Introduction
It is important to note that massage therapies involve a significant level of trust, where clients can feel vulnerable during the process. Therefore, due to the intimate nature of massage, therapists need to adhere to core ethical and professional codes and standards of conduct. The following analysis will primarily focus on identifying the most common high-risk areas in massage therapy, ensuring that therapists have a comprehensive understanding of these areas. Thus, professional ethics in massage therapy condemn inappropriate conduct, which can come mostly in three forms, such as sexual misconduct, violation of a client’s consent and dignity, and harm.
Sexual Misconduct
Firstly, a therapist always needs to remember that a massage must not be sexual in any shape or form. It is stated that “in the healthcare industry, any sexual assault or inappropriate misconduct between staff, providers, and clients is against the law and carries severe consequences, including potential jail time” (Aubrey, 2018, para. 1). In other words, there are profound implications of sexualizing the massage process, which is why one needs to be careful of proper communication, touching, and other behavioral conducts.
Sexual misconduct can be both physical and non-physical in nature, and both of them are equally inappropriate and should be entirely avoided. The former version includes sexual touching, touching without consent, inattentiveness to sensitive body areas, and inappropriate hand placement (Aubrey, 2018). The non-physical violations are suggestive or rude comments, sexual jokes, non-consensual photographing, non-consensual videotaping, heavy sexualized breathing, and inappropriate eye contact (Aubrey, 2018). These are key high-risk areas to be aware of when giving a client massage therapy, but other inappropriate sexual behaviors exist as well.
The main way to avoid sexual misconduct during a massage is to communicate with a client as clearly as possible to ensure that they feel comfortable and safe during the entire process. For instance, “there is no rule that a client must be unclothed to have a massage,” which means it is up to the client to decide about it (Aubrey, 2018, para. 8). Essentially, a therapist has a responsibility to maintain and set boundaries.
In addition, sensitive areas, such as breasts or inner thighs, should not be touched without a client’s consent and agreement to the process. A client’s hands should always be placed to avoid accidental touching of the therapist’s genital area (Aubrey, 2018). Lastly, it is critical to ensure that very light touches are avoided unless done for strictly therapeutic purposes only, because they are likely to be interpreted as sexual.
Consent and Dignity
Secondly, the central pillars of ethical and professional conduct for massage therapists include obtaining informed consent and maintaining the client’s dignity and respect. A massage must always be given with the client’s consent and agreement to the process, meaning it cannot be forced at any time. A key aspect to be aware of is that the client can withdraw their consent if they feel and choose to do so.
The Code of Ethics by the National Association of Massage Therapists (NAMT) (n.d.) states, “I will respect the client’s right to refuse, modify or terminate treatment at will regardless of prior consent given” (para. 6). In other words, a single provision of consent does not guarantee that a client agrees with the process of massage throughout, which is why it is up to a therapist to ensure that everything is consensual continuously.
Similarly, a therapist cannot be forced to deliver massage therapy themselves. They have the right “to refuse to treat any person or part of the body for just and reasonable cause” (National Association of Massage Therapists, n.d., para. 7). Thus, it is imperative to note that massage is a mutually consensual and agreed process that can be halted at any moment.
When it comes to a client’s dignity and fundamental rights, these areas of the massage process are critical to preventing inappropriate conduct. A therapist must always show “respect for the dignity and rights of all individuals by providing a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for sessions … giving clients recourse in the event of dissatisfaction with treatment” (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 2021, para. 6). The latter means that massage therapy must be delivered in fashion, where a client’s dignity is upheld and respected.
Do No Harm
Thirdly, at no point in time must massage therapy cause harm to a client. In accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (2021), a therapist must “conduct a thorough health history intake process for each client and evaluate the health history” (para. 3). This is necessary to determine the appropriate adaptations for the sessions.
Additionally, such an evaluation is necessary to ensure that there are no contraindications for delivering massage therapy. To do so, there must be “a logical expectation” that a massage therapy session is to be beneficial, health-improving, and contributive to the well-being of the client (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 2021, para. 3). In other words, a massage itself must not cause harm in any way that is detrimental to a client’s health.
Ensuring that no harm is done can be achieved by striving for high-quality care and commitment to professionalism. The former is necessary to serve the client’s best interests by delivering high-quality massage therapy within clear, safe boundaries. In the case of a commitment to professionalism, every step of the process is conducted within a professional context. For example, it is essential to avoid the use of alcohol or recreational drugs before the sessions (Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, 2021). Therefore, adhering to the strict principles of professionalism and striving to deliver high-quality service ensures that no harm is done to a client.
Conclusion
In conclusion, in massage therapy, professional ethics strongly disapprove of inappropriate conduct, which primarily manifests in three ways: sexual misconduct, infringement of a client’s consent and dignity, and inflicting harm. Firstly, a therapist should consistently be aware that massages must never be sexual in any manner. The primary method to prevent sexual misconduct during a massage is to maintain open communication with a client to guarantee their comfort and safety throughout the experience.
Secondly, consent and dignity are fundamental tenets of ethical and professional behavior for massage therapists. To prevent improper behavior, it is essential to respect a client’s dignity and fundamental rights throughout the massage. Thirdly, at no point should a massage therapy session cause harm to the client. Commitment to professionalism and high-quality care can ensure that no harm is inflicted upon clients during massage therapy sessions.
References
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals. (2021). ABMP’S Code of Ethics for massage therapists.
Aubrey, C. (2018). Understanding and addressing sexual misconduct in the massage industry. Discover Massage Australia
National Association of Massage Therapists. (n.d.). Code of Ethics.