A practical treatise on paralysis, locomotor ataxy, sclerosis, spinal paralysis, wasting palsy, neurasthenia, neuralgia, sciatica, hysteria, and other obscure diseases of the brain and spinal cord / by S. Berry Niblett.

  • Niblett, S. Berry.
Date:
[1885]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A practical treatise on paralysis, locomotor ataxy, sclerosis, spinal paralysis, wasting palsy, neurasthenia, neuralgia, sciatica, hysteria, and other obscure diseases of the brain and spinal cord / by S. Berry Niblett. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    150 MASSAGE. This process is now recognised as a valuable adjunct in the treatment of paralysis and other nervous degenerations. Dr. Morgan, an eminent physician, gives the following instructions for carrying out the plan fully:—Pinch the surface of the skin from below upwards with the view of stimulating the cutaneous nerves. Suppose the lower extremities to be para- lysed, the skin of the foot is first drawn up into successive folds and lightly pinched. The skin over the whole of the leg, and finally that of the thigh, is gone over in the same way. Give passive movements to the joints, first moving each of them separately, and then altogether. Shampoo the limb well. This is done by lubricating it with some bland oil, which is well rubbed into the surface by the tips of the fingers passing from below upwards, the spaces between the muscular groups being specially selected for rubbing. Work the muscles well with the fingers, each muscle or group of muscles is grasped between the ball of the thumb and the fingers, and well kneaded and rolled. Slap the muscles well with the ulnar border of the hand. Grasp the lower portion of the limb between the hands, and then draw them slowly and firmly upwards. This movement should be repeated some twelve or fifteen times. In this manner the veins are emptied, and the circulation quickened.