Copy 2

On the nature and treatment of the distortions to which the spine, and the bones of the chest are subject. With an enquiry into the merits of the several modes of the practice which have hitherto been followed in the treatment of distortions / By John Shaw.

  • John Shaw
Date:
1823
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On the nature and treatment of the distortions to which the spine, and the bones of the chest are subject. With an enquiry into the merits of the several modes of the practice which have hitherto been followed in the treatment of distortions / By John Shaw. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    be attached to B, and the weight H to D. It is evident that the board B wil] fall, in consequence of the heaviness of the body, and of its being pulled by the weight H. When it falls, the portion of the spine be- tween the shoulders (which are fixed by cords,) and the pelvis must be operated upon. The lumbar part of the spine is more effectually stretched in this way than it can be by a collar, or even by swinging the body; for the force acts gradually and constantly, which experience in the re- duction of dislocations has proved to be the best way of operating upon muscles and ligaments. There is also another advan- tage attending this mode of stretching the spine; the muscles are not only elong- ated, but at the same time strenethened by the patient instinctively using them, in Opposition to the force acting against them. However, I do not trust to this in- stinctive action, but direct the patient to exert herself occasionally, so as to endea- vour to pull the board B towards C. * * The boards should be covered with rough green cloth, to prevent them from slipping under the patient. R
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