The position of the patient and operator depends on the condition of the former. The patient may from pain be quite unable to move, and, if lying on the back, the work must be done in that position. The knee will probably be flexed, in order to relax the painful and inflamed nerve ; or the patient may be more comfortable lying on one side. It must be the side which is not affected. In the prone position the nerve is more easily got at in all its course, but the leg must not be strongly extended. If there is a tendency to this, and to contract the muscles, a pillow under the ankle will sufficiently relax them.

The Foot.—Effleurage. Kneading of sole with palms of hands and with thumbs ; effleurage of dorsum ; compression between hands ; pressure upward with thumbs between heel and inner ankle.

The Leg.—Effleurage on back and outer side. Pétrissage with palms, thumbs meeting on the middle of the calf ; work to be continued up beyond popliteal space. Effleurage ; pétrissage repeated. Slapping specially over nerves. Rolling effleurage.

The Thigh.—All movements begin below popliteal space. Effleurage ; pétrissage with palms, thumbs meeting on top and good pressure made on internal popliteal and sciatic nerve, effleurage ; friction with thumb on nerves, effleurage ; friction with ulnar border of closed hand over nerves, hacking, beating, rolling effleurage.

The Buttock.—Deep pétrissage of every description, hacking and beating.

The whole limb vigorously stroked.

The patient turned on back : the nerve is stretched (a) Thigh strongly flexed on abdomen obliquely ; (b) leg extended, heel drawn down and foot bent backward ; (c) leg abducted.

This supposes a limb in good condition and a nerve fairly tolerant of pressure. The pressure produces numbness, and this relieves pain. If the limb should be emaciated, more attention should be paid to the working up of the whole of the muscles. As well as the effleurage which follows the special treatment of the nerve, all other movements must be added.

In other cases there is increased inflammation of the nerve and great tenderness of muscles and skin—in fact, it is not neuralgia, but neuritis. Massage will not be useful at first ; when it is commenced it should be gradual, the masseuse working warily.

1. Both hands are laid flat on the back of the thigh; long sweeping strokes are made, the hands working simultaneously. These are repeated many times.

2.   Circular effleurage.

3.  No. 1 repeated.

4.   Kneading inner and outer aspect of thigh.

5.   No. 1 repeated.

The thigh is covered ; the glutei, which are sometimes very painful, are stroked and kneaded.

Vibrations with finger-ends along the course of the nerve. There is rapid muscle wasting. As soon as permissible the muscles of the whole limb are thoroughly kneaded, each group, separately and then en masse. When the nerve will tolerate it friction and tapotement are used, as above.