Atrophy and Regeneration of the Gastrocnemius-Soleus Muscles: Effects of Physical Therapy in the Monkey Following Section and Suture of Sciatic Nerve

Abstract

The treatment of paralyzed muscles of the flaccid type has been based chiefly on clinical experience. The measures commonly employed are electrical stimulation, massage and passive movement, heat, rest and muscle reeducation. The exact indications for the use of these procedures alone or in combination, however, are still a subject of controversy. Thus, in the treatment of poliomyelitis many clinicians claim that electrical stimulation is contraindicated especially in the early stage of paralysis. They advocate rest. Others stressing the rapid rate of atrophy and degeneration maintain that something should be done to prevent, so far as possible, the progress of atrophy and fibrosis. They decry rest and advocate light massage and passive movement to be followed later by electrical stimulation. A review of the literature reveals considerable confusion and disagreement regarding the value of these measures, with their indications and contraindications. In view of the need for more precise knowledge