In September 2017 a new standard was put in place to further protect the public when receiving treatment and we wanted to let you know how this affects you.
There are two parts to the standard.
The first part (part A) of new standards talks about maintaining of professional
boundaries, such as verbal and non-verbal communication, treating friends and family and draping. It focuses on the importance of maintaining a professional client therapist relationship.
So for example, if you request to be friends with your therapist on Facebook they may not be able to accept your request if it is their personal profile and they feel that it may have an effect on your client- therapist relationship.
The second part (part B) of this standard talks about prevention of sexual abuse and new requirements for treatment of “sensitive areas”. It was brought in order to protect public and to make sure that clients understand their rights and agree to the treatment of “sensitive areas”.
The sensitive areas include breast, anterior chest wall, inner and upper
thigh (groin) and gluteal region (buttocks). In Part B of this standard, CMTO requires Massage therapists to obtain a written consent prior treatment of these areas.
For example, if a female patient had breast cancer surgery and requires massage
around the breast to reduce complications of cording, she will need to sign in writing that she consents and understands the context of the treatment before each treatment.
What should you expect next time you go to see your massage therapist?
In case that treatment of one of the sensitive areas is indicated, you will have a
chance to discuss with your Massage therapist the nature and purpose of the proposed treatment as well as draping, possible risks, side effects and alternative treatments.
Your Massage therapist will ask you to sign the consent prior to each treatment of
breast, upper inner thigh (groin) or anterior chest wall and prior the first treatment of gluteal area (verbal consent is sufficient afterwards).By signing the consent you still keep your rights to change your mind and withdraw or alter consent any time during the treatment.
If you have any questions or you want to know more about new standards please talk to your Massage therapist or go to cmto.com.
Neven Jeftic, RMT, Registered Massage Therapist