Polio was once a common illness that paralyses and rendered many people unable to do anything. Several years ago, many children were taken ill with polio, but due to the available vaccinations, the rate of people affected by the virus is low. However, this is followed by another peril known as Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS) experienced by those, who survived the early years of polio infection . This condition is manifested through such symptoms as muscle weakness, fatigue and pain that in one way or the other impacts on movement and quality of life. This study shows an important role of physiotherapy in medication of Post-Polio Syndrome ’s symptoms, and ensuring patients’ independence.
Post-Polio Syndrome
Post-Polio Syndrome is a complication that affects the persons that contracted the polio virus many years after the initial episode. It chiefly develops between 15 and 40 years following the initial polio illness or infection. The basic origin of PPS is not yet known with detail but it is supposed that it develops due to the slow degeneration of those motor neurons that were initially injured by the effect of polio virus. After some time, these neurons are unable to make sign and signals to the muscles and next new symptoms develop.
Common Symptoms of Post-Polio Syndrome
The effects of Post-Polio Syndrome are multiple and can manifest as qualm or another based on the severity of the symptoms that the patients are suffering from. The most common symptoms include:
Muscle Weakness:
Weakness of muscles never previously involved, or return of weakness in muscles which were previously paralysed by poliomyelitis. This weakness can limit the ability of the patient to move around and possibly cause limitations in day to day living.
Fatigue:
Chronic tiredness that does not go away even with adequate amounts of sleep. This can be tiredness of the muscles, tiredness of the mind or both and this is very likely to interfere with daily activities.
Pain:
Musculoskeletal pain, which mostly develops due to muscle weakness and utilization of muscles excessively. Muscle pain is also possible in the muscles paralyzed by polio as well as in the muscles that were involved in compensating for the paralysis.
Breathing Difficulties:
Some people may suffer from the respiratory challenges since muscles involved in the respiratory process may be weak.
Swallowing and Speaking Problems:
Such as: Tilting of the head to one side to compensate for weakness in the muscles used in swallowing and speaking.
Sleep Disturbances:
Pain that disrupts sleep, breathing problems as well as muscle cramps that interfere with sleep.
Cold Intolerance:
Extremely painful reaction to cold which mainly develops as a result of poor blood circulation particularly in the limbs.
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Physiotherapy in Treatment of Post-Polio Syndrome
Physiotherapy is an important component in the overall management of patients with Post-Polio Syndrome. It aims at enhancing the subjects’ ability to move in their environment and their strength and functioning capacity and reducing pain and fatigue. From an analysis of the available literature it can be recommended that physiotherapy could assist in improving independence of PPS patients. Here are some key components of physiotherapy for PPS:
Comprehensive Assessment:
It is crucial to perform a comprehensive evaluation as it identifies a client’s condition by addressing the needs, deficits, and objectives of the person in focus. It concerns the assessment of muscle strength, articular mobility, functional capacity and patients pain.
Individualized Exercise Programs:
That is why exercise is important in management of patients with PPS, but at the same time it has to be precisely optimised not to be deleterious. Physiotherapists create special exercise routines that are to enhance power, flexibility, as well as endurance of patients. The goal of these programs is to increase the parameters of one’s fitness, boost muscle strength and minimize fatigue.
Strengthening Exercises:
As for strengthening exercises, theses are exercises that are recommended for persons who have specific muscles that are weak as they do not strain the muscles too much. Some of the exercises may be low resistance strength training, isometric and functional movements. Consequently, the aim is always to perform exercises that help slowly develop muscles’ power uniformly and without enhancing the chances of getting injuries.
Aerobic Conditioning:
Endurance exercises like walking, swimming or cycling help also in improving the cardiovascular endurance and lessen the degree of fatigue. Such routines are normally suggested so that stress on the joints can be reduced and instances of overloading the muscles and joints are avoided.
Stretching and Flexibility:
Flexibility exercises with regard to the joints keep stiff muscles from forming and stopping contractures. Stretching of the muscles affected by a dysfunction also assists in reducing pain and increasing the degree of movement.
Pain Management:
Some of the management measures practised by the physiotherapists includes manipulative therapy, thermal agents and electrical modalities, and ultrasound. They also include on teaching the clients how to manage pain during activities as well as applying ergonomics when doing other activities.
Energy Conservation Techniques:
Fatigue is also another grace and devastating symptom of PPS. Physiotherapists appear to teach people on how to properly manage the problem of fatigue since it is a hard issue to handle. This consists of modulating activities, scheduling and doing other work, and including optimum breaks in the day-duration.
Breathing Exercises:
To the physical well-being of people, having respiratory problems there are exercises and ways that help to strengthen muscles that are used during breathing. These aerobics help increase the lungs’ volume, increase the velocity of breathing and effectively combat shortness of breath.
