Biomechanics Proves Beneficial to Polio Survivors - Orthotics Aid in Mobility
The scientific community has yet to single out a definitive reason for the onset of PPS. However one thing is crystal clear, there must be a solution for the life changing after effects of the original ghost like infection. I use the phrase "ghost like" to put into perspective the nature of the original infection. As you know, PPS is simply the unfortunate reality that many
polio survivors face years after the polio virus. Many live for decades with little to no complication until... "WHAM" it hits - the slow deterioration of muscle growth and the negative ambulatory effect resulting from depleting strength.
Solving this dilemma can be approached in two different ways. First, by limiting your movement and dampening your day to day activities in such a way that you aren't aggravating nerves, causing fatigue or taxing underdeveloped muscles. Secondly, by providing some sort of helpful compensation or support for your fatigued appendages!
Biomechanics in the Form of Orthotics is An Outstanding Option for those Who Qualify For It's Support
The term Orthotics comes from the Latin word
'ortho', which literally means "to straighten"! Many PPS patients have turned to this form of palliative ambulatory support in order to give themselves the much needed sustenance required to lift tension and stress off their inflicted lower extremities (Legs & Feet).
The specific type of support needed varies between individuals as each case is different. Some may suffer from more severe deterioration and may need additional support. Determining the degree of support and mechanical assistance is assessed by your health care physician and his or her support team. We could spend hours going over the different designs and concepts governing an individuals specific
orthoses device; so instead of putting you to sleep... I'll simply go over the overall expectations of all these devices
No Matter How Sever or Mild Your Need for These Products May Be, You and All Needing Aid From Orthotics Need to Settle for No Less Than:
- Device that supports your weight
- Delivers your specific range of motion in conjunction with your body type
- Supports your joints
- And last but certainly not least... alleviates focused stress by delivering full rang of motion!
The important factor with all orthoses devises is full range of motion. Although all aspects of the devices function are detrimental to its success and usefulness, full range of motion is it's main goal. The fact that the device is supporting your weight is crucial but full range of motion will give you the MOBILITY, CONFIDENCE and FREEDOM that most take for granted.
How are All These Attributes Attained?
Back tracking and peering above at the 4 factors that govern a useful
orthoses, you must understand how these qualities are attained.
First is the materials used in device construction. The first attribute mentioned is support your weight. In reality this is easy to do as there are many materials that can support the weight of any human body, the catch is these materials themselves tend to be heavy.
Just imagine you had a leg brace that supported your weight and gave you full range of motion. "Complete bliss" you may be thinking... now consider that in order to support your weight it need be constructed of steel or better yet iron. Well as you know steel and iron are two of the heaviest medals in the world, no scratch that, known universe... so it would be impractical for you to gallop around with a 75 pound leg or foot brace.
That's why the use of lightweight allows has contributed to the practical use of orthotic devices.
Now we have orthoses that are as strong as the Brooklyn Bridge yet as light as a feather.........O.K. maybe not that light or strong but you get the picture! As far as range of motion, which is second on the required list of attributes, the constant pursuit of excellence can be attributed to new and up and coming advancements in the engineering of orthoses design.
Man seems to leap forward every year by implementing fresh ideas and concepts. These very concepts and ideas are the driving force in providing you with hope, mobility and the opportunity to do the things you wish without worrying about injury or missing out on the everyday activities that we love so dearly!
Needles to say, leg braces are the most commonly crafted orthoses devices recommended and used by PPS patients. Again each person is different so braces are rarely interchangeable between patients which means these products are hand made and custom designed. Any of us living in the United States or any large capitalistic country
know that this means you'll be digging deep into your pockets for this fix!
....Wait my friend; don't get disappointed as there is good news for all PPS patients. These sturdy tools of ambulatory perfection are not as expensive as one would think.
Depending on your insurance provider and policy guidelines you are more than likely covered and will either qualify for 100% coverage or at minimum, half! Now I know this is welcomed news with the condition of health care in the US. I
can't speak of coverage in other countries as I'm unclear of their policies.
When it comes to finding orthotics specialist... you should consider a Google search as I'm convinced that Google can provide you with a list of contacts that will surly lead you down the
right path. You should also consult your therapist or physician before jumping into a relationship with an orthotics specialist.
I truly hope you stick around and view additional articles; as this site - PostPolioBransonGoers.com can provide you with a healthy dose of knowledge regarding events in the Post-Polio community.
The information presented in this article is in no way meant to replace treatments or prognosis given by your primary care physician.
See you next time,
Daryl Clayton Kennedy
About the Author: Daryl Clayton Kennedy is the editor of disabled-mobility-scooter.com which provides
mobility scooters,
electric wheelchairs and
3 wheel scooters for those needing ambulatory assistance.
Daryl also contributes to blogs and other health related websites throughout the Net.
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