The Ultimate Rehabilitation of Mankind

To Make an Individual a Complete Personality

In association with

May God Rehabilitate Mankind

“BANDAGE TO SPLINTAGE”

Our Ancient Culture of Health Care

In India, according to the ancient books of knowledge, health is considered as a prerequisite for achieving the supreme ends of life consisting of righteousness, wealth, artistic values and spiritual freedom. Preventive and curative aspects of diseases are considered as important components of the concept of positive health.

Ayurveda deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. Besides dealing with principles for maintenance of health, it has also developed a wide range of therapeutic measures to combat illness. These principles of positive health and therapeutic measures related to physical, mental, social and spiritual welfare of human beings. Thus Ayurveda became one of the oldest systems of medicine dealing with both the preventive and curative aspects of life in a most comprehensive way.

The Body Matrix

Life in Ayurveda is conceived as the union of body, senses, mind and soul. The living man is a conglomeration of three humours (Vata, Pitta &Kapha), seven basic tissues (Rasa, Rakta, Mansa, Meda, Asthi, Majja & Shukra) and the waste products of the body such as faeces, urine and sweat. Thus the total body matrix comprises of the humours, the tissues and the waste products of the body. The growth and decay of this body matrix and its constituents revolve around food which gets processed into humours, tissues and wastes. Ingestion, digestion, absorption, assimilation and metabolism of food have an interplay in health and disease which are significantly affected by psychological mechanisms as well as by bio- fire (Agni).

Health and Sickness

Health or sickness depends on the presence or absence of a balanced state of the total body matrix including the balance between its different constituents. Both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors can cause disturbance in the natural equilibrium, giving rise to disease. This loss of equilibrium can happen by dietary indiscrimination, undesirable habits and non-observance of rules of healthy living. Seasonal abnormalities, improper exercise or erratic application of sense organs and incompatible actions of the body and mind can also result in creating disturbance of the existing normal balance. The treatment consists of restoring the balance of disturbed body-mind matrix through regulating diet, correcting life-routine and behavior, administration of drugs and resorting to preventive Panchkarma and Rasayana therapy.

Ayurvedic treatment consists of eight specialities and "Shalya Tantra" (Surgery) is one of them. Treatment for fractures and Dislocations comes under Shalyatantra. (Surgery.) Though Ayurveda Surgery is not practiced nowadays, the system of fracture treatment and few others like treatment for fistula and some other Para surgical methods still exist. 

The names given for the orthopeadic treatment were

 " Kadum Bindum Vedakama " – (Treatment for Fractures and Dislocations)  " Gas Vedakama " – ("Gas" means trees & " Vedakama " means treatment – Hence the treatment done with the help of wooden splints, barks of trees and various herbs; it was known as Gas Vedakama).

There are some other definitions too.  " Handi Vedakama " – Treatment done for reunion of fractured bones.

It was an ancient system of treatment widely used through out the country from remote times.

Types of orthopedic injuries and how they are handled by Traditional Ayurvedic Practitioners

1. Fractures

Fracture of bones without breaking of contact with the skin. Fracture of bones with break of contact of skin.

The first types of lesions are most common. It could be treated after setting the two ends of the fractured bones. In the second type of fracture the broken ends of the bone projects through the skin. Then it is necessary to clean the wound before the commencement of treatment for the fracture.

II. Dislocations of joints

A joint is defined as a place in the body where two or more bones meet. Dislocations are most common in the joints of the lower and upper limbs and also in the cervical spine (neck area) and lumbar (low back) region of the backbone.

III. Sprains

The destruction and damage caused to tendons, bursas and muscles of the joints caused by physical trauma to a joint, where the tendons are subjected to excessive torsion. Therefore destruction will take place to the tendon where it is attached. Inflammation of bone is followed by sprains. Massage may relieve the pain; but oedema is treated by using drugs.

IV. Bruise

Bones, muscles, joints and the skin are subjected to bruise and as a result there is an inflammation. Treatment depends on the extent of the lesion and also varies with the locality. Warm fomentation could be applied in minor conditions; however, in severe condition, anti-inflammatory measures are needed.

