Further observations on the lateral or serpentine curvature of the spine, and on the treatment of contracted limbs. With an enquiry into the effects of various exercises, and other means which are used to prevent or cure these deformities. Being a supplement to the work on distortions of the spine and bones of the chest / by John Shaw.

Date:
1825
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Further observations on the lateral or serpentine curvature of the spine, and on the treatment of contracted limbs. With an enquiry into the effects of various exercises, and other means which are used to prevent or cure these deformities. Being a supplement to the work on distortions of the spine and bones of the chest / by John Shaw. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    ! ] 38 ON THE EFFECTS WHICH CERTAIN We may now return to the question o0 what ^re appropriate exercises. It is almost needless to point out any particular exercises for children who are in full health, andwhose form is perfect. Although I was at one time partial to the present fashion of gym- nastic exercises for boys, I must now confess, that for a boy who is naturally of an active disposition, they may be considered almost ridiculous ; but when certain exercises are judiciously managed (and I hope the pre- ceding observations will show what is to be guarded against), they are highly useful to those who are naturally indolent. But as much has been said lately of the possibility of curing all distortions of the figure by means of particular exercises, it is necessary to make a few remarks on this question. I have had frequent opportunities of ob- serving the remarkably good effects that are - - _ - that one set of muscles becomes weak, and the other so strong as to pull the spine to one side. When the muscles of the back have not been exercised, they become equally weak on both sides ; the spine, being con- sequently not supported, must sink.