Page:Massage & exercises combined (second version).djvu/126

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SUPPLEMENT

HOW THE EXERCISES MAY BE UTILIZED IN SOME DISEASED AND DISORDERED CONDITIONS OF THE BODY


The massage exercises and deep breathing exercises may be used with benefit in certain stages of different diseases. This should, of course, be done only on the recommendation of a physician.

Inasmuch as the same disease does not attack all people to the same degree, it is, of course, impossible to state exactly when or at which stage of a disease the patient might begin to practice the exercises. Neither can it be said precisely how long an exercise or performance shall last in each case; it will vary from five to twenty minutes. This is a matter for the family physician to decide; however, the following hints may be in order. If the use of the exercises practiced moderately is recommended, begin them slowly for five or ten minutes daily (or as long as advised by the doctor) with a light pressure of the hands, and continue thus for several days. The exercises can then be made more vigorous by increasing the pressure of the hands to a moderate or stronger degree. The time can then likewise be increased to fifteen or twenty minutes in proportion to the improvement in the condition and strength of the performer.

It is not meant to imply that it is necessary to immediately hurry to a doctor or hospital when disorders of a mild character occur; for instance, a slight pain or stiffness in the muscles of one of the limbs or other part of the body, a headache, obesity without complications or slight constipation.