The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-02-20
UNDERWATER TREATMENT 0I
 CHRONIC ARTHRTTlg

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 For nearly fourteen years pr. Charles w. Lowmnn hos been troat- ing infantile paralysis with conspie- uous success by underwater gym- nastics. The more or less parAlyHed patient is carried or helped into the water of Q large pool, and the buoyancy of the water, which op. poses gravity, seems to free the mus cles and permit movements which are beyond the patients power when not immersed. Whom desired the water In the pool may Do hot enough to give the additional relax ing effect of hyperemia and to .de- crease muscle spasn. Both immer. sion and hyperoIniR combine to diminish pain on manipulation or passive movements or manipulation by Q trained attendant under care- ful medical direction, are e valua- ble part Of underwater therapy.
 More recently, following the lead of pr. bowman, physicians have been adopting underwater treatment for other conditions than the dis- abilities remaining after poliolnyel- itis.
 Underwater treatment of chronic arthritiS proves particularly favor. able. The water, regret I must stop here to explain, is quite warm the temperature of the pool Is 90 or % degrees. That's precisely the in. ternal temperature of the healthy body. Now Q good many of you nin. nies will think of course, the water has to be very warm 30 the patient won't take more ,.,,,,,,,,,. rhou- matism, Well, If you still think like that 1t Is sheer waste of time for you to read things like this. You should 90 right back to the funny pictures and read 'en again-they're suited to your mentality.
 The heat maintains continuous hyperenia during the treatment, aiding the buoyancy of the water in producing general relaxation, decreasing muscle spasm, and In. creasing tho degree of motion to m affected joint without pain. It also brings more blood to tho joint, stim- ulates nutrition of tissues, promotes removal of waste material (through lymph and circulation). The heat enables the muscles to do more work without becoming fatigued. It facilitates breaking down of inflam- matory exudats and adhesions which stiffen the joints. Heat thus applied while the joint Is immersed and while massage, passive manipu. lation and exercise are being used, is probably more beneficial than is superficial heat by baking appar. atus or by lightcabinets followed by the massage or manipulation.
 Pulse and respiration are slightly increased and blood pressure slightly lowered for three or four hours af- ter each immersion. The patient feels pleasantly relaxed and usually enjoys Q nap.
 Imagine what pleasure and con- fidence and new will to get well it would give c patient unable to take Q step on his own, to find that in the pool he can walk about quite freely. Day after day he is eager l to try new movements, and looks forward to the pool treatment with an optimism which Is Indeed Q great factor in recovery.
 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
 What In Q Health Column?
 Would you please tell me if colitis causes Q very weak feeling, severe nervousness and Q confused, thick feeling in tho head? .'. (Mrs. II. J.) ..
 Answer-Now, now, madam. this | is c health column. For your health's | sake I can only assure you that It is best to leave the interpretation of your symptoms to your physician.
 Angleworm OH
 Kindly allow me to differ with you | about angieworm oil, which you rec gard as Q bad joke. It Is an old remedy marketed by My wifes | mother was agent for 1t for years and nearly ali the older residents |