Many hundreds of people contracted polio in New Zealand during epidemics in the first half of last century – most of them recovered well. But now, as polio survivors age, they’re experiencing new physical challenges linked to the disease they had when they were young. It’s called post-polio syndrome or the late effects of polio. Many people who have it confuse their symptoms with aging and struggle with pain, fatigue and muscle weakness. Jega Jegasothy is a physiotherapist who specialises in the late effects of polio and says with the appropriate treatment, a lot of the physical complaints can be overcome.