Any consistently successful use of physical therapy is dependent on accurate prescription and guidance by the physician. For physical therapy as for drugs, the use of the written prescription is essential. The major purposes of written prescriptions in physical therapy are: (1) to instruct the technician in the procedures to be carried out; (2) to insure the physician that his orders will be followed, and (3) to provide an adequate record of treatment given. Only licensed physicians should be permitted to prescribe physical therapy. In preparing the prescription, the physician should have a working knowledge of the physiologic effects of the various physical therapeutic procedures. He should be familiar with the indications for and contraindications to their use. It is essential that he know about the training, special abilities and limitations of the technicians who are to carry out his prescriptions, and also what equipment and facilities are available. Before