Navi Mumbai doctors help 33-year-old man walk again after living with post-polio syndrome

Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Walking across a room is something most people do without thinking. For 33-year-old Sumit, it had long been a daily struggle requiring effort, support, and determination. A survivor of polio since the age of one, Sumit lived with weakness and deformity in his left lower limb for decades.

Sumit was affected by polio in early childhood, which left his left leg weak and deformed. Despite undergoing multiple corrective surgeries over the years, daily life remained challenging. He had reduced ankle movement, foot drop, and his heel could not touch the ground. Walking short distances caused pain and fatigue, and he often had to support his leg with his hand to move forward. Over time, he developed post-polio syndrome, a condition in which muscle weakness worsens many years after the initial polio infection, making activities like climbing stairs, maintaining balance, and walking increasingly difficult.

In 2023, Sumit visited the StemRx Hospital & Research Centre in Navi Mumbai, at the age of 31, for the first time, seeking improvement in mobility and quality of life. He returned for two more treatment visits under medical supervision, with his third visit taking place in 2026, reflecting his commitment to long-term recovery. Now, after undergoing advanced regenerative and supportive therapies, he has experienced meaningful improvement in mobility, strength, and independence, giving him renewed zest for life.

Embarking on his treatment journey, the doctors followed a step-by-step and comprehensive treatment approach. The therapies included advanced stimulations, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), hydrogen therapy, physiotherapy, red light therapy, cellular therapy, and mitochondrial treatments. The goal was to strengthen weakened muscles, improve nerve function, increase cellular energy, and support better movement and balance.

Dr Pradeep Mahajan, regenerative medicine researcher and founder of the hospital, said, "Post-polio syndrome occurs when muscles and nerves that were previously affected by polio begin to weaken further many years later. Patients often experience fatigue, pain, and reduced mobility, which can significantly impact daily life. Our approach focuses on improving cellular function, enhancing muscle strength, supporting nerve health, and optimizing overall movement through a personalised and progressive treatment plan. In Sumit's case, the key was consistency and a multi-therapy approach. Over successive visits, we observed improvement in muscle strength, balance, and functional movement. This case highlights that even long-standing neurological and muscular conditions can show progress when treatment is tailored to the individual and continued over time."

Sharing his experience, Sumit said, "For years, walking even short distances was painful and exhausting. I had to hold my leg to move, and the stairs felt impossible. With each visit to StemRx, I noticed small but meaningful changes. Today, I can walk without holding my leg, climb stairs with more confidence, and my pain has reduced significantly. The biggest change for me is independence. I feel stronger, more balanced, and more confident in my daily life. This journey has given me hope that improvement is possible, even after living with polio-related problems for so many years."