Ministerial Briefings, Government Submissions 2019/2020 

July to September

Queensland Health Ombudsman Act amendments.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia’s response to the proposed amendments to the Queensland Health Ombudsman Act 2013 was submitted in response to the Health Parliamentary Committee’s Inquiry.

Mission for Cardiovascular Health and Expert Panel submission and supporting letter to Minister Hunt

The submission highlighted areas of research that indicate measured benefit for cardiovascular-related symptoms, or that show further research is warranted, and offered research options in developing an integrated and purposeful response to the disease. A very positive response was received from Minister Hunt.

WA Cancer Plan 2020-2025

The submission outlined areas of research that indicate measured benefit to relieve symptoms, and/or if further research is warranted to better understand how massage may be applied in cancer settings and offered options for improving services made available to people living with cancer in Western Australia.

Department of Veterans Affairs submission

The Associations submission ‘Broadening the range of evidence-based wellbeing services for Veterans - A Submission to the DVA Health Provider Partnership Forum’ was provided in response to the DVA consultation. The submission referred to the 10 years since the previous review and leveraged recent studies to propose two areas of reform: 1. Implementing a more integrated/inclusive approach to Veterans’ care: 2. Making a more informed decision from measured outcomes.

The Association was invited to present at the Forum during 2020.

Vic DHHS submission Cancer Plan 2020-2024

Based around an extensive list of recent studies, the submission offered positive options to improve services for people either living with or dying from cancer in Victoria. To improve our understanding of the benefits of massage for cancer and palliative care, we proposed that massage should be provided by professional therapists with specialist training. This would also enable higher value research studies to be conducted within clinical settings.

October to December

North West Melbourne PHN - Chronic-Pain-Market-Sounding Submission

The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN’s) sought feedback regarding a summary document, produced from market sounding sessions held in early 2019.

The Association’s submission highlighted the need to include complementary therapies in pain management programs, referencing numerous studies attesting to the benefits of massage, remedial massage and myotherapy in managing pain; the high numbers of those self-funding access to these therapies, and various publications attesting to efficacy of integrating movement based activities with manual manipulation therapies to improve mobility through relief from symptoms of chronic pain.

A submission in response to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) Consultation Paper

Titled ‘Regulatory requirements for health care arrangements in the NSW, Workers Compensation and CTP Schemes’, SIRA sought to develop a deeper understanding concerning an Ernst and Young report which analysed upward trends and costs in service utilisation for medical attendances, private hospital services, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery and pain management clinics.

In responding to an invitation to comment, the Association’s submission titled ‘Finding a more efficient use of health management resources’, included the results of a brief members survey in response to the questions posed by the SIRA consultation. The response identified several reasons for an increase in the use of massage services including accessibility, efficacy and value to patients, removal of over-the-counter opioids, limited regulation, data collection and reporting of when and how massage is applied for given conditions, and possible duplicate billing. The Association proposed several solutions including more formal regulation for the use of massage, remedial massage and myotherapy modalities and deeper integration of qualified profession therapists to ensure appropriate use and administration of these therapies.

Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-2024 Consultation Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Massage & Myotherapy Australia contributed to the Victorian Government's consultation in developing the Victorian Cancer Plan 2020-2024 to improve cancer outcomes and care for Victorians. The submission outlined how massage therapy, remedial massage therapy and myotherapy contribute to improving the quality of life of people suffering from cancer and those in palliative care, by alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by treatments and cancer morbidity.

The information provided was of particular relevance to Action area 3 concerning the treatment and alleviation of discomfort and stress, Action area 4 relating to wellbeing and support, and Action area 5 concerning research.

The Association proposed that rather than considering massage as a ‘nice adjunct or distraction’ from the effects of the disease and medical treatment, the Association illustrated that the quality of life of cancer during and post treatment and palliative care patients can be improved significantly by including massage as an integral part of patient care. To improve our understanding of the benefits of massage for cancer and palliative care, the Association proposed that massage should be provided by professional therapists with specialist training and enable higher value research studies to be conducted within clinical settings.

