"Deformities arising from _paralysis and contractions of muscles and
tendons_, producing stiffened joints and distorted limbs, are of common
occurrence. A rational explanation of the wonderful curative results
which follow the employment of transmitted motion in these cases may not
be without interest to the reader. The muscles are composed of _bundles_
of little fibers which glide upon one another in every movement. Another
set of fibers called _connective tissue_, holds the fibers together in
bundles or separate muscles, and interlaces and crosses them in every
direction. Now, if these fibers remain long in a fixed position, or are
involved in inflammation, there is danger of adhesions forming between
them, producing permanent immobility; gliding movements are interfered
with, and the muscle ceases to perform its function. Inflammation gives
rise to effusion, or the formation of a kind of cement which binds
together the muscular fibers and prevents motion.

Rubbing, kneading, and actively manipulating the affected parts with
that intensity of administration secured by the manipulator, rends
asunder and breaks up these minute adhesions, re-establishing gliding
motions, causes absorption of effused materials, and restores the
affected part to a normal condition.

[Illustration: Fig. 15.
Muscular fibre highly
magnified.]

The deformed limb is straightened by the filling out of the
muscle-cells, and increasing the length and also the nutrition of the
affected muscles. No pulling or _forced extension_ is required.
Deformity ceases when the conditions upon which it depends are removed
by rational appliances, which are always agreeable. No brace, splints,
or other confining appliances are necessary, except in rare cases in
which the bones are very badly distorted.

In withered and deformed limbs, resulting from infantile paralysis, the
manipulator furnishes the most agreeable, direct, and certain remedy. It
restores nutrition, sensation, and power, and dispenses almost wholly
with mechanical supports. Club-feet, wry neck, spinal curvature,
hip-joint disease, white swellings, and stiffened joints, are all
readily amendable to the curative effects of motion administered by the
manipulator and other machinery.

Contracted and shortened muscles are gradually lengthened by vigorous,
long-continued, and frequently repeated rubbing with the manipulator
across their longitudinal fibers; bound-down and confined tendons ar