Chapter 1: Ethics in Massage Therapy (Mandatory) 3 CE Hours
By: John Vinacci, LMT Course overview
or turn to other appropriate resources for professional assistance. This course fulfills two credits of mandatory coursework in ethics. In addition, it: Explains concepts important to ethical theory and practice in professional massage therapy and bodywork. Examines the value and function of ethical codes and professional standards of conduct. Emphasizes the delineation of boundaries that define the therapeutic relationship.
This course addresses a range of issues that should concern a professional massage therapist and introduces a number of concepts important to the ethical practice of massage therapy. Successful completion of the course equips massage therapists with the basic concepts and rationale for ethical decision-making in their practice, to help them navigate unknown ethical territory, identify questionable behavior, and identify “red flags” that signal potential conflict, as well as the steps involved in resolving these issues. Equally important, it will help therapists know when to seek professional guidance with a supervisor or mentor Learning objectives After completing this course, the learner will be able to: Outline key principles of professional ethics in massage therapy. Define the concept of power dynamics. Introduction Ethics is a branch of philosophy that addresses systematic approaches to moral issues and dilemmas. It encompasses the rules or principles that govern right conduct and includes the study of morality (Dail, 2012). Professional massage and bodywork therapists are responsible for adhering to ethical principles and standards of conduct established by their professional, educational, and certification organizations. Establishing clear boundaries in professional relationships with clients is crucial for the safety of both the therapist and the client. These boundaries ensure that therapists operate within their scope of practice, which is defined by their education, training, and certification, in accordance with the code of ethics and professional standards. Ethical dilemmas may arise in the
Distinguish between transference and countertransference. Describe the nature of the fiduciary role. List four ways practitioners might work outside their scope of practice.
practice of massage therapy and bodywork, necessitating the development of sound ethical decision-making skills. Ethical practice also involves technical competence and knowledge specific to massage and bodywork. A professional therapist provides significant mental and physical health benefits to clients, drawing on competency gained through education, certification or licensure, and experience. Today, massage and bodywork practices are integrated into many multidisciplinary approaches to mental and physical health. Therefore, professional practitioners must understand various massage and bodywork modalities to effectively treat a wide range of mental and physical disorders.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH ON BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
practicing on clients with certain health conditions (NCCIH, 2016): • In some cases, pregnant women should avoid massage therapy. Clients must consult with their health care provider before getting a massage if pregnant. Always consult the licensing agency or state regulations for additional guidance when working with pregnant clients. It might be prudent for the massage/bodywork professional to institute a standard release form to be signed and maintained in the client’s record in these cases. • People with some conditions such as bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts should avoid having forceful and deep tissue massage. People who take anticoagulants, known as blood thinners , should also avoid these modalities. • Massage should not be done in any potentially weak area of the skin, such as wounds. Again, the massage professional should understand any regulations that govern their practice with these clients. • Deep or intense pressure should not be used over an area where the patient has a tumor or cancer, unless approved by the patient’s health care provider. Always
The use of integrative approaches to health and wellness has grown within healthcare settings across the United States, with more than 30 percent of adults and about 12 percent of children using health care approaches developed outside of mainstream Western or conventional medicine (NCCIH, 2016). The 2016 National Center for Complementary and Integrated Health (NCCIH), a division of the National Institute of Health (NIH), notes that scientific research on massage therapy and bodywork is in the preliminary stage, but significant evidence points toward beneficial effects of integrative healthcare in a variety of situations (NCCIH, 2016). These benefits include pain management for military personnel and veterans, relief of symptoms in cancer patients and survivors, programs to promote healthy behaviors, and symptoms associated with a number of medical conditions (NCCIH, 2016). Research evidence has documented positive short-term effects, and if clients continue massage and bodywork, care health benefits may continue (NCCIH, 2016). According to the NIH, Massage therapy appears to have few risks when performed by a trained massage therapist, though some precautions must be considered when
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Book Code: MMD0926
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