Massage

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume IX, Issue 3, 1 July 1916, Page 156

Massage

Nurse K. McKinven

By

As a result of the Infantile Paralysis epidemic, Massage-~as a special branch of nursing— has been receiving a good deal of attention, and rightly so, for massage scientifically performed is wonderfully effectual m restoring lost power, besides having many other uses. It goes without saying that special training is necessary for this work, for without knowledge of the proper movements and their effect, efforts could only be ill-directed and no good result obtained. I find that Swedish Massage gives good results m Paralysis. It differs from other methods m that the movements begin at the upper part of the body or limbs working downwards, the pressure being upwards, the movements are deeper and circular, the nerves being acted upon by deep pressure of the finger tips, and no rubbing being allowed m Swedish Massage, theie is consequently no friction of the skin. Of late years Swedish Massage has been gaining favour m Britain. Glasgow Royal Infirmary has shown appreciation of this method by securing the services of Mr. Erail Nilsson— a noted expert— as Swedish Masseur. 1 Was taught massage by Mr. Nilsson and hold a certificate from him. ' To be a successful masseuse one requires

to know anatomy m every detail, the use of every muscle and the special nerve that supplies it. Being well taught does not assure everything. Unless the masseuse has vitality, strong determination to become proficient by arduous practice, and possesses much iai';h m the power of massage, she is not likely to do brilliant work even although certificated. Massage should not be performed mechanically; the more "will" and intelligence used the better. To expect good results and get the patient to do likewise, is a great factor where there is loss of power. Nurses ought to make the most efficient of masseuses. So many forms of disease are now treated by massage, and a nurses' training ought to give her better judgment as to the amount of movement advisable m massaging any special organ of the body. Nurses at this time should take every means available of becoming proficient m massage. When the war is over, I fear many of our brave soldiers will be returning \Uth wasted and contracted muscles. Massage can supplement the surgeon's work greatly m restoring such. Many of us would feel privileged m doing this work, and m helping other nurses m gaining knowledge towards that end.

News of the two New Zealand hospital ships, recently received, shows that they are engaged m useful work m removing wounded from France to England. On one trip from Calais the Maheno had 1100 patients on board. The Marama had 900 m a trip to Southampton. The New Zea-

land General Hospital lately removed from Egypt, is now settled at Brockenhurst, not very far from Southampton, so these patients would probably igo there, and our nurses after their idle time will have their hands full.