for amputees and I accompanied people to the Paralympic Games. Fantastic work. Still, after 2008 I wanted something different, I wanted more breadth and not just focus on top sport because I saw that every prosthesis user benefits from my tips and lessons.

You have a completely different vision of exercise than most physiotherapists, how is that possible?

I look at running patterns through my sports glasses. Athletes – and blade users as well – do not use the heel, but run through the toe, which is how they gain speed. In the normal rehabilitation of amputees, a lot of emphasis is placed on placing the heel down. But neither does a valid person.

That heel, doesn't that have to do with seeking stability?

Yes, people think so, but that's not really the case. People learn to put their foot down on the heel and then put the prosthesis far in front of them. That's not smart, because then you have to cross an entire hill to lift your healthy hip over it.

How do you think it should be?

Place your foot actively, don't put your leg too far in front of you and control more from your healthy leg. Be in charge of your knee.

Isn't that difficult with an electronic knee? He also wants to be the boss, right?

Yes, that is a bit more difficult, you need a little more patience, but even then the above tips are very useful.

Do you have any tips for our clients with a prosthetic leg?

Yes, get moving! This applies to everyone, but especially to people with a leg amputation who are more likely to stay seated. After your rehabilitation you think you've finished learning to walk, but then it just starts. Keep asking yourself if it can't be better! You rehabilitate for a lifetime, is my vision. People with a leg amputation often do not know the way to move more and that is a pity.

You work with anyone with a leg amputation, even if you just want to learn how to walk better.

Certainly! Correct. It's about being able to do whatever you want. For one it is shopping, while another has a Paralympic dream. If you're just one step ahead. Then I am satisfied because the customer is!

How can clients make an appointment with you Frank?

Clients can schedule an appointment with me at the receptionists in Utrecht, Rotterdam and Amsterdam. You can also do this by telephone on 030-2581811. Always tell them that it is a walking exercise.

Do you have any more plans?

We are currently working on a multi-day training program for prosthesis users at De Hoogstraat Orthopedietechniek. I'm looking forward to seeing more people move better and I'm talking about the older gentleman of 80 as well as the girl of 8 or the up-and-coming Paralympic talent. I do it for all those people. If they are happy, so am I!