硬着関節に対する理学療法の効果とその適応

抄録

Effects of physical thrapies on the stiffened joints have not clearly illustrated. They practically have been carried out on the base of experiences of doctors and physical therapists.
In order to elucidate the effects of some physical therapies on the stiffened joints, the following temperatures of the joint structures in 5 cases with normal and stiffened knee joints were measured by use of an electron thermometer.
1) the surface temperature of the skin (ST)
2) restoring time at cold burden test (RT)
3) muscular temperature (MT)
4) intra-articular temperature (AT)
Physical therapies, active movement of the lower extremity and manual massage, were carried out for 10 minutes. Thereafter, these temperatures were measured every 5 minutes for 30-45 minutes.
The results obtained were as follows:
1) Surface temperature of the skin (ST)
By active movement, elevation of ST was slight in both normal and affected sides. But, these were gradually descended with the lapse of time. On the contrary, by manual massage, greater elevation of ST and its long duration were proved in both sides.
2) Restoring time at cold burden test (RT)
By manual massage RT was not altered or delayed a little. But, shortening of RT was caused by active movement. This shortening suggests that by active movement blood circulation in the lower extremity is promoted.
3) Muscular temperature (MT)
By active movement, elevation of MT at affected side was slight. After manual massage, however, marked elevation in both sides was shown. Particularly in affected side, its elevation continued for a long time.
4) Intra-articular temperature (AT)
After active movement, marked changes of AT were not detected. By manual massage, 1.5°-2°C elevation of AT was maintained for a long time.
From these experimental and clinical results above-described, it was summarized that blood circulation around the joints was accelerated by active movement. From these points of view, it was concluded that active movement was superior to manual massage as a physical therapy for the stiffened joint.