In traditional treatment

Tender handling and the methods of bandaging help to overcome most of the above mentioned complications. Also, it causes less soft tissue damage. As they do not treat the patient under anesthesia the handling is done very carefully.The wooden splints “ Mellum ” and “ Patthus ” promotes callus formation and quicken the healing. The light splints and the soothing oils are comfortable. Turmeric and salt are two basic substances used when preparing a medicinal “ Mellum ” and “Patthus ”. These ingredients contain antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

What are Splints

Traditional Ayurvedic Physicians do not use plaster casts that lead to high degree of joint stiffness in Intra-articular fracture. Instead they use splints, which are made of bamboo sticks and bark of a special medicinal tree. Splints are prepared in different sizes. When selecting splints the length and the width of the splint should be equal to that of the fractured limb of the body. A properly used splint performs a dual function. It not only serves as a rigid surface to the fractured bone, stimulating the function of the Periostium (outer layer of the bone) it also expedites the healing by improving its medicinal properties. The other advantage of the splint is the pressure applied on the fracture could be altered and adjusted at will and they do not hinder the movability of the other joints. 

Bandages

Traditional Physicians tie four knots in equal lengths around the four splints placed in position on the fractured limb. Later a normal bandage covers it. This is renewed everyday, allowing free mobility to the other adjacent joints.

Example: Tibial shaft fracture placed in position with wooden splints is advantages, compared to plaster cast because of the liberation of knee and ankle with their free movability. Splints are used instead of plaster casts. Plaster of Paris cast gets hardened by itself. It does not warrant free mobility to the other joints. Immobilization would also result in permanent stiffness. Further when the edema of the affected part subsided after some time, it will not adhere to the organ of part thus creating enough space in between the plaster and organ concerned. Using external medicinal wooden splints and bandages could eliminate both these drawbacks. Traditional method of bandaging has no after effects.

1. (kosa) Sheath bandage for finger and toes;

2. (dama) Bandage for thigh tied at the hip and knee;

3. (swastika) A cross bandage used in joints;4. (anuvellita) Spiral bandage for

extremities;5. (pratoli) Bandage for penis and neck;6. (mandala) A type of circular bandage;7. (sthagika) Sheath bandage for fingers,

toes and penis;8. (yamaka) Bandage for two wounds

simultaneously;9. (khatva) Four-tailed bandage for chin

and face;10. (cina) Four-tailed bandage for eye

injuries;11. (vibandha) Bandage employed for the

trunk;12. (vitana) Cephaline bandage;13. (gophana) bandage for perineal region;14. (pancangi) Bandage with five tails;15. (utsanga) Sling bandage.

The Traditional System of treatment for bone disorders which were based on practical experience and training throughout its long period of existence vary mainly upon the local fauna and flora with special medicinal preparations. A person who had been trained in this system of Traditional Medicine uses his five senses in clear judgment for the clinical conclusion and also uses his 6th sense the " Manas " (wisdom) in order to administer the appropriate therapy. He also uses his skilled hands both in the procedure, which leads him to the correct diagnosis and applies his spiritual ability etc. for his treatment. Patients are content and happy with the mental and physical care provided by the Traditional Physician.

Though Ayurveda Surgery is not practiced nowadays, the system of fracture treatment and few others like treatment for fistula and some other Para surgical methods still exist.

Modern Culture of Health Care

Due to cultural invasion over a period of time and support of the political administrations for allopathic medicine, In India and other Asian Countries, the overall healthcare practice and therefore, the concept of rehabilitation has lost its holiness of treating the individual human being as a whole. In 1980s, the concept of rehabilitation and in particular, the physical rehabilitation is rudimentary in practice (less than a 1 %) when compared to the developed, industrialized nations. The availability of rehabilitation products and services are scanty that too limited to big hospitals of metro cities. Doctors were not able to prescribe the right rehabilitation products due to non-affordability for import of such products. The suffering patients were left to the mercy of friends and relatives who might have rendered helping hands in sending such products from abroad belatedly.

In 1990s, the demand for quality healthcare was growing due to healthcare policy of the governments and upcoming of state and private healthcare facilities with advanced studies in Medicine. A very few, small companies were there in India, restricted to local areas supplying poorly designed rehabilitation products like soft collars, back belts and abdominal binders. The concept of Trauma and Critical Care for injured / diseased patients was just came up for discussions in the medical forums in New Delhi and other major cities of India.

In the first International Conference on Trauma and Critical Care in India (1996 New Delhi), MGRM introduced a wide range of Physical Rehabilitation of Splints and Aids, hitherto known only in international medical books and research journals.

Dr. K.V.R. Murthy, Founder of MGRM introduced for the first time in India, the much needed, Physical Rehabilitation Splints and Aids of International Quality to serve the physically suffering mankind due to

Trauma (due to Accidents, Disasters, Incidents, Sports and Recreational Arts)WoundsBurnsFractures and DislocationsSpinal and Nerve Injuries

DisordersSpondylosis (Osteoarthritis)Repetitive Strain Disorders (like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis)Low Back Pain

DiseasesRheumatoid ArthritisOsteoporosisSpasticity (Cerebral Palsy)

Road Accident due to motor vehicle collision

Blast injury caused burns

Finger Dislocation Finger crush injury

Knee injury Ankle fracture - dislocation

MGRM team performed an extensive research on the range of physical rehabilitation splints and aids, their availability to medical professionals (of various school of thoughts) for prescription to the patients and the related distribution network in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and USA.

Based on vast knowledge and experience, MGRM introduced a unique, marketing philosophy of “Human Lifecycle Approach” in identifying the rehabilitation needs of human beings at different age groups like Newborn, Infancy, Childhood, Adolescent, Adult and Geriatrics.

MGRM believes in “Prevention is better than Cure” and feels that Post-Treatment Care is Important for a better Rehabilitation outcome. So MGRM established the Four-Stage Rehabilitation approach for Concept Development that lead to designing and manufacturing of physical rehabilitation products / services.

1 Preventive Care2 Pre-Treatment Care3 Treatment Care4 Post-Treatment Care

Medical professionals including Emergency physicians, Orthopaedic surgeons, Neurosurgeons, Plastic surgeons, Burns care specialists, Physiotherapists and occupational therapists were educated about the usage of these versatile splints and aids through

Sponsoring International Conferences on

Trauma and Critical CareOrthopaedicsNeurosurgerySports Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation

Being conducted in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Dubai, Germany, USA and Russia.

Exhibiting MGRM Splints and Aids during Seminars and Conferences under the Banners

“Bandage to Splintage”“We Add Smile to Life”

Sponsoring Continuing Medical Education (CME) Seminars being conducted in Institutional Healthcare facilities (Both private and governmental)

Army Base Hospital (Delhi Cantonment)Safdarjang Hospital, DelhiLNJP Hospital, DelhiApollo Hospital, DelhiNorthern Railway Hospital, Delhi

Direct Marketing through Sales force (80 – 90 in number) in all states of India

Institutional Marketing for Splints and Aids in Indian Army, Air force, Navy, Border Security Forces, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force, Central Reserve police Force, Indian Airlines, etc.

The wide range of MGRM physical rehabilitation splints and aids include

1 Cervical Collars - For emergency transport of accident victims with suspected cervical spine injuries

Spondylosis Collar to prevent / protect Four Post Cervical Brace before / afterNeck Spine suffering pain and stiffness neck surgery

ESL Collar as preventive care for Ambulance Collar to protect injured neckSpondylosis during emergency transport of the patient

2 Wrist and Forearm splints - for fractures, dislocations and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Solar splint to prevent Carpal Tunnel MRange Elbow splint for Range of MotionSyndrome, common among computerProfessionals.

3 Back and Abdominal belts / supports - to protect the weakened spinal and abdominal muscles

Guardian Back support to prevent CASH Orthosis to support middle spineLow back pain

Lady’choice Abdominal binder to maintainWaistline

4 Knee, Ankle and Foot Splints – for immobilization and support to the sprained / fractured knee, ankle and foot joints

MRange Knee splint for Range of Motion Ankle support to protect the weak ankle joint

Foot drop splint to support ankle and foot

5 Finger Splints – for occupational injuries like cuts, crushes and pierce of fingers.

Cot splint for protecting / supporting the Baseball splint for supporting andInjured finger Positioning injured finger

Stax Mallet splint for correcting finger tip dislocation

6. Conditioning splints and mobility aids for physiotherapy exercise and early ambulation.

Weight Cuff for leg exercise Quadrupod for Balanced Mobility

In 2000s, the awareness about physical rehabilitation and the availability of quality healthcare has grown in India and other Asian countries to 10 –11 %. Thanks to both government and private corporate hospitals for their tremendous efforts in providing state of the art healthcare facilities to the needy people of developing world.

“Search and research are the essence of mankind. The resultant awareness leads to an individual’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual evolution. Extensive scientific and medical research has proved that the concept of rehabilitation is not limited to physical rehabilitation. Ultimate rehabilitation for the human race is one that can recognize and simultaneously encompass all the above elements that make an individual, a complete personality. “

Dr. K. V. R. MurthyFounder MGRM

MGRM Medicare Limited201-202, II Floor, Block A, Kushal Towers

Khairatabad, Hyderabad – 500 004Andhra Pradesh. INDIA

Ph: +91 40 2339 6784

Fax: +91 40 6666 8551

Website: www.mgrm.comEmail: contact@mgrm.com