• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Spinal Life Australia
  • HLC Cairns
  • HLC Brisbane

Spinal Life Australia

1300 774 625

Menu

Close menu

  • Therapies and Supports
    • Search Available Services
    • Peer Support
    • Personal Support
    • Community Nursing
    • Physiotherapy
    • Exercise Physiology
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Assistive Technology
    • Supports Coordination
    • Plan Management
    • Advocacy
    • Social Work
    • Access and Inclusion Consulting
  • Resources for you
    • Understanding your funding
    • Training solutions
    • Book your SEAT visit
    • The Advocate magazine
    • Events
  • Our community
    • About Spinal Life Australia
    • Become a member
    • Donate
    • Our Board and Executive Team
    • Our Sponsors and Supporters
    • Our Patron and Ambassadors
  • Work with us
    • Current opportunities
  • Contact us
  • Donate
Home » Late effects of polio

Late effects of polio

While Australia was officially declared polio-free in the year 2000, many survivors still live with the impact of the once-widespread disease.

It’s not uncommon for some polio survivors to experience symptoms returning decades after their initial recovery, known as the late effects of polio or post-polio syndrome.

These symptoms include increased fatigue, muscle weakness, joint pain, increased sensitivity to cold and difficulties with swallowing and sleeping.

The late effects of polio can have a significant impact on mobility, energy levels and quality of life.

Physiotherapy, rehabilitation and being aware of your limitations can help managing the condition, which is why early intervention is recommended.

The late effects of polio are often mistaken as a sign of ageing by medical professionals who are not aware that polio symptoms can return, which is why it’s important to discuss your history with your doctor.

Supporting survivors and raising awareness

We support people experiencing the late effects of polio with advocacy and community connections and other services.

This includes raising awareness about the late effects of polio, as part of an education campaign focused on health professionals to increase their knowledge and support them to better diagnose and treat polio survivors as they age.

We have created an information brochure for medical professionals, which was the first of its kind to be designated as an accepted clinical resource by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

You can access the brochure by clicking here.

Accessing information and support

  1. Discuss your experiences with the late effects of polio with your health professional, therapists, and family. Feel free to print a copy of our information brochure to pass on.
  2. Contact us to discuss your situation, find out more information you can share with your GP or to locate your nearest support group.
  3. Become a member of Spinal Life to:
    • access your local Post Polio Group and connect with others to share experience and advice – click here for a list of Post Polio Groups
    • stay in touch with news and updates, including polio related events such as World Polio Day.

You can also access more information on the Polio Australia website.

Find services near you

Location Map (Woolloongabba)

GETTING THERE

Use the Accessible Australia app to find information and reviews to help you get around better.

Visit

Footer

Quick Links

  • Donate
  • Publications
  • News
  • Privacy
  • PSW Resources/Login
  • Office Staff Login

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you! Leave a message here or you can call toll free on: 1300 774 625

Your feedback

Feedback is always welcome from our members, clients and the general public.

Leave Feedback

Pay your invoices online

Settling your Spinal Life invoices is easy with our online payment portal.

Pay online

Copyright © 2022 Spinal Life Australia. All Rights Reserved.

Accessibility Statement Sitemap Admin

Back to top