About

My Professionalism and Ethics

• Care for the health, wellbeing and comfort of my clients with the utmost skill appropriate to my current qualifications
• Respect the privacy, modesty and dignity of my clients and maintain appropriate professional boundaries
• Respect the beliefs, rights and values of my clients
• Protect the confidentiality of my clients’ personal information
• Refer clients to an appropriate therapist if their needs are outside my scope of practice and training
• Respect my fellow therapists in all disciplines
• Commit myself to continuing professional development, sharing technical skills and raising professional standards
• Endeavour to enhance the reputation of the massage therapy profession
• Support the Association of Massage Therapists in all its ideals, principles, codes and standards
• Refrain from conduct that adversely affects the reputation of the Association of Massage Therapists or the massage profession
• Comply with the AMT Code of Practice and all applicable State, Territory and Federal laws

Myths About Massage Therapy

Myth 1: Massage is a Luxury

Christian Perez, LMT

One of the most persistent misconceptions surrounding massage therapy is that it is solely a luxurious indulgence rather than a legitimate form of health care.

In reality, massage therapy provides numerous health benefits that contribute to a person’s overall well-being.

The biggest myth is that massage is a luxury and not a part of regular self-care.

Myth 2: Massage Has to be Painful to be Effective

Rachel Richards, LMT

The “no pain, no gain” theory does not apply to massage. Massage is supposed to feel good.

It is not a test of tolerance and endurance. In fact, if a client is in pain, the massage session is unlikely to be a success.

If a client is seeking massage therapy for pain relief, it doesn’t make sense to cause them more pain.

When someone is in pain, they tend to clench their muscles, making it impossible for the massage therapist to do safe and effective work.

In addition, pain signals the brain to release stress hormones, which activates the sympathetic nervous system.

This is the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve with massage.

How can we alleviate anxiety and muscle tension if a client is clenching, holding their breath, and distracted by pain?

Myth 3: Massage Therapists are Mind Readers

Miriam Goldstein, LMT, BCH

I think one of the biggest myths or misconceptions about massage therapy is that the therapist always knows what the client is feeling and what is best for the client in the moment, without any communication or questions.

This, in my experience, leads to an expectation that a client’s discomfort will be corrected in one session without consistent treatment or a protocol.

Many clients I speak to often complain of a “bad” massage experience that left them in pain after the massage session.

But, most also admit they did not communicate with the massage therapist during the massage session.

I am coming from the perspective of a massage therapist who also is experienced in stress relief sessions.