Treatment and Therapies

There’s no cure for Late Effects of Polio (LEoP) and Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS), but there are many ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. You might feel better if you:

• Rest and exercise – learn to stop activities before becoming exhausted and avoid any that cause pain.
• Stay warm and avoid cold environments
• Change how you do everyday tasks to save energy, for example sit instead of stand
• Use mobility aids such as walking sticks, crutches or scooters

• Control your weight and eat healthily, to avoid putting unnecessary strain on muscles and joints.
• Take painkilling medication to help relieve muscle or joint pain
• Seek psychological support including talking to your GP, on online forums, or in a local support group.

Sometimes surgery may be necessary to alleviate symptoms. Always let your GPs, consultants, physiotherapists etc. know about your polio history and take a copy of the British Polio Fellowship’s hospital pack with you to appointments and to the hospital.

Typically surgical procedures are to repair shoulder injuries (from years of using crutches or pushing up from chairs), correct foot problems (that cause trips or falls) and replace worn-out joints in the stronger leg (hip, knee or foot).

Other times, therapy or other services may be necessary to improve your standard of living. You may need:

• physiotherapy: for movement, strength, and pain issues
• occupational therapy: for help with work, home, or daily tasks
• speech and language therapy: for problems with speaking or swallowing
• pain clinic: for managing ongoing pain
• psychology: for emotional support or mood-related concerns
• orthotist: for customised support or footwear
• podiatrists: for feet health care
• dietitian: for help with eating well and staying at a healthy weight
• social worker: to help with quality of life and support services
  
  

Dealing with new or changing symptoms can bring up old emotions from your polio experience. Psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers can help you adjust and cope with these new challenges

Support groups such as the British Polio Fellowship’s Branch network can also be a great place to connect with others who understand the challenges you are facing.