Professional Documents
Culture Documents
• Lack of touch
• Lack of movement
I am doing voluntary work in a hospital and they are just starting a program for exercise for
patients-I joined the first class as an active participant, and saw from the inside the problems these
people experience in a modern hospital, and can only speculate on how bad it must be in a less
forward or less well equipped and staffed one
I am not involved in a professional capacity; it should be understood that I am not criticizing the
hard worked staff or the people in charge of the hospital or their methods, but just making a
comment on patients and the view from their side of the coin, (I could be one of them myself)
I wander from ward to ward just talking to patients who are feeling overwhelmed by their stay in
hospital however long or short the time may be
Most are making an unplanned hospital stay, and their first feelings are shock at finding themselves
there suddenly removed from their usual surroundings, comforts, friends and other familiar territory
and routines they have become used to
They are plunged into a medical world where the day consists of being, poked, prodded, discussed,
having procedures done, washed, bathed, fed, sharing a room with total strangers who snore,
snuffle, moan with pain and discomfort who rely on pumps that tick and beep all hours of the day
and night
A hospital is really not a place for sick people to rest and get better; it is too busy and very
threatening for the older ones who have problems relating to all the confusion around them-this can
be even more uncomfortable when the patient is deaf, or when they are sight affected
If a television is available to pass the time, they not be able to see it, or even hear it as the sound has
to be kept low enough so that other patients are not disturbed, and they may not even be able to read
books or newspapers that may or may not be supplied by friends or the hospital volunteers (if any)
When you are an older patient, you may not get too many friends or family visiting because they
may live too far away, or your friends find the prospect of visiting too daunting or impossible as
they are in your age group and have medical problems of their own
The only thing you have to mark the passing of the days, are basically mealtimes, breakfast dinner
and tea, so the days and time can hang heavily, and the isolation between your other life and this
one increases
The world outside is somewhere on another planet (it might as well be) as you are totally isolated
from it (if lucky, you might have a good view from a window if your eyesight is good enough to see
it-so the main things missing from your life are stimulation, movement and company
When you are really sick, none of these matter anyway, but as you improve, they become more
important to your recovery
1
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Lack of touch
Lack of touch is a problem for many patients; they may get medical touch from doctors, and nurses
when they are being examined, having observations done, or assisted with their daily needs, but
because of the workload they are dealing with, this touch is minimal
Also in this modern age of nursing, infection control, political correctness through accusations of
sexual harassment, and threat of lawsuits through what can be perceived as ‘inappropriate’ touch is
a worry for nursing staff and others involved in patient care giving
Lack of movement
Other than trips to x-ray, ultra sound, and other departments, the older patient in the modern
hospital is usually confined to their bed or bedspace surrounding them unless they are mobile
enough to take themselves a walk around the hospital-the modern hospital though is so big,
impersonal and busy that it is easy to become disorientated and get lost
If they are not ambulant they just sit an wait for time to pass-slowly
Lack of movement can lead to many problems, it reduces any mobility that may have been there if
they were able, it can lead to wasting muscles, even more isolation, and of course the risk of deep
vein thrombosis from lying in bed affecting circulation
Moving and exercise groups
The hospital I do volunteer work has introduced movement and exercise groups to give patients
who can’t do physical therapies because of the conditions they have some form of therapeutic
activity during their stay
These groups are run and supervised by the physical therapy department at the hospital and cost
very little to run except for the time needed to get the patients to the group and back to the ward
again-it is also cost effective as the therapists can give a whole group of people some attention they
may not have worked with
It also means that they can give more individual time to those patients who need more intensive
work in their bed area
The sessions also have side benefits attached to them, they give them something to look forward to
other than meals-they get up, showered and engaged in getting ready to go to the group, they can
have a change of scenery from the ward, they can work at their own pace and within their
movement capacity
It also gets the brain working as they have to start thinking for themselves as each exercise is
explained to them what they are required to do, and they have to start to relate to legs feet and arms
which may not have been used for some time
Social interaction with a wide range of people (other patients) not connected with them medically is
also included in the group situation as they are seated in a circle facing each other, and laughter and
jokes are quite frequent during the working time of approximately 20 minutes
A further benefit to the patients is that the simple leg activity also affects their leg circulation by
moving the calf muscles during the exercises
Leg Movement is good for patients because it works the calf muscle pump
2
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
The Calf Muscle Pump and the muscles that are its motors
The calf muscle pump is responsible for circulation in the lower legs-another name for it is the
peripheral heart because it is outside the body
Its main purpose is to move used blood from the lower legs back to the body for refreshment with
oxygen and other elements that the muscles need to maintain an optimum environment for efficient
working of the muscles
Old blood and fluid is taken out of the lower legs through the veins, fresh blood is supplied to the
muscles through the arteries
3
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
The calf muscle pump is made up of all the muscles in the legs, the motors that provide the power
for the pump are the calf muscles-these are made up of 2 basic movers-Soleus which is used for
standing upright, and Gastrocnemius used for running and jumping
Soleus Gastrocnemius
As the muscles move, they increase and decrease pressure on the vessel walls (the veins) opening
the one way valves to let the blood pass along them, and close to prevent the blood flowing back
towards the feet
To keep the circulation in the lower legs going, a similar volume should be
pumped out of the legs as flows into them
4
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
On return to Blood
body blood is pumped from
renourished heart through
and recycled arteries under
pressure
Calf muscles
act as pump
motors
By the time the blood reaches the feet, all the pressure has been used, and there is none left to return
the used blood back up the legs to the body against gravity again
The Veins
Used blood is sent back to the body by a pumping system made up of the leg muscles and veins
which have one way valves in them which prevents it going back down to the feet
• Superficial veins act as a reservoir for blood, supplying it to the tissues as needed, they
also carry blood from the muscle tissues to the perforating veins.
