Massage and the Original Swedish Movements :: :: University of Virginia Library

NEURALGIA

Diseases of the peripheric nerves are more successfully treated by mechanotherapy than are affections of the central nerve-system. Most neuralgias yield readily to massage, and in cases of sciatica it has been used with most excellent results.

For the latter disease, if the right leg is affected, use:

1. Stroking of right leg (from behind).
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2. Percussion and beating over the nerve.
3. Flexion and extension of right leg.
4. Raising of leg.
5. Beating of sacrum and right leg.

FIG. 110.—Right Method of Stroking Radial Nerve Supporting Below.

[Description: Photograph of an operator's left hand stroking a patient's forearm. ]

Some of the manipulations must be repeated in the series five or six times. In raising the leg, place it, if necessary, on the shoulder, and, bending up and down, stretch the sciatic nerve as much as possible.

Rheumatic neuralgia in other nerves, as in the

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trigeminus, so often found in anemic women, is often relieved by massage in a few treatments.

Use freely punctation over superficial nerves, and firm kneading and stroking with the thumbs. If the nerve is very tender, begin with a slight introductory stroking with the thumb.

FIG. 111.—Wrong Method of Stroking. Note Left Hand Supporting Above Part Manipulated.

[Description: Photograph of an operator's right hand stroking a patient's forearm while the operator's left hand grasps the patient's elbow. ]

In some cases it may be advisable to use massage of the head, as described in Local Massage.

Massage of the neck (Hoeffinger's method) is an excellent remedy for many forms of neuralgia of the head and face.

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