January to March

WA Health Minister face-to-face briefing

The meeting with Julie Armstrong Advisor to the Honourable Roger Cook MLA, WA Deputy Premier and Minister for Mental Health occurred during the certification workshops and was accompanied by a written Ministerial Brief concerning issues and developments in the professional massage and myotherapy sector in Western Australia.

The Ministerial Brief provided an update on the progress we have made in regards to Australia’s first national Quality Assurance (QA) program for professional massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists.

SA Palliative Care Grant submission

A grant submission titled ‘Improving quality of life - at end of life’ was completed in response to the South Australian Government’s call involving Palliative Care 2020 Grants Program. The initiative is designed to work with and support innovative non-government organisations who can bring new ideas to improve and diversify palliative care. This will increase access to services across South Australia for those who need it most

The Association, in partnership with not-for-profit Oncology Massage Limited, proposed a project involving qualified massage therapists, fully supported by a clinical supervisor to attend patients with their consent at an end-of-life facility to provide massage treatment. Further, the aim was also to mentor family and care givers in effective touch protocols to reduce and assist in the management of symptoms of pain, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

April to June

Ministerial Briefing – COVID 19 Joint Association Initiative

Review and edit of the joint massage association Covid 19 submission to state and federal governments seeking clarification on rulings concerning professional massage services. This included clarification of the intent of the joint letter, defining the difference between professional and quasi massage practice therapists, highlighting the importance of clinical services to remain available to clients in need, and a summary of advice provided to members.

Ministerial response from MMA

In response to a request for an update from Matthew van Horen senior advisor the Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash in regard to the Covid 19 activities undertaken by the Association, a briefing included: Advice and support to members; How the Association was working cooperatively with Government; and the Possible effects post Covid 19.

Federal DoH Aged Care Worker Regulation Scheme Consultation submission

The Association’s submission highlighted the need to avoid duplication, and the benefits and limitations of the current Code of Conduct for Healthcare Workers, and the importance of information sharing. It drew on the parallels and similarities of the proposed Aged Care Worker Regulation Scheme to the Unregistered Health Workers Sscheme. This included identifying the parallel challenges in providing a personal level of care, often to vulnerable clients including the aged and infirm, and very low level of barriers to entry for lower skilled workers. Topics included:

• Assessments of criminal history
• Assessment of information other than criminal history
• Code of Conduct
• Proficiency in English
• Minimum qualifications
• Continuing professional development
• Positive register and/or list of excluded workers
• Identifying the appropriate regulatory body
• Intersections with other like schemes

Media Releases and Stakeholder Bulletins 2019/2020

July to September

Stakeholder Bulletin 10_ 16 reasons clinical massage can help address aged care crisis.

Covered testimonials by witnesses appearing before the 2019 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety who all shared a common issue: the need to provide effective pain and stress management and comfort.

The article leveraged this need, with argument and research to support the further integration of massage, remedial massage and myotherapy into aged care.

Stakeholder Bulletin 11_ Should GPs recommend massage to their cardiovascular patients?

Covered a body of research undertaken during the past five years that report specifically on the effects of massage on symptoms of cardiovascular disease and surgery, such as heart rate, hypertension, and blood pressure, and that suggests that massage is a useful intervention.

Results: 25% open rate; Click to open rate 2.35%; Unsubscribe 1.17%.

NSW Election Media Release - Victoria Police A job well done

The Association called on all political parties contesting the NSW election to declare policies that overcome the unacceptable market disconnects that prevent effective pain management for people suffering from chronic disease.

The call came in response to the numerous problems that limit access to effective integrated pain and stress management services available to people in NSW, who live with chronic pain and stress unnecessarily.

NSW Election Media Release - Why aren’t policy makers listening to palliative care patients?

The Association called upon all political parties contesting seats in the NSW state election to listen and respond to what the palliative care patients, community and researchers are telling them about the needs of patients.

