The Wonders of Physiotherapy

Remember the story of Aladdin and his wonderful lamp and the cry of the dealer "New lamps for old"? In the Nelson Public Hospital a small but specially-trained staff could just about adopt a similar phrase as their motto: "New muscles for old". Their magic might not be as potent as that of the genii of the lamp, but all who have had need of the staff's healing services will agree that when it comes to ordering recalcitrant muscles to work they have the answers. We got quite a surprise to see the staff at work. Our conception of physiotherapy was a strapping masseur pummelling and kneading the bodies and limbs of patients. To us, therefore, it came as quite a surprise to see and hear of a shining array of machines and instruments which do more work than the old masseurs and more efficiently. Massage is still practised but to more limited degree.

In these two bathing pools, heated and agitated, patients' muscles are invited to relax, thereby making strengthening exercises easier

The staff, Mrs Mavis Gregory, Miss Waveney Smith, Mrs Dorothy Kay (physiotherapist in charge), Graeme Day, Mrs Pamela Molineaux, Ray Barnett and Mrs Beverley Fish.

68 Pages Of Pictures

While lying on his back George Chapman can exercise arm and leg muscles in comfort

Those first, faltering steps

Herb McGirr tried too hard to bowl an in-cutter, paid the penalty, and is seen here having his back muscles put right

Pat Smith had a stiff neck, so Graeme Day uses abort wave diathermy treatment

Slight paralysis down one side of the face is being relieved for Mrs Ngaire Jensen with interrupted galvanism, which shock the muscles into life.

Young Leslie Way has been having leg trouble but with exercise, similar to what he's getting here on a stationary bike, he's improving.

Doing his daily dozen is Ernie Melvin

Laurie Bruce's attitude would suggest an emergency turn to starboard but in fact it's just the effort he's putting into toning up lethargic shoulder muscles.

A quadrucept machine and a cheerful Ken Pullen getting the benefit of it

Sister Vera Arnold has had a little spinal trouble which this lumbar traction contraption will put right.

Sound waves from this machine stir sleeping muscles

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The Nelson Photo News

No 24 : October 13, 1962

The Wonders of Physiotherapy