In no single disease has the transmission of motion through the Manipulator proved more thoroughly efficacious than in paralysis. The most prominent requirements in these cases seem to be the following:
Excess of blood in the brain and spinal cord needs to be removed and diverted to parts in which it will be useful instead of obstructive.
The contractile power of the capillaries should be improved.
The quality of nutritive fluids should be improved by the promotion of oxidation through increased circulation.
These and many more wants of disordered nerves, are readily supplied by transmitted motion.
The Manipulator combines, in a single ingenious mechanical contrivance, the several movements best adapted for the promotion of healthy functional activity.
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.
