Many people are nervous ahead of their first massage or myotherapy session. This is understandable.
This is why Massage & Myotherapy Australia has put in place a strict code of conduct that all our practitioners must adhere to if they are to benefit from being a member of our service.
As well as reflecting the values of our organisation, this document makes clear the level of professional conduct that is expected when dealing with clients at all times. The ethics and standards described are aligned to the National Code of Conduct which applies in each state.
In addition, clear guidelines are provided as to how practitioners must behave if a complaint is made against them. This includes making it as easy as possible for the patient involved to register the details of grievance with the relevant authorities.
As the leading national representative body for massage and myotherapy practitioners, Massage & Myotherapy Australia knows the importance of building trust in the professions. Our code of conduct is integral to this.
While our members are all highly qualified, we take public safety and wellbeing seriously, and the code of conduct is a way of safeguarding both of these. So let's take a look at what is included.
Our code of conduct is a comprehensive document that covers all facets of practitioner-client interaction. Here are some of the most important aspects from a customer point of view:
- Professional conduct - This includes rules relating to maintaining their professional education, having appropriate levels of insurance and patient record keeping.
- Confidentiality - These regulations refer to the handling of confidential client details.
- Clinical settings - Here we're talking about the safety and hygiene with regards to the setting where sessions take place.
- Honesty - Practitioners must be realistic when promoting their services and not exaggerate the expected results of sessions.
- Fitness to practice - Our members must be well themselves when working and must allow patients to make decisions about their care.
- Client relationships - Client relationships should be handled with integrity and within professional boundaries.
- Vulnerable persons - Practitioners need to treat vulnerable persons with respect, and treat them equally to other clients.
- Misconduct and complaints - There are clear rules for members who are alleged to be in breach of this code, as well as the expected behaviour if a complaint against them is made.
A formal complaints process is provided for consumers and Massage & Myotherapy Australia members as part of our commitment to upholding the integrity of the profession and protecting the wellbeing of clients through an effective and transparent method of managing complaints.
The Complaints Guidelines provide the formal facility to lodge and record complaints against Massage & Myotherapy members.
If the Code of Ethics is breached or a member is otherwise engaged in conduct unbecoming of a member, the Board may take disciplinary steps against that person.
The Association may choose to act on a complaint or, if required, discipline members. All matters of a serious nature involving reportable misconduct such as alleged sexual assault or fraud are forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
To ensure that a complaint is dealt with appropriately, complainants must complete and lodge the Complaints Form and forward it to:-
The Chief Executive Officer
Massage & Myotherapy Australia
Level 8, 53 Queen Street,
Melbourne, Victoria 3000
03 9602 7300
ea@massagemyotherapy.com.au
Download the Complaint Form
As a touch-based therapy, the quality of interaction between therapists and clients is vital for the client’s wellbeing. In effect, the quality of this interaction shows how clients feel about, and benefit from, the treatment they receive and whether the experience is a positive one.
As the peak representative body for Massage Therapists, Remedial Massage Therapists and Myotherapists in Australia, Massage & Myotherapy Australia provides a public service by maintaining a register of qualified member practitioners for referral and for responding to enquiries and complaints from the public. As part of this, our commitment to transparency includes recording and publishing reports on complaints received and the data collected. The reports provide an opportunity for the tertiary education sector to adjust and align ethical conduct and contributes to member education and training. The documents include:
- Complaints in Massage Therapy: 2003–2011
- Complaints in Massage Therapy: 2012–2015
- Complaints in Massage Therapy: 2016-2019