Fractures
HYD
JHK
from Dr JH Kellogg's Prescriptions...
Before plaster or surgery:
- Fomentations or Revulsive Compress 10-15 min
After setting:
- Revulsive Compress 2-3x a day to relieve pain and speed healing
- Massage the accessible portions of the limb.
For difficult compound fractures:
JHK
from Dr JH Kellogg's Hydriatic Techniques...
Before plaster or surgery: without skin breaks
Old Fractures with pain or poorly set
- Scotch Douche then Massage
GKA
from Dr GK Abbott's Prescriptions...
Aim: relieve pain and relax muscles by:
- Analgesics
- large Fomentations or very hot immersions (be careful not to burn or blister)
- then set the limb
Once limb is in good alignment, improve circulation to shorten recovery, maintain movement and promote healing.
Take care not to displace bone fragments
Early treatment:
Daily as soon as no danger of bone movement
- Heat 15-20min
- short infrared lamp
- light Fomentations
- followed by...
- Superficial stroking - gentle, slow and rhythmical - the aim is reflex relaxation of muscle and vasodilation NOT mechanical
- long light strokes, omitting only directly over fracture - direction does not matter
- after 10-15min of stroking when muscles are relaxed...
- Isometric exercises - must not cause muscle spasm or pain can be done may times a day
After splint is removed
- Heat for muscle relaxation and vasodilation
- Infrared lamp
- whirlpool bath 40-44°C for 15-20min
- local Alternate Baths
- then:
- Massage - superficial stroking followed by heavier Centripetal Peripheral Rub, stroking, petrissage or kneading to accelerate lymph and venous flow and removal of wastes. 10-15min then...
- Exercise - from active assisted through to resisted and work on pulleys and gym equipment till full function is reached