CURE OF DEFORMITIES.
"Deformities arising from paralysis and contractions of muscles and tendons, producing stiffened joints and distorted limbs, are of common occurrence. A rational explanation of the wonderful curative results which follow the employment of transmitted motion in these cases may not be without interest to the reader. The muscles are composed of bundles of little fibers which glide upon one another in every movement. Another set of fibers called connective tissue, holds the fibers together in bundles or separate muscles, and interlaces and crosses them in every direction. Now, if these fibers remain long in a fixed position, or are involved in inflammation, there is danger of adhesions forming between them, producing permanent immobility; gliding movements are interfered with, and the muscle ceases to perform its function. Inflammation gives rise to effusion, or the formation of a kind of cement which binds together the muscular fibers and prevents motion.
Rubbing, kneading, and actively manipulating the affected parts with that intensity of administration secured by the manipulator, rends asunder and breaks up these minute adhesions, re-establishing gliding motions, causes absorption of effused materials, and restores the affected part to a normal condition.
The deformed limb is straightened by the filling out of the muscle-cells, and increasing the length and also the nutrition of the affected muscles. No pulling or forced extension is required. Deformity ceases when the conditions upon which it depends are removed by rational appliances, which are always agreeable. No brace, splints, or other confining appliances are necessary, except in rare cases in which the bones are very badly distorted.
In withered and deformed limbs, resulting from infantile paralysis, the manipulator furnishes the most agreeable, direct, and certain remedy. It restores nutrition, sensation, and power, and dispenses almost wholly with mechanical supports. Club-feet, wry neck, spinal curvature, hip-joint disease, white swellings, and stiffened joints, are all readily amendable to the curative effects of motion administered by the manipulator and other machinery.
Contracted and shortened muscles are gradually lengthened by vigorous, long-continued, and frequently repeated rubbing with the manipulator across their longitudinal fibers; bound-down and confined tendons are liberated and normal movements established.