Polio/Post-Polio
Regaining independence after polio
While polio is essentially a disease of the past, an increasing number of people who have had polio are developing a condition called post-polio syndrome (PPS).
Post-polio syndrome (PPS) can cause a wide range of symptoms which can have a serious impact on everyday life. Fatigue, muscle weakness and muscle and joint pain are just some symptoms that are experienced by polio suffers.
It's estimated that there are around 120,000 people living in the UK who survived polio when they were younger. Some of these have developed or will develop PPS.
Only people who've had polio can develop PPS, but it's not known exactly how many polio survivors are affected. Estimates vary from as low as 25% of those who have had polio to as high as 80%.
PPS takes decades to develop after the initial polio infection, taking an average of 30 years for symptoms to become noticeable.
The symptoms of PPS usually develop gradually and can include:
increasing muscle weakness
fatigue
muscle and joint pain
breathing or sleeping problems
sensitivity to the cold
Although PPS is rarely life threatening, it can greatly interfere with everyday life, making it difficult to get around or carry out some tasks and activities.
Polio Therapy
The damage to the nervous system from polio can range from a slight loss of mobility to permanent paralysis of the thigh muscles. Physiotherapy combined with treatment with an orthosis can help the person affected to regain the greatest possible mobility and independence following acute illness. Innovative medical-technological aids such as the E-MAG Active, a made-to-measure electronically controlled orthotic joint system, open up new ranges of motion combined with the highest level of safety in everyday life.
Have a look below at the different products we offer that could aid your mobility and independence.
