Massage and Mobilisation

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XV, Issue 3, 1 July 1922, Page 137

Massage and Mobilisation

Massage owes its effectiveness largely to a reflex action. When a bone is broken the ends lacerate the surrounding tissues and cause painful stimuli to pass to the spinal cord. In response powerful efferent stimuli are sent to the muscles, which pass into a condition of spasm which is the principal factor in producing and maintaining displacement of the site of fracture. By light rhythmical movements applied to the skin over the site of injury countering influences are sent to the cord and relaxation of the spasm can be attained and resulting diminution in displacement. Besides this action, massage and early mobilisation of the limb, both passively and actively, have a most beneficial effect in promoting the absorption of effusions from the tissues generally and tendon sheaths especially. The nutrition of the limb is thereby promoted and the reparative process has-

tened. Muscular atryshy, painful' neuritic symptoms, impairment of movement of joints and tendons are all avoided, and the limb is ready for full function immediately that union is sound. In many fractures of the upper limb excellent results are obtained by the use of this method and a simple arm sling. The type of fracture to which the method is most applicable is that where there is little original displacement, and where reduction is easy and redisplacement unlikely, e.g., Collis' fracture. The disadvantage attending its use a] one is the amount of personal attention and time which it requires. Of its immense value as an adjunct to other methods of treatment there can be no doubt. From the short "Review of Bone Surgery " by Kenneth Mackenzie, M.D., M.Ch., F.R.C.5.,, "New Zealand Medical Journal."