[Reasonable and unreasonable indications for physiotherapy of the locomotor system]

The wide variety of techniques currently available in physiotherapy may appear confusing to the prescribing physician who must select methods which are both of proven efficiency and economical. A primary requisite is knowledge of the aims and possibilities of physiotherapy, thus allowing a decision as to whether or not physiotherapy is in fact indicated. Two examples, "thermotherapy" and "back school", demonstrate how, with minimum investment of time and expense, patients can be taught effective measures for the treatment and prevention of certain pain syndromes of the locomotor system. Finally, possible causes of our (sometimes) too polypragmatic attitude to physiotherapy are discussed.