Exercising to Build Polio Damaged Muscles  

Original Post:  I saw a doctor the other day because my legs are causing me so much pain and his answer was that I needed physical therapy to build up my leg muscles. I tried to explain that polio had either damaged or destroyed the motor neurons to which he replied that this would make no difference and I could still rebuild my leg muscles.  This is totally the opposite from what I was told by a polio specialist so am now confused.

I know that my legs are getting weaker and the more I use them the more they hurt.  Any advice ?

Dr. Bruno’s Response:  Find another doctor!  Suppose you are able to do enough PT to build up your leg muscles. When you have burned out the nerves so they no longer carry a signal to your muscles, and you are then in a wheelchair for the rest of your days, will those muscles be helpful?

I hope this graphic helps explain.

Richard L Bruno, HD, PhD

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