Further observations on the lateral or serpentine curvature of the spine : and on the treatment of contracted limbs with an enquiry into the effects of various exercises, and other means which are used to prevent or cure these deformities; being a supplement to the work On distortions of the spine, and bones of the chest / by John Shaw.

  • Shaw, John.
Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Further observations on the lateral or serpentine curvature of the spine : and on the treatment of contracted limbs with an enquiry into the effects of various exercises, and other means which are used to prevent or cure these deformities; being a supplement to the work On distortions of the spine, and bones of the chest / by John Shaw. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by UCL Library Services. The original may be consulted at UCL (University College London)

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    thumbing, &c, calling into action parts which, from lying long dormant, have be- come feeble and useless. The cases where this practice is most likely to be attended with benefit, are those of stiff and contracted joints, after rheumatism, or any chronic in- flammation. But to do good even in such cases, great perseverance is necessary ; and a degree of boldness, which a priori we should almost consider dangerous. The professed rubber proceeds in a much more violent manner than those who know the structure of the parts, would venture upon, warm bath is preparatory to the manipulation,) and the fibres of the muscles are called into activity by the fric- tion of the internal surfaces upon each other. Thumbing is a more violent and a coarser mode of shampooing, and is consequently often more efficacious. Indeed, no one, unlessjie submits to a trial of the prac- tice upon himself, can imagine how severe this mode of treatment is at first. Nevertheless, a delicate patient will in a short time submit with apparent pleasure to the discipline. Pinching, percussion, kneading, may be all considered as varieties in the modes of giving exercise. The effect of each being to produce an increased action in the part operated on.