• Perforating veins that carry blood from the superficial veins through to the deep veins.
• Deep veins carry used blood and lymph fluid away from the legs towards the heart.
Low-pressure High pressure
As muscles squeeze the vessels valves are open as they relax the valves close preventing leaks
In this way, a balance is kept between the fresh blood going into the lower legs and the old blood
leaving them on its way back to the body for refreshment and recycling again
When the muscles are not doing their job properly they become incompetent
and the pump becomes inefficient
5
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Poor circulation means less movement of fluids which may become trapped in the lower legs; water
(or lymphatic fluid) may separate from the blood, migrate through the vessel walls and fill the tissue
spaces-as it can’t be pumped away quickly enough, the ankles swell (edema)
Used fluid build up restricts the supply of fresh oxygen filled blood to the muscle tissues without it,
they quickly fatigue become inefficient and reduces the circulation
Fresh Tight
blood calf
reduced muscles
Poor
blood
return
It is generally accepted that reversing the effects of gravity by having the legs higher than the body
to change the direction of fluid can help the legs to drain of fluid
However many patients have bed rest anyway and they need movement not static leg raises
This is where a process of getting the legs conditioned for walking by using Light
Manual Muscle Relaxation may be of more benefit to them
6
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Ultra marathon is very long distance competition where they have to run or walk as far as possible in a given
time; it can be over 6 hours-24 hours-48 hours-6 days-16 days or even around the world www.worldrun.org
It is making the calf muscle pump work again to take some of the pressure away from the lower legs and let
fresh blood into the muscle tissues to help the legs recover
They have to get up and get back on the track or road on a constant basis whether they want to or not to
achieve their objective-the person with aching legs also has to get up and move on a constant basis whether
their legs have recovered or not www.hazards.org/standing
7
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Calf muscle fatigue, tight muscles, and poor lower leg circulation can chase each other around in a cycle that
is difficult to break out from-each is a self destructive part that props up the other parts of the cycle and it
will take a circuit breaker to disrupt the cycle of fatigue
Medically caused leg health should be referred to those best qualified to deal with it-the doctors, but there are
non-medically related problems that can be dealt with by some simple activities
Such as knowledge about how the calf muscle pump works and using it to the
best advantage
8
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
What effect can Light Manual Muscle Relaxation have on the legs?
Can chance give you recovery results like these?
The above figures show what a leg service using the calf muscle pump can do for recovering the
legs-they are from the 1995 Colac (Australia) 6 day event-and show on a daily basis (Across the
page) the increase that was obtained using Light Manual Muscle Relaxation
More importantly it demonstrates the decrease in time needed for recovery when
increased fresh blood flow is obtained by working with the muscles not on them
9
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
• No disrobing
• No oil used
• Non invasive
• User friendly
Using a simple but effective lower legs strategy will help to keep them moving during those enforced long
hospital stays
Use Light Manual Muscle Relaxation the walk you have when you are not having a
walk
Many hospitals such as those in third world countries do not have enlightened Nurse Unit Managers
such as the one I am volunteering in nor do they have the services of Physical Therapists to work
with the patients-therefore the money I make from the sale of the manual on this page
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
Note-never doing anything with the patient without first discussing with the managing
nurse/doctor and obtaining their permission or you may be interfering with any
treatment for their health problems
10
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Some References
Michael’s methods of massage and blister care helped me to stay mobile throughout the race and to recover
quickly afterwards. His techniques are safe and gentle.
Unlike some treatments, which put the runners and walkers at risk of muscle tears or infection, Michael’s
techniques are gentle, safe, reassuring, and highly effective. They enhance comfort and flexibility, build
confidence, and promote success.
This booklet will help others to learn and practice Michael’s methods. It is recommended reading for
everyone who walks and runs and who wants to go further, go faster, or just to enjoy life more!!'
SANDRA BROWN 1996 Ladies 1000 Mile World Record Holder
1999 Ladies 100 mile Race walking World Record Holder
“I know that your massage kept a number of competitor<>s in the event. The cold weather of Saturday
afternoon and night certainly got to many of the walkers and your prompt action had them back in the race
after a short stop.
In years past, that would have ended up as a non-finish. A number of walkers were able to keep going for
the full 24 hours on the basis of your expert help.”
Tim Ericson Secretary Australian Centurions Club
'I have known Michael Gillan for many years and have always got quick relief for my aches and pains from
the stretching he performs'.
CLIFF YOUNG-75-80 24 Hour World Record Holder (150.07 kilometers)
A word from Jesper Olsen World Runner about Light Manual Muscle Relaxation
“If I hadn't had the qualified help from the excellent masseur Michael Gillan, taking several thousands of km
out of my legs, I could spare myself the effort!”
“My crew for the current stages, Michael Gillan, has proven to have other talents than the quite taxing job of
taking care of all the requirements of a really tired ultra runner!
He has since years back been working on a new approach to stretching and muscle-rebuilding for ultra
runners. I have the last two days tried his careful stretch and massage, and a bit to my surprise the muscles
are beginning to feel like before the start back in Greenwich, London!!
Usually I doesn’t take massage as the legs of an ultra runner will often be quite sore during the long time
events (and especially in an multi-year event like this...), and getting a massage can at times cause more
injury and cramping up than good. For example my last massage was some 12 000km ago when I ran the 12-
hour competition in Finland. And so far that has been the only one.
But Gillan came with best recommendations from my main contact in Australia, Phil Essam, who besides
being vice president in the Australian Ultra runners Association has heaps of good knowledge to share. And
this new kind of mild massage for ultra runners is definitely one of the good tips! There should be a fair
chance that I actually get fresh enough to do some decent running at the 6 Day Race that I have coming up in
Colac from the 21.November. I quite look forward to that, even though I can’t expect to make a top class
result :-)”
He won! 756.2 kilometers (Jesper holds the record for the longest run in history over 26000 kilometers and
the first person to run around the world Taken from www.worldrun.org
11
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
To: mgillan@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: Emailing: m gillan reference.doc
Date: Mon, 4 May 2009 16:48:31 +1000
Hi Michael,
For many years Coburg Harriers has conducted the Victorian 24 hour Track Championship and
the Australian Centurion 24 Hour Race Walk, the overall event being the Coburg 24 Hour Carnival,
which also includes a separate 6 Hour run/walk event.
This type of event is very demanding on Competitors, and each year, in addition to First Aid
support, we seek to have the services of a masseur who can work on tired legs and also treat
blisters in order to keep entrants on the track.
We have been privileged for many years to have had the voluntary services of Michael Gillan who
with his techniques is able to coax renewed life from extremely tired muscles and legs to get
athletes back on the track when they were thinking that they would have to retire.
Michael has a very well deserved reputation in the "Ultra" running and walking fraternity who look
forward to his presence at our events as they know he gets results without causing further injury
with his treatments.
It is rewarding to see exhausted competitors come from the track in the early hours of the
morning, convinced that they are unable to continue, only to see them return to the event after
being treated by Michael.
Our Organising Committee at Coburg is grateful to Michael for his dedication to the sport and can
commend his techniques to Athletes.
Yours Sincerely, Bernie Goggin Raceday Director / Referee Coburg 24 Hour Carnival 2009
http://www.coburgharriers.org.au/joomla1/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
12
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html
The Calf Muscle Pump-Why Older Patients should have Exercises and Socialization
Physiology References
(p.209)Physiology: a regulatory systems approach. Fleur L. Strand. Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc.ISBN 0-020979860-4
You can buy an expensive book on medical physiology or you can check up for further information
on Light Manual Muscle Relaxation at
When you refer to medical physiology and use it to work for you, it is possible to
achieve things that were previously left to chance-a faster recovery is one of them
Contact mgillan@hotmail.com
13
Copyright Michael Gillan Long Distance Recovery Specialist
http://aching-legs.org/closing_the_patient_isolation_gap.html