Poliomyelitis is a viral infection that affects the motor neurons in the brain stem and the spinal cord. It was very common before a vaccine was made, though there are still a few new cases that happen to this day. Some that have the virus don’t show any signs or symptoms whereas others may have muscle weakness to flaccid (no muscle tone) paralysis.
There are a few types of Poliomyelitis, as well as a condition that may occur after the viral infection has resolved. They are as follows:
Spinal – There is inflammation and destruction of the anterior horn cells in the spinal cord. This is the most common form.
Bulbar – The most serious type of Poliomyelitis. It affects the cranial nerves and may affect the cardiorespiratory center.
Non-paralytic – involves flu-like symptoms and meningeal irritation
Paralytic – The symptoms are worse than the non-paralytic form
Post-polio Syndrome
A condition that occurs years after the virus has already been out of the system. It generally affects the same muscles as it had when the virus was active. With the stress of some muscles not working optimally, it will cause other muscles to become weak, causing other imbalances in the body.
Massage therapy isn’t able to cure poliomyelitis, though it can reduce some of the symptoms that are being experienced. This can include muscular imbalances, postural changes, decreasing pain, and stress with most of the focus being on decreasing the pain and stress that the person is experiencing.
When treating the other secondary conditions, sometimes the massage will have to be adjusted to taking care not to damage any compromised tissue, as it can become very weak, and using any form of friction against the skin could cause tearing. Less pressure and more oil will be used to help with preventing this, or some areas may have to be avoided if they already have an opening in the skin.