Late Effects of Polio recently led to me experiencing severe pain in my legs and headaches due to either tiredness or tightened muscles around my neck.  The tiredness and pain in the hip area which had been weakened by polio was affecting my ability to walk up and down stairs.  My walking had been reduced to 15 minutes only and combined with poor sleep due to the pain, lead to me feeling fatigued most of the time.

I had an assessment with Jega at the Late Effects Clinic at RPH Shenton Park in March this year and Jega recommended I have some physiotherapy.  As my family had previously used Occupational Therapy for sporting injuries I decided to try this type of therapy first instead of physiotherapy.

Where was the treatment?
I went to see Laurie Farrow, at Central Health , 378 Oxford St Mt Hawthorn.  (phone 9201 0888)

Laurie Farrow is an Occupational Therapist with 25 years of experience.  He is the director of his clinic Central Health and lectures at James Cook University in Qld and at other universities in Australia.  Laurie has conducted post graduate courses in Functional Soft Tissue since 1994 in Perth, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Laurie’s colleague Sonya Horsman is also dedicated to treating patients suffering from Post Polio Syndrome or LEOP.

Sonya is committed to working with her clients to help them to understand how their lifestyle and everyday activities such as sport, work, leisure and daily tasks impact on their body. By understanding these and following a personalised treatment plan, including adjusting everyday movement habits and modifying everyday tasks where necessary, clients can experience sustained improvement.

Sonya is passionate about treating the whole person and incorporates complementary health care into her treatment to optimise a person’s overall health and well being.

What did this involve?
Following a detailed case history and examination, my treatment was on neuromuscular, soft tissue techniques, reinforced by guidance on lifestyle, work and exercise.  Soft tissue therapy helps by stretching the muscles and the pain is released by finding the painful nodes and trigger points. This form of therapy has encouraged my muscles to work smarter and to recover better.  As a result more of my muscles have become stronger due to fact that some weaker or overused muscles have recovered a bit because I am now using more of my muscles to share the load.

What did it cost?
Treatment cost was $75 for the initial session which lasted 30 minutes and $50 for follow-up sessions lasting 15 minutes.  A referral is not needed to see an Occupational Therapist. Rebates available with many private health care funds or ask your GP about Medicare rebates for GP management plans re OT .

Was it successful?
The simple answer is yes!!!  Following occupational therapy treatment, my pain has been significantly reduced and I can now walk for an hour, go up and down stairs and sleep well at night.  As a consequence my energy levels have increased and I can now enjoy spending time with my new grandson.