The palliative care of a post-polio syndrome patient

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is the name given to the symptoms of weakness, pain and fatigue experienced by 20-40% of poliomyelitis (polio) sufferers 30-40 years after initially contracting the virus. A percentage of post-polio sufferers may turn to chiropractic to help relieve their symptoms. Previous research has indicated that chiropractic has a relatively high level of patient satisfaction, which warrants it being considered as a treatment for patients with PPS. However, the symptoms of PPS and the effect it can have on patients are not widely understood within the chiropractic community. This case study seeks to illustrate chiropractic treatment in the palliative care of persons with post-polio syndrome. The case study outlines polio and its late effects and discusses the case of a 69-year-old female with PPS who presented with the full range of symptoms but was having pain specifically in her left hand. Chiropractic care was beneficial in this instance in the palliative management of the patient's pain. It also helped increase hand functionality and improved the patient's proprioception. The treatment and outcomes of this patient are discussed.