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.