Playing Pool with an Upper Limb Prosthesis

For people with an upper limb difference, playing pool or billiards can be an excellent choice for a hobby. Its focus on dexterity, calculation and precision, as opposed to heavy force, can be a great way tobuild endurance and functional ability with a residual limb. For anyone with an upper limb difference looking to play pool, there are several factors to consider. These include the level of limb difference, the level of competition they are interested in, and hand dominance/adaptability.

Level of Limb Difference

People withfinger or partial hand amputationsoften do not have options when it comes to activity-specific devices. But for playing pool, apassive device, such as a Point Designs digit(s) (pictured below), would be appropriate to balance the pool cue and position it appropriately on the table. As for commonterminal devices, most should allow for casual games of pool; for instance, abody-powered hookwould allow the player the ability to position the cue and shoot.

Level of Competition

If playing pool is one of your favoritehobbies, your job, or something you do on a regular basis, you may want to consider anactivity-specific device. Below, you can watch our patient Ricardo use theHustler TD.

Hand Dominance/Adaptability

For people with acquired amputation whose dominant hand is affected, there are new decisions to make for every activity. Should they consider hand dominance retraining and relearn the activity with their non-dominant hand? Should they consider using their prosthesis to complete that activity? With playing pool, it is up to the player to decide which side they would like to use for shooting and aiming versus support and positioning. That’s where adaptability comes in -- each person will make a decision that works for them, based on their confidence, level of skill and how much they are willing to alter their form.

If playing pool is your interest, or if it’s something you’d like to get into, ourclinical therapy specialistscan help get you started. Our clinical teams offer complimentary consultations, either in person or via video chat, to discuss your goals. You cancontact usto schedule a consultation. If you have any comments regarding this subject, please leave them below.