While the relaxing benefits of massage and myotherapy are well established, many people feel nervous before going for treatment, especially if it's their first time.

Among the chief concerns for clients is the idea of extended physical contact with a total stranger. However, many of these fears can be minimised by choosing a qualified practitioner. Here's why:

1. They're highly skilled

To become a professional member with Massage & Myotherapy Australia, therapists must be studying towards or hold one or more from the following list of prescribed qualifications:

  • HLT40302 or HLT40307 or HLT40312 or HLT42015 Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice
  • HLT50302 or HLT50307 or HLT52015 Diploma of Remedial Massage
  • 21920VIC or 21511VIC or 22248VIC or 22316VIC Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy
  • 10052NAT Advanced Diploma of Health Science (Soft Tissue Therapy)
  • 30836QLD Cert IV Musculoskeletal Therapy
  • 30837QLD Diploma of Musculoskeletal Therapy
  • 30844QLD Advanced Diploma of Musculoskeletal Therapy
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy)
  • Bachelor of Health Science (Clinical Myotherapy)

These competencies teach not only the knowledge to provide effective massage and myotherapy services, but also how to interact with patients and put them at their ease. Before commencing your practitioner should sit down with you and discuss the pain you're experiencing that led you to seek professional assistance, and walk you through the steps they will take during the course of your session.

This should help put your mind at ease, as well as giving you the opportunity to make a final decision as to whether this is the person you want to be working with.

At Massage & Myotherapy Australia we insist upon our professional practitioners completing these programs as a condition of membership in order to ensure that they have excellent knowledge and proficiency in their field. As a result they can then pass on this expertise to you in their sessions.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia also provides ongoing support and training to its professional practitioners to ensure that the quality of these disciplines remains high in the future.

2. They have a defined code of ethics

All massage and myotherapy practitioners who are members of Massage & Myotherapy Australia are obliged to adhere to the Code of Ethics, Standards of Practice. These documents are aligned to the National Code of Conduct in each state and territory.

The aims of the Code of Ethics are:

  • Reinforcing the principles of Massage & Myotherapy Australia.
  • Protecting the general public.
  • Making clear the professional standards expected of therapists.

By agreeing to these standards, and renewing their commitment annually, practitioners commit to the highest standards both in conducting their services and their overall treatment of patients. 

3. You have clear protections

Having a clearly defined Code of Ethics also makes it easier to establish when breaches of trust are made. Massage & Myotherapy Australia is committed to recommending that anyone who feels the need to make a complaint against a therapist should contact the authorities and do so.

Our practitioners are required to cooperate fully with any enquiries, and keep detailed records of their sessions with patients.

As massage and myotherapy falls into the health care environment, any inappropriate conduct, comments or sexual assault is reportable as professional sexual misconduct. We provide clear channels that consumers can pursue to contact the relevant bodies and make their voices heard