Chapter 1: Ethics in Massage Therapy (Mandatory) 2 CE Hours
By: John Vinacci, LMT Learning outcomes
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. Course overview 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
Distinguish between transference and countertransference. Describe the nature of the fiduciary role. List four ways practitioners might work outside their scope of practice. or turn to other appropriate resources for professional assistance. This ethics course: ● 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.
INTRODUCTION
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.
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
STATISTICS
The primary reason people received massage was for health and wellness reasons as follows: ● 63% of adult Americans who had a massage in the 12 months leading up to June of 2020 received it for medical or health reasons, such as pain management, soreness/stiffness/spasms, injury rehabilitation, or overall wellness. ● 92% of consumers believed that massage was effective in reducing pain and 93% believed it to be beneficial to health and wellness. ● 45% of massage consumers got a massage for relaxation and/or stress relief in 2020. ● The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an increase of 21% in Massage Therapist jobs between 2019 and 2029, with 34,400 jobs created during that time period (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019).
The following data, compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) from U.S. government statistics, consumer surveys, massage therapists, and recent clinical studies on the efficacy of massage, provides an overview of the current state of the massage profession. Released in 2021, these statistics highlight the public and medical acceptance of massage therapy's value and the growing consumer usage of massage therapy in the U.S. (American Massage Therapy Association, 2021). Understanding these statistics is crucial for practitioners to stay updated with the evolving profession, which necessitates an increase in their knowledge of ethical practice and their role in integrative healthcare.
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Book Code: MFL1225B
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