Quick Overview

"This manual is presented as a teaching aid in the instruction of students in schools of nursing and physical therapy. The physician who writes the prescription for hydrotherapy or massage must entrust its actual application to the nurse or the physical therapist. He should have the assurance that those who execute his prescription are well qualified. Although the administration of hydrotherapeutic procedures is not technically difficult, good results are dependent upon meticulous attention to detail.

Massage is an art which requires diligent practice to develop the finesse for which every conscientious student should strive. Therefore, the therapist (nurse or physical therapist) should endeavor to develop a faultless technique in both hydrotherapy and massage. This is acquired first by practice in laboratory and later by closely supervised treatment of patients.