Professional Ethics Massage therapy
Professional Ethics for Massage therapy, the statement alone provokes a sense of dignity. Appearance always has a lot to do with how someone perceives you. The appearance in any case is how the massage therapist looks and dresses when providing or promoting massage. Professional appearance includes appropriate attire and good hygiene. For men that means clean shaven and dressed accordingly. The primary goal of ones appearance is to put the patient at ease and give them a level of comfort. It also can provoke a sense of trust and safety in the patient.
Self disclosure can also provide a level of trust with the patient. During the intake of a patient or client one should only disclose enough about yourself the therapist to be affective at the process of aiding the patient. The extent and depth of information should only cover what is relevant to the conditions that the patient is presenting for treatment. In order for the patient to get closer to the therapist the client may expound on personal and sensitive information. The client may be unclear as to his own or the therapist’s boundaries and give information in an attempt to get the therapist to act beyond the scope of practice. Any information unless physically harmful to the patient or therapist should be held in confidence.
The language one uses in reguards to tone, words, intonation, and overall communication skills are vital aspects of creating effective boundaries between patient and therapist. Touch and how it’s applied is a form of communication and can be done creating a feeling of comfort and safety or be threatening and uncomfortable. Quality and depth of touch should be disclosed to the patient prior to the session or included in the informed consent that the client signs prior to the massage. If the touch is too light or too deep can cause discomfort to the patient, violate boundaries of the patient, and be inappropriate.
