Consumers are discussing specific medical conditions with their doctors (AMTA, 2021a) ● 57% of respondents discussed pain relief or pain management with their doctor. ● 47% discussed soreness/stiffness/spasms. ● 43% discussed relaxation or stress reduction. Health care providers recommending massage as a viable form of treatment for the conditions discussed above (AMTA, 2021a)
● 36% discussed injury recovery or rehabilitation with their doctor.
○ 24% were strongly recommended to get a massage. Physicians were the most likely health care professionals to recommend massage to their patients (50%), followed by physical therapists (36%) and chiropractors (24%).
Health care providers and doctors are more commonly viewing massage therapy as a legitimate option to address health concerns: ● A total of 18% of consumers reported discussing massage therapy with their doctors. Of these consumers: ○ 25% were referred to a massage therapist.
PRINCIPLES OF PROFESSIONAL ETHICS
● Accurately inform a client or patient about the intended course of therapy and acquire their consent prior to the massage. ● Properly drape or cover clients or patients to ensure their safety and comfort in accordance with local and state laws. ● Provide therapy only in regard to what clients or patients request and respect their desire to stop therapy at any time for any reason. ● Withhold therapy for a client or patient if a medical condition indicates possible contraindications. ● Refuse to diagnose possible medical conditions, and instead refer the client or patient to a physician for a proper assessment. ● Maintain and continue to develop skills through regularly scheduled continuing education classes. Regarding business practices, a massage therapist shall: ● Provide therapy regardless of a client or patient’s gender or ethnicity. ● Provide a safe and secure setting that meets local and state health code regulations. ● Maintain adequate liability insurance in accordance with local and state laws. ● Maintain accurate records that pertain to appointments, billing, taxes, and legal obligations. ● Keep confidential all client or patient information, except when required by law enforcement officials. ● Securely store and destroy when necessary all client or patient files. ● Honestly and accurately represent experience and credentials as well as services when advertising and marketing. ● Refrain from any and all illicit, illegal, or prohibited activity. ● Conduct business transactions with honesty and integrity, disclosing fees for services clearly and concisely. ● File all applicable state and federal taxes. ● Refrain from the defamation of other therapists and health and wellness providers. ● Treat all coworkers, employers, and employees with respect. ● Clearly define the expectations of employees with a precise job description and internal company policies (if having employees). Regarding client/patient interactions, a massage therapist shall: ● Act in a manner conducive to the best interests of the client or patient while safeguarding the reputation of the massage profession. ● Ask only for information that is relevant to the practice of massage or a course of therapy.
Ethics refers to the principles of morally right or good conduct, specifically when two or more people are involved. Professional ethics in massage therapy is the application of guiding principles of right conduct to the study, practice, and business of massage therapy. Unlike personal morals, which are flexible and open to debate, professional ethical codes ar e formally defined, mandatory standards of conduct established by and for members of professional associations to ensure quality and integrity in the profession (Thiroux & Krasemann, 2014). Because virtually all state licensing authorities, certifying/ accrediting agencies, and professional associations establish their own standards of conduct and ethical guidelines for their members, massage therapists need to refer directly to the organizations and academic or training institutions with which they are affiliated, as well as state, local, and national associations, to review the ethical guidelines that apply. This course is based on standards of ethical behavior embodied in both the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) and National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and common to the ethical codes of other agencies regulating massage therapy (AMTA, 2010). A code of ethics states the ethical responsibilities of the massage and bodywork professional. Standards of practice further establish the expectations of professional conduct in regard to the law, confidentiality, business practices, roles and boundaries, and prevention of misconduct (NCBTMB, 2017). This course intends to clarify the meaning of statements and concepts central to the ethical practice of massage therapy. Broadly speaking, the code of ethics for massage therapists covers three areas of concern: ● Self-conduct in relation to performing a massage. ● Self-conduct in business dealings. ● Self-conduct when interacting with clients both in a professional setting and within the public arena. What follows is a generalized code of ethics for massage therapists based upon the ethical standards set forth by many professional massage therapy schools, professional massage therapy organizations, and massage licensing boards (AMBP, 2022; AMTA, 2010). Regarding the practice of massage, massage therapists shall: ● Provide the highest quality massage therapy for clients or patients seeking a professional service. ● Practice only techniques they are trained, qualified, or otherwise certified to perform. ● Project a professional appearance by being punctual, well-groomed, free of odors, and wearing clean clothes.
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Book Code: MFL1225B
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