This manual is presented as a teaching aid in the instruc-

tion 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 mas-

sage. This is acquired first by practice in the laboratory and

later by closely supervised treatment of patients. Even as

education in any field of learning does not end on commence-

ment day, so the therapist should aim for perfection of

technique after his formal training is completed.