Some check upon this may be had, as is said elsewhere, by the general effect upon the patient.

It may be repeated that the pulse should be slower and stronger after an hour of deep massage, and that this effect will not be produced by superficial rubbing (indeed, with light or too rapid manipulation the pulse may become both less strong and more rapid), and finally the flow of urine should be increased.

With these easily observed facts to aid, it may readily be judged whether massage is being rightly applied or not without the need of a visit from the physician during the hour of treatment.

A final test might readily be made by examination of the blood and counting the red corpuscles before and after treatment.

No doubt in very bad cases a small increase or none would be found at first, but a week of daily manipulation should show a distinct addition to the blood count.