Fibrositis in Industry and the Laughton-Scott Technique*

摘要

On the clinical side those associated with this investigation are convinced that the treatment by the Laughton-Scott technique constitutes an advance on existing methods. It saves disability time and hospital attendance, and in uncomplicated cases of fibrositis it relieves symptoms for longer periods than other methods familiar to us.On the speculative side we hold no fixed or formed views as yet on the later stages of ourwork, (of which the merest outline has been given above). But we have naturally speculated among ourselves, and we have asked ourselves the following questions:(1) Does the essential aetiology of fibrositis lie within the bone?(2) Does the marrow of the metaphysis of bone play a more important part and active part in the metabolism of the body than has been hitherto recognised?(3) Are the generally accepted symptoms and signs of fibrositis merely external manifestations of some disease whose true site does not lie wherethe symptoms are felt and the indefinite signsdetected?(4) Are these symptoms and signs indications of some derangement of a normal physiological function or interplay between bone marrow and muscle?(5) Has this work pointed the way to the recognition of another sub-group of muscular rheumatism?The technique of this method is not difficult to acquire by starting with simple muscles such as the gluteal region, but since practical demonstration is always more profitable preliminary arrangements have been made for demonstrating the technique by two of my collaborators-Mr.L.W. Plewes, F.R.C.S., at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, and Dr. George Dobney, D.Phys.Med., at the Archway group of hospitals.All those engaged in this research wish to acknowledge their indebtedness to Dr. Laughton-Scott himself, in particular his response to their requests and criticisms. We are grateful also for the help of Dr. A.R. Thompson and others. The support and encouragement given us by the Dora Garrod Thomas Trust and the Sir Halley Stewart Trust has made this work possible. The late Miss Dora Garrod Thomas requested that certain monies from her estate should be devoted to research into chronic rheumatism, and she desired that any knowledge so gained should primarily benefit industrial workers. I have been asked to say that if any requests are received for practical demonstration or collaboration in clinical trials the trustees will be glad to be informed so that they may consider whether they would be in a position to contribute towards the expense incurred.