Massage What? Er… Pardon Me, Sir… You Have the Wrong Business
Your anticipated happy ending may not be so happy
NEW YORK, July 22 /PRNewswire/ — Buyer beware: A professional massage therapy session does not include “personal/sexual” contact. Any solicitation to that affect may result in professional and/or criminal charges. Any person practicing massage without a license is a class E felony.
It’s sad but true that there are businesses using massage as a guise for their salacious and illegal activity; thus, causing massage therapists to have to defend themselves and their practice against unsavory behavior. In fairness to the consumer, they have a right to know if they are being cared for by a licensed massage therapist.
Here are tips on how to identify and what to expect from a reputable, qualified massage therapist:
1. Do choose only a credentialed professional. In the state of New York
massage therapists must be licensed and registered by the State Dept of
Education, Office of the Professions. The attending therapist
credentials should be displayed.
2. Do ask for a name referral to find a qualified professional. You may
search some of the professional massage associations i.e.,
AMTAmassage.org or NYSmassage.org in their find a therapist locator
section.
3. Do Consult with your massage therapist to learn which method(s) may be
most suitable to your health needs; there are many massage methods all
serving a unique purpose.
4. A massage therapist may not misrepresent their educational status or
scope of practice.
5. Do complete the medical history form including medications honestly, as
there are contraindications for massage.
6. Do not be upset if it is suggested your massage care be postponed and
you are referred to a physician or other qualified practitioner; we’re
acting in your best interest.
7. Massage therapy is not intended to replace appropriate medical care.
8. Massage therapists do not diagnose or prescribe meds. However, they
must evaluate and assess in order to determine care.
9. Do speak up if something feels uncomfortable during the session, i.e.,
temperature, pressure. The applied pressure may vary depending on the
technique used, your personal preference, body tolerance and medical
condition/medications.
10. Don’t disrobe until the massage therapist leaves the treatment room.
11. You are entitled to expect a high standard of professional and ethical
conduct, courtesy, and applications.
12. You are modestly covered at all times during the massage but you may
leave undergarments on or ask if disposable undergarments are
available. If preferred, there are methods where you may remain
clothed.
13. It is strictly forbidden for the massage therapist or client to engage
in “personal/sexual” contact. Doing so may result in professional
and/or criminal charges. In the event of any impropriety please
contact your local law enforcement agency, www.AMTAmassage.org or
www.NYSMMT.org.
14. Be properly nourished and hydrated the day of your massage. Muscles
will respond better and it will diminish residual soreness that may
occur after a massage.
15. You are entitled to quiet, relaxing enjoyment of your massage but it’s
up to you if talking relaxes you.
16. Do enjoy a massage. It’s more than making you feel good, a massage
has an impressive range of therapeutic effects which is supported by
myriad scientific research.
