informed consent that must be included in client records (NCCIH, 2016). Beyond the NIH advisory, there are other health conditions to consider before proceeding with massage and bodywork. The practitioner must communicate concerns with the client and obtain approval from other health professionals prior to initiating massage or body work if the client has experienced the following conditions: ● Bone damage, such as severe osteoporosis, may mean that massage is not indicated for the client. ● Conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots may put clients at risk. Blood clots may become dislodged and travel to the heart or brain, causing heart attack or stroke. ● An injury, especially one that affects the blood or bones, could be negatively impacted by massage and bodywork. ● There is a risk of allergic reaction to body preparation products, including oils or aromatherapy materials. Any skin sensitivity, allergies or other conditions must be identified and discussed to identify any possibility of allergic reactions or sensitivities to products. ● Though some soreness following deep tissue massage is common, pain during or after massage should not occur. Muscle weakness or pain after the massage should be reported by the client to their health provider (NCCIH, 2016). As the massage and bodywork professions continue to expand into integrated healthcare, they have gained legitimacy for the therapeutic benefits they may provide to clients in areas of mental and physical health. Ethical practice goes beyond adherence to laws, standards, and guidelines and includes honesty with clients and colleagues, professional goals, continued education, and the obligation to always act in the client’s best interest. All state licensing authorities, certifying or accrediting agencies, and professional associations establish their own standards of conduct and ethical guidelines for their members. Massage and bodywork therapists need to refer directly to the organizations and academic or training institutions with which they are affiliated, as well as with state, local, and national associations to review ethical guidelines that apply specifically to their practice. addresses priorities for populations that may benefit from an integrated approach to health care. The objectives of the specialty certification programs are to: 1. Further elevate the standards of massage therapy. 2. Further include massage therapy’s role in integrative healthcare. 3. Provide therapists with access to high-quality, advanced programs for specific modalities and populations. 4. Ensure patients receive the best possible care. knowledge of ethical practice and their role in integrative healthcare. The primary reason people received massage was for health and wellness reasons as follows: ● Fifty-two percent of adult Americans who had a massage between July 2014 and July 2015 received it for medical or health reasons, such as pain management, soreness/ stiffness/spasms, injury rehabilitation, or overall wellness. ● Ninety-one percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain.
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 body work 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 practicing on clients with certain health conditions: ● 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 , also should 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 document all medical conditions and discuss the safety and effectiveness of massage and bodywork with colleagues or supervisors. ● The procedures for informed consent must include any medical diagnosis, massage and bodywork modalities to be used, and documentation must reflect any discussions and explanations conducted with clients. The informed consent section of this course will outline the important, specific, and ongoing components of or certification for the massage therapy and bodywork profession (NCBTMB, 2016). It includes more education, hands-on experience, and a background check that conveys a higher level of mastery for the practitioner beyond state minimum requirements. The NCBTMB offers specialty certifications that align with the National Institute of Health 2016 Strategic Plan that Statistics The following is a compilation of data gathered by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) from U.S. government statistics, surveys of consumers, massage therapists and recent clinical studies on the efficacy of massage. The following statistics, released in 2016, outline the current state of the massage profession, public and medical acceptance of the value of massage and increasing consumer usage of massage therapy in the U.S. (American Massage Therapy Association, 2016). It is important to understand these statistics to keep pace with the changes in the profession that require the practitioner to increase their
National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) National Board Certification is voluntary and offered through NCBTMB to provide a credential beyond state licensure
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Book Code: MTX1325
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