Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by the Polio virus, which affects the nervous system. Individuals who have had Poliomyelitis can develop Post-Polio Syndrome, which is not contagious but can cause a range of physical issues. Post-Polio Syndrome is a degenerative condition which can result in weakness, joint pain and stiffness, fatigue and muscle tightness.

At Steps, our clients with Post-Polio Syndrome often present with reduced independence with mobility, muscle weakness, reduced range of motion, fatigue, reduced cardiovascular fitness, joint and muscle pain.

How we can help:

The therapists at Steps have an expert understanding of your condition and will provide a comprehensive and compassionate assessment of your goals and your needs.

Physiotherapy

• Maintain functional independence
• Walking training and practice
• Falls prevention and balance training
• Practice of tasks such as sitting, standing, and transferring
• Prescription of assistive technology
• Coordination training
• Spasticity and tone management to maintain flexibility
• Pain management and prevention of chronic injuries
• Sensory retraining
• Set up of aquatic physiotherapy programs to allow you to exercise safely in the water
• Support worker training
• Motor relearning and facilitation to improve your body’s ability to move
• Splinting and orthotics including collaboration with Second Skin and various Orthotists to assist you with your function and daily tasks
• Collaboration with medical specialists
• Provide education about your condition
• Provide of home exercise programs

Occupational Therapy

• Upper limb intervention and splinting
• Community access training and assessment
• Assessment and prescription of assistive technology
• Assessment and prescription of adaptive aids and equipment
• Assessment for minor or major home modifications
• Assessment for housing solutions, such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Supported Disability
• Accommodation (SDA)
• Functional retraining for everyday activities including personal care, household tasks and cooking
• Identifying level of support worker assistance required
• Facilitating return to work goals
• Assisting with holiday planning
• Fatigue management strategies

Exercise Physiology

• Targeted strength training
• Balance training
• Tailored cardiovascular exercise
• Manual wheelchair skills
• Return to swimming training
• Prescription of a tailored gym program
• Bike and Trike training

Wheelchair and seating

• Power and manual wheelchair prescription
• Complex seating and positioning solutions

Allied Health Assistant

• Support and supervise exercise programs prescribed by treating allied health professionals to increase frequency of therapy
• Support allied health professionals with clients who require multiple therapists’ assistance

At Steps we pride ourselves on working collaboratively with your interdisciplinary team, including neuropsychologists, speech pathologists, orthotist, dietician, recreation specialists, community nurses, neurologists, general practitioners and other allied health or medical staff.