Physically restraining elderly people who are residents in long term aged care facilities is common. However, the extent to which carers are aware of the effects of restraint on the restrained person, and of legal consequences for themselves, is low. In this paper, mechanisms of physical restraint are discussed and justifications and myths debunked. The dilemma that carers face, and the loss of autonomy and self control of the aged person who is restrained, are also considered. Legal consequences for carers of the aged are analysed in the light of the need to reduce physical restraint of aged people in institutional care to a minimum.