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The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio at Spaulding Framingham
We are dedicated to providing all polio survivors – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally – with skilled and compassionate care to enhance your function and improve your quality of life. The International Rehabilitation Center for Polio (IRCP) at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham offers innovative research, treatment and personalized care for post-polio syndrome. Our medical and rehabilitation professionals specialize in this rare yet still debilitating disease and deliver world-class care in our state-of-the art New England facility.
Spaulding's Approach to Polio Rehabilitation
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).
What to Expect
Generally, during the first day of treatment you will receive a consultation with a physician and evaluations by the polio team's occupational and physical therapist. In certain instances, an evaluation by a speech and language pathologist may also be recommended. The second day of treatment typically includes diagnostic testing such as electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, physical and occupational therapy and brace clinic, if needed. The third day of treatment typically includes a team conference and physical and occupational therapy.
To ensure an improved state of wellness, our team will work with you to:
- Educate you on preventing 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
Your Team Conference
An important part of the IRCP treatment program is the Team Conference. During the conference, you and your family will meet with team members involved in your care. The purpose of the meeting is to ensure cohesive treatment, answer questions, and help you 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
- 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)
- Completed three-day activity log
- New Patient Medical Form for IRCP
- Returning Patient Medical Form for IRCP
- Kemp Quality of Life Scale Questionnaire
- ABC Scale Quality of Life Questionnaire
- Fatigue Severity Scale Questionnaire
Please find a few documents below that will prepare you for your visit to the International Rehabilitation Center for Polio. Please download and print for your review.
Let Us Help You Heal
The Rehabilitation Team is led by Darren Rosenberg, DO, the Medical Director and Director of the International Post Polio Program at Spaulding Outpatient Center Framingham. Dr. Rosenberg, a physiatrist, (a physician trained in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) will direct patient care and provide a medical evaluation and treatment plan. Along with Dr. Rosenberg, the team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists at the IRCP have extensive training and expertise in treating polio survivors.