Page Two P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y January, 1955

C ^ o n te n ti:

Editorial ...................................................................................................... ............................ ...Page 2

The Aphasic P atient......................................................................................... ............................ ...Page 3

Personal ..............................................................................................................................................Page 4

An Outline of the History of the National Council for the Care of Cripples in South A frica ... ...Page 5

General............................ .................................................................................................................. ...Page 8

Branch News ................ ......................................................................................................  ... ...Page 8

Book Review ................................................................. ................................................................. ...Page 9

Varicose Ulcers ..................................................................................................................................Page 10

E D IT O R IA L

HOW m any o f  us really know how  to treat patients suffering from poliom yelitis? This 
is a problem which must be stirring our consciences 
at the present time when so many new cases are 
being referred for treatment throughout the 
country.

In the early stages routine m ethods are follow ed 
to alleviate muscle spasm, to prevent deformities 
and to maintain as good function as possible while 
waiting to see which muscles or muscle groups 
will be probably permanently affected. Then 
com es the problem o f  muscle re-education and 
rehabilitation in its full sense. There are so many 
theories, som e diametrically opposed, that one 
is liable to be confused and bewildered. However, 
there is only one logical approach for the physio­
therapist. A ll available literature must be read 
and studied and as many ideas as possible put 
into practice. It may well be that the same form 
o f  treatment cannot be used for different patients,

and only experience and trial will show what is 
best for each particular case.

Far too often we are content to jo g  along with 
our old ideas, not realising what ineffective treat­
ment the patient is receiving. N o  matter howj 
rushed we may be, whether it be in private practice 
or in a H ospital Department, it is our duty to see 
that each polio patient receives a thorough and 
detailed treatment with our knowledge applied 
intelligently.

N or does it end there. Co-operation with others 
involved in helping the patient is essential and 
frequent discussions may have to take place with 
doctors, occupational therapists, orthopaedic tech­
nicians and any others who may have an important 
part to play.

A  specialised knowledge o f  poliom yelitis is 
essential for all o f  us, since so much o f  the patient’s 
recovery and adaptation to his disabilities rests 
with us and therein lies a great responsibility.

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