User choice, anecdotal evidence, and a growing body of scientific evidence provided a solid basis on which to formulate appropriate policies around palliative care. The Association pointed out however, that in the absence of adequate policies and funding that recognise their role, many professional massage therapists are asked to provide their services for free and this was untenable.

October to December

Stakeholder Bulletin 12_ The worth of massage–are we asking the right questions?

The Bulletin argued that Cochran level research studies and methodologies which have proved challenging for massage therapy researchers, was limiting the understanding of medical practitioners in regard to the use of massage in managing the symptoms of pain and anxiety. It highlighted the need for standardized and optimised massage modalities and controls to address the value of subjective reporting and difficulties encountered when interpreting results.

January to March

Stakeholder Bulletin 13 - Is there a role for physical therapies in addressing mental health problems?

Formulated around the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report – Social and Economic Benefits of Improving Mental Health, Volumes 1 and 2 (PC Report) recommending structural reforms and prevention measures to help address Australia’s growing mental health crisis. The Bulletin argued that given the relationship between physical health and mental health, improving the quality of people’s daily lives through massage can have profound effects on maintaining positive mental health.

April to June

Media Release ‘End of life Care – Should we listen to researchers and patients?’

Designed to draw attention to the work and research supporting the role of massage therapists in palliative care, the release highlighted that access to massage therapists with palliative care training or experience is limited, and improved accessibility was required. The release was also distributed through the stakeholder bulletin database.

Media Release - Effective data collection is key to health care integration

The media release backed a call by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA) for more effective data collection in an effort to facilitate further integration of allied and other health services, was also distributed to stakeholder.

Federal Election Media Release - We need policies for chronic pain sufferers that work

The media release highlighted that many people who have debilitating chronic injury, disease and pain don’t or can’t exercise and hence, policies that work to overcome these barriers, are needed. The release welcomed the announcement by Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt of $6.8 million in funding for initiatives to improve understanding of pain.

The release pointed out that while exercise in all its forms is recommended as a primary response to four of the highest risk chronic disease factors identified by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) involving body mass, high blood pressure, musculoskeletal disease, and back pain, there is a glaring gap in funded programs to address chronic pain levels that prevents exercise.’

Ministerial Briefings Government Submissions 2020/2021

July to September

SIRA - Feedback on the Health Outcomes Framework for the NSW Workers Compensation and Compulsory Third-Party Schemes Consultation Paper

As follow-up to the 2019 submissions, the Association presented evidence supporting the view that without specific documentation and reporting in terms of the efficacy of massage services funded by SIRA, there appears to be:

• a lack of appropriate scrutiny in terms of who, when and how massage is applied, and no documentation about the results that these therapies achieve in helping clients return to work
• a lack of accurate and specific data collection and reporting pertaining to the practitioner who delivers massage and myotherapy treatments
• a lack of accurate and specific reporting and data collection concerning the massage modalities used to treat given conditions
• no or limited understanding of the contribution massage makes to the recovery and management of claimants’ conditions.

The submission proposed that more formal recognition of massage therapists as standalone, preapproved healthcare service providers with Provider status would enable massage to be identified and delivered by qualified therapists with appropriate skills and experience for given conditions.

While the use of massage and cost to SIRA has increased considerably during the past 18 months, the workers compensation fee orders for massage services were recently increased.

Response to the Clinical Practice Guidelines: Pregnancy care, Recently reviewed topics, Consultation Draft

Titled ‘Filling the Information Gap’, the Association’s submission identified that the Evidence-Based Recommendation outlined in the Consultation Draft had specific relevance to the role of massage therapy and myotherapy in facilitating physical activity through the positive psychophysiological effects derived from pain and stress relief.

The Guideline recommendation stated ‘Advise women that regular moderate-intensity physical activity during pregnancy is associated with a range of health benefits and is generally not associated with adverse outcomes’

The Associations submission presented evidence and information regarding the contribution massage therapy, remedial massage therapy and myotherapy makes to enhance the Physical Activity resources available to health practitioners regarding the following goals identified in the consultations:

• giving information about local supports for physical activity (e.g. women’s walking groups, swimming clubs)
• taking an holistic approach to assist women to identify ways of being physically active that are appropriate to their cultural beliefs and practices (e.g. activities they can do at home).

