About the Rehabilitation Center The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio (IRCP) at Spaulding Framingham is dedicated to treatment, research, and innovation in Post-Polio Syndrome care. We offer state of the art facilities with world class medical and rehabilitation professionals. The IRCP staff is dedicated to providing polio survivors with skilled and compassionate care to enhance their function and improve their quality of life. To ensure an improved state of wellness, our team works with patients to: | • | Educate them regarding how to prevent further disability from the initial polio and the late effects of polio | | • | Evaluate new weakness | | • | Improve functional mobility (e.g., walking, transfers, etc.) | | • | Reduce fatigue and pain | | • | Develop an appropriate exercise program | | • | Teach energy saving techniques | | • | Assess the need for work and home modifications. |
The IRCP is set up to accommodate the needs of all polio survivors who are able to travel to our facility. We offer intensive appointments scheduled over several days in a row for people coming from out of town. For survivors who live locally or regionally, we encourage appointments be scheduled once a week or every other week over a period of time (depending on need). The Rehabilitation Team The IRCP treatment team includes: | • | Physiatrists | | • | Physical therapists | | • | Occupational therapists | | • | Speech and language pathologists | | • | Orthotists (brace makers) | | • | Pedorthist (shoe specialist) | | • | Wheelchair/Scooter vendor | | • | Massage therapist | | • | Registered dietician | | • | Psychologist | | • | Coordinator |
( See clinical team) A physiatrist, a physician trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, directs patient care and provides medical evaluation and treatment. The center's physiatrists have extensive training in treating polio survivors. They also have training in electrodiagnostic studies, including electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Occupational and physical therapists address a variety of functional problems resulting from the late effects of polio. The therapists recommend an appropriate exercise program and assess mobility in the home, workplace and community. A certified orthotist works with the team to provide specific bracing and orthotics needs. Treatment We consider the unique needs of each individual; consequently, the services each patient receives may vary. Generally, the first day of treatment includes a consultation with a physician and evaluations by the polio team's occupational and physical therapist. The second day/visit typically includes diagnostic testing, physical and occupational therapy and brace clinic, as needed. The third day/visit typically includes a Team Conference (see below) and physical and occupational therapy. An important part of the IRCP treatment program is the Team Conference. This meeting involves the polio survivor, family members (if desired), and the IRCP team members involved in the survivor's care. The purpose of the meeting is to ensure cohesive treatment, answer questions, and plan for the future. What to Bring Please bring the following items to your initial evaluation: | • | Photos of your work station and/or home environment | | • | Completed three-day activity log | | • | Braces and mobility devices that you currently use | | • | Copies of pertinent medical information (e.g., X-Rays and EMG reports, etc.) | | • | A comfortable shirt and pair of shorts (or something similar) |
Education about Post-Polio Syndrome Part of the mission of the IRCP is educating the public and healthcare providers about polio and Post-Polio syndrome. In this way, the IRCP can benefit the millions of polio survivors who are not able to travel to Massachusetts for medical care. IRCP staff members are dedicated to helping to train healthcare providers in the United States and worldwide about polio and Post-Polio Syndrome. Additionally, there are polio survivors who are not familiar with Post-Polio Syndrome, and our efforts can help them as well. Useful Resources on Polio and Polio Rehabilitation Below are some useful links to organizations focused on polio and Post-Polio Syndrome: | Contact Us The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio Center in Framingham, MA welcomes referrals from physicians, other health care professionals and individuals seeking care. Information, appointments and referrals may be discussed with Center staff by calling: Liz McKenney at (508) 532-4259 |
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