Assistive Devices and Adaptive Equipment:
A physiotherapist determines the extent to which an individual would require other aids like braces, canes or walker to help him or her with movements and safety. They also prescribe appropriate assistive devices and environmental changes to the home or the workplace to enable the person to be independent as much as possible and to prevent accidental falls.
Balance and Coordination Training:
Stabilizing and coordinated activities assist in preventing falls among elderly patients. Some of the activities that are used may involve the standing on one leg, walking on a line heel to toe and using the balance boards.
Education and Support:
The nature of physiotherapy for coaching PPS persons encompasses education as one of the critical elements. Physiotherapist educate the patient regarding the condition, the likely developments and ways that the patient can manage it. They provide advice on such areas as changes in behavior, what you should eat and how one can take part in physical activities with reduced chances of stressing the bones and muscles. Further, medical advice including counselling can also be given due to the psychological effects of PPS.
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The available strategies to enhance the chances of a successful physiotherapy outcome
Physiotherapy in the management of Post-Polio Syndrome needs to be done in coordination with the patient, physiotherapist and other physicians. Here are some strategies for achieving successful outcomes:
Patient-Centered Care:
Patient-centred approach of treatment means that the process is directed and meets the patient’s goals and choice of life. This includes patient-centered approach involving the patient in decision making and enhancing the patient’s goals to be reasonable and attainable.
Gradual Progression:
It is crucial to emphasize that the loads should be progressively increased to rule out overloading and deterioration of the symptoms. Physiotherapists ensure that they closely observe the reaction of the patient to exercise with regards to the type of activities, the frequency and the time taken to perform the exercises.
Regular Monitoring and Adjustment:
Follow-up appointments also enable the physiotherapist to check on the patient’s condition and identify any new complaints or deteriorations in the same, and therefore modify the course of treatment. This way, the program’s effectiveness is maintained, and the patient requires no more than necessary assistance.
Multidisciplinary Approach:
Since PPS affects multiple aspects of an individual’s life, it would be useful to liaise with other practitioners like physicians, occupational therapist and speech therapist that would assist in managing such patients comprehensively. This is a professional team consisting of doctors and other specialists who focus on managing the various aspects of the patient’s health.
Education and Self-Management:
Letting the patient be an active participant in the plan is crucial, and this includes making the patient knowledgeable enough on the treatment plan that he/she is to follow in the long-run. Physiotherapists, therefore, empower the patients on how to deal with symptoms, possible developments and how to stay positive both physically and emotionally.
The Importance of Personalized Care
Another critical factor for Post-Polio Syndrome management is that SBS should acknowledge that every patient’s experience with the disease is different. As is known, there is no universal strategy to manage the people’s health, which is why another significant aspect is individual approach to each patient. This refers to the act of personalizing the intervention recommendations in order to meet the patient’s desires, requirements and daily schedule.
Living with Post-Polio Syndrome: Application of the daily tips
Post-Polio Syndrome is a little different as it is a consequence of having had polio and can be problematic on a daily basis but with the right interventions and care, persons are able to live full lives. Here are some practical tips for managing daily activities:
Pace Yourself:
Take care of your health, especially do not overdo it and always listen to your body. Subdivide the tasks into small and easy portions and one can decide to take several breaks to avoid getting exhausted.
Stay Active:
Take up physical exercise on a regular basis depending with your physical disability. Leisure activities including walking, swimming or moving from one position to another should be activities that can be done comfortably without much tension.
Prioritize Tasks:
Avoid performing unimportant tasks and recommend any task that needs more effort. Subordinate tasks which do not require much energy so that more energy is used up on more essential tasks.
Use Assistive Devices:
Exercise use of items like walking frames, rolling walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters to reduce the difficulty level and hazards of performing various tasks. This may amount to having to use a cane while walking, having to fix grab bars in the bathroom or taking objects using a reacher.
Practice Good Posture:
Stand, walk and sit upright to minimize the stress that the muscles and bones undergo. Ergonomic furniture and body mechanics should be incorporated in the everyday tasks performed at work.
Manage Pain:
In accordance with a doctor’s recommendation, the client may apply heat or cold to the affected area, gently stretch the area and take pain-relief medication that can be purchased over the counter.
Seek Support:
Join the polio survivor’s forums or seek advice and interaction with individuals with Post-Polio Syndrome. it offers a way of supporting oneself and others and an information exchange on how to live with the disorder.
The problems of dysphagia, cramps, difficulty with movements and other challenges which are characteristic of Post-Polio Syndrome can be rather noticeable and complex, however with proper intervention and care, patients can have a good quality of life with PPS. physiotherapy has a significant contribution in the management of PPS since it returns pain, boosts strength and flexibility, as well as increases functional status. A physiotherapy plan that is unique to the patient’s needs can assist him or her in accomplishing his or her goals and remain as independent as possible.
If you or your close one is showing symptoms of post-polio syndrome, one should consult a physical therapist or a doctor about the probable treatment solutions.
