PHYSICAL THERAPY
Harry F. Hoffman M. D.1
1 Allentown State Hospital, Allentown, Pa.
I. Ninety-five per cent (95%) of reporting psychiatric hospitals have used hydrotherapy for many years on classical indications and with satisfactory results.
II. Heliotherapy (including thermo—photo—and actinotherapy) has, during the last decade, come into extensive use to improve metabolism and promote resolution of many physical ailments.
III. Static currents are used in only 6 per cent of hospitals.
IV. Low voltage currents have come into use mostly during the last four years in 28 per cent of hospitals, being prescribed mostly for constipation and paralysis.
V. High frequency currents are used in 40 per cent of hospitals for fever induction and treatment of inflammatory conditions.
VI. Other methods of pyretotherapy are malaria, typhoid and non-specific protein injections, electric blankets and short wave radio transmitter.
VII. Roentgentherapy is used in 16 per cent of hospitals mostly for malignancy and dermatologic disorders.
VIII. The average hospital has two full time technicians usually specially trained, the work being directed by members of the medical staff.