October to December

Diversified services for self-determined care and contemporary need - A submission in response to the Tasmanian governments ‘Our Healthcare Future’ immediate actions and consultation paper

The Association’s submission focused on the areas where the further integration of remedial massage therapy and myotherapy, by professional qualified therapists, could make a difference and help improve access and delivery of Tasmania’s health services. These include:

• Aged care
• Palliative care
• Pain and chronic pain management
• Mental health
• Pregnancy and services for women.

The submission also supported the Board priority of building referrals, by outlining why massage therapy and myotherapy play a vital role in health outcomes and how making this information available through medical and allied health care practitioners would be of benefit to community wellbeing.

January to March

Prepared a submission for the Medical Research Futures Funds online consultation regarding Dementia and Ageing;

In response to question 5. Are the priority areas for investment identified in the Implementation Plan the most effective way for delivering on the Mission’s goal and aims? (Max 300 words), the response drew attention to the growing evidence base supporting the use of complementary therapies (massage). The overwhelming and unprecedented response to the Medical Board following its call for submissions to the 2019 ‘Public consultation paper: Complementary and unconventional medicine and emerging treatments’ provided evidence of significant health and general community support in addition to the evidence base, as justification for research funding for massage therapy and myotherapy.

The submission drew on existing research programs which could be utilised to further understanding of the appropriate use of massage therapies, and an opportunity to improve general knowledge of general practitioners when preparing care plans. This would help to ensure that key components of high-quality care identified in the report were implemented by the aged care, and mental health sector.

Prepared a submission for Medical Research Futures Funds online consultation regarding Cardiovascular Disease;

This submission highlighted that patient responses and evaluation of massage modalities used in relation to treatment of Australian cardiovascular patients, is rarely measured.

This occurs despite being used extensively by cardiovascular patients seeking alternatives to medication or when they feel unable to exercise because of the discomfort or functional limitations caused by their conditions. As a result, for medical practitioners, clinicians and surgeons, the efficacy of massage therapy and its appropriate use remains unclear and hence challenging. This perpetuates five limitations in our knowledge and understanding concerning the use of massage therapy in the management of cardiovascular patients in Australia:

1. access to high-quality local clinical studies
2. the efficacy of massage therapies is not well understood by medical practitioners
3. the veracity of any informed decision about the use of massage to improve health and wellbeing
4. the potential positive effects and outcomes of massage-specific modalities
5. the benefits of using clinical therapists to administer massage therapies

Skilled Migration Review Submission - Skilled Migration Inquiry - Massage Therapist ANZSCO Code 411644

This submission focused on the terms of reference 4 and 5.

• 4. Skills lists and the extent to which they are meeting the needs of industries and businesses and keeping pace with Australia's job landscape;
• 5. The administrative requirements for Australian businesses seeking to sponsor skilled migrants, including requirements to prioritise job opportunities for Australians and job creation.

The submission was led by Massage & Myotherapy Australia, and co-signed by Myotherapy Association Australia, and the Australian Natural Therapies Association.

The submission stated that during the past 10 years, much has happened in the professional massage and myotherapy sector to bring it more closely in line with the professional expectations and standards of Allied Health professionals and medical practitioners. In this regard the Australian Skilled Migration program has not kept pace with these changes, the higher standards of the sector or the issues that continue to plague the professional development of the sector.

The submission highlighted why the current skilled migration visa program concerning massage therapists perpetuates an influx of low skilled and inappropriately or poorly trained migrant massage workers and contributes to an oversupply of low skilled workers claiming to be professionally qualified; prostitution, and the abuse of women.

Hence, there is a need for policy change to ensure that only appropriately skilled and trained therapists pass the skilled migration program; or if this cannot be achieved, removal of massage therapists from the skilled migration list until it is evident that skilled migration of massage therapists benefits Australia’s massage sector, health sector and the community.

Mental Health Policy Briefing to the new Victorian Health Ministers

We prepared a policy briefing for the new Victorian Health Minister, the Honourable James Merlino, welcoming the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

We suggested the supporting evidence and practice of massage and myotherapy involving depression, anxiety, age, trauma or substance abuse, qualified massage therapists warranted greater inclusion in support service in prevention, management and rehabilitation as mental health issues occur through people’s lives.

Physical therapies such as manual manipulation and exercise are known to lead to positive short-term and longer-term outcomes which help people maintain their mental health.

While massage, remedial massage and myotherapy are not cures for mental illness involving depression, anxiety or substance abuse, qualified therapists already provide an important support service in prevention, management and rehabilitation as mental health issues occur through people’s lives.

Mental Health Policy Briefing to the new WA Health Minister

We prepared a policy briefing for the new WA Health Minister, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, referring to the Productivity Commission’s mental health report, which recognised the need to take an holistic approach to care for people with concurrent mental illness and physical health conditions.

The briefing built on existing knowledge and practice that physical therapies such as manual manipulation and exercise which are known to lead to positive short-term and longer-term outcomes which help people maintain their mental health.

We stated that while massage, remedial massage and myotherapy are not cures for mental illness involving depression, anxiety or substance abuse, qualified therapists already provide an important support service in prevention, management and rehabilitation as mental health issues occur through people’s lives.

The Association’s response to the Federal Productivity Commission’s Report was included as a supporting reference.

April to June

A submission for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare Lower Back Pain Clinical Care Standard review

The review sought feedback on a series of questions pertaining to fact sheets and information for consumers and involving the nature of, and treatments for, lower back pain. The Association provided feedback concerning the fact sheets, which were repetitive in advising that lower back pain usually eases of its own accord. Advice that medication was not needed seemed to ignore the plight of those who are medication dependant. The fact sheet also relied heavily on medical jargon – in particular ‘evidenced based pathways’.

The response suggested that consumers need some explanation or diagram of what evidenced based pathways means, or how it might function.  This would provide a deeper understanding, help to address uncertainty, and hence build a greater level of confidence in the advice given.

A submission for Women’s, Child and Youth Health Plan 2021–2031—Summary Framework for Consultation Review

The Consultation Review referred to a South Australian Government proposal to develop a Women’s, Child and Youth Health Plan that can help to meet the future needs of the population and implement the South Australian Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2020-2025.

The Association’s submission provided evidence to support real and positive policy and funding change that recognises the role that massage therapists already play in assisting women to manage their physical and mental wellbeing. It also sought an acknowledgement of the economic and health benefits that would accrue from supporting appropriately trained and qualified massage therapists.

SIRA Research Consultation submission: Prepare submission in response to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority Consultation Paper Enhancing SIRA’s research program Consultation Paper

The purpose of this consultation paper was to seek feedback to enhance SIRA’s research program by informing how SIRA can best generate and facilitate greater collaboration across all facets of its research approach.

Massage & Myotherapy Australia was encouraged by a central focus on ‘evaluation and impact’ for the core principles, and recognition of the need to generate knowledge. This is particularly important in developing a greater understanding of the efficacy of massage therapy administered through the SIRA scheme to achieve the most positive outcomes for customers. The submission argued that this is central to addressing gaps in knowledge generation, translation, and evaluation around the use of massage therapy.

The submission pointed out that the contribution or outcome of massage therapy used in SIRA-funded treatment and recovery plans is not monitored resulting in a lack of clarity about effectiveness and consequently, is not acknowledged.

Hence, Massage & Myotherapy Australia supported involvement in a proposed ‘research community’ if research programs were undertaken to include the benefit of massage therapies as stand-alone therapies, rather than secondary therapies administered as an adjunct to medical or allied health programs.

Media Releases and Stakeholder Bulletins 2020/2021

July to September

Stakeholder Bulletin 14 ‘Injury recovery plans – An improved approach to integrating massage’

The Bulletin presented a model for integration illustrated below, supported by relevant research and studies.

The integration model identifies the role of massage in helping people to recover. In this model, massage is acknowledged as a standalone modality, implemented by qualified massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists, to help clients progress to movement-based therapies.

Media release 2. ‘16 referenced ways professional massage therapists can help improve aged care’

The media release leveraged the many witnesses who have appeared before the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety pointing out that they share a common issue: the need to provide effective pain and stress management and comfort. It highlighted that among the personal accounts, feelings of frustration and helplessness were repeatedly expressed about the suffering of loved ones and how the system failed them. Their comments were also supported by the testimony of numerous health industry experts. The release listed 16 reasons why massage therapy is part of the aged care solution.

Media release backgrounder 3. ‘Is there a role for physical therapies in helping people with chronic pain?’

The release outlined that for chronic pain sufferers, the effects of their physical health on their mental health are often indistinguishable and many turn to complementary and allied therapies for help.

Findings from the 2020 National Pain Survey covering how patients rated the management of their pain condition by General Practitioners as 5/10. Understandably, respondents also wanted GPs to put them in touch with other resources and pain management options, not just medication.

However, providing alternative chronic pain management solutions could present a dilemma for many GP’s, and that training and education surrounding alternative solutions such as massage therapy was required to address patient needs.

Media release – ‘Your Life Choice’ article - Palliative care - Can massage and myotherapy help you?

The release pointed out that among the palliative care community, massage is well known for its benefits in improving the quality of life of patients. The presence of massage in palliative and end-of-life care, in private and public settings, has occurred largely on an ad-hoc basis as organisations respond to consumer demand. However, community health groups and centres with limited funds often ask professional therapists to provide support for cancer patients as part of an unpaid community service, which they are often willing to do.

October to December

Media release backgrounder 4.-  ‘Cardiovascular disease – validating a role for massage in pre- and post-surgery’

The release considered symptoms often associated with cardiovascular disease and surgery such as heart rate, hypertension and blood pressure and pointed out these are also measures often used to ascertain the physical effects of massage regarding tension, stress, and anxiety.

The release summarised a growing body of evidence linked to the benefits of massage and myotherapy, indicating they could play a greater role in improving the experience of cardiovascular patients and those undergoing surgery.

Media release backgrounder. - ‘Managing Australia’s mental health epidemic – is there a place for massage-based therapies?’

The release examined the relationship between pain and mental health, and the broader range of measures required for a more comprehensive understanding. The holistic approaches used or recommended by various authorities’ sources, included physical health, pain and mobility, and the role massage can play in helping to improve the lives of those people with comorbid pain related mental health issues.

Media release -  ‘Public Notice - Advice to people who have had COVID-19 seeking massage, remedial massage or myotherapy’

Massage & Myotherapy Australia advised all people who have had Corona virus to inform their therapist before receiving a massage, remedial massage or myotherapy treatment. The Statement encouraged patients and therapists to exercise a degree of caution. It advised clients visiting a professional therapist, who have experienced a COVID 19 infection to answer all questions correctly to the best of their ability, including the taking of any pharmaceutical medications.

Media release. ‘Medicare taskforce reports provide opportunity to improve patient outcomes’

Massage & Myotherapy Australia welcomed the final reports provided by the various task forces regarding the Medicare Benefits Schedule, and pointed out that the Medicare review provided opportunity to integrate massage, remedial massage and myotherapy, administered by professional, qualified ‘clinically focused’ therapists, with the outcome of more informed and cost-effective Medicare funded care. The significant opportunity in the areas of Allied Health, Pain Management and Mental Health, through the further integration of massage, remedial massage and myotherapy services were highlighted.

Media statement 3. ‘Productivity Commission Mental Health Report: Holistic approach to comorbidity welcomed’

Massage & Myotherapy Australia welcomed the Productivity Commission’s mental health report and recommended actions related to physical and psychosocial comorbidity for people requiring mental health care.

The Association stated that recognising the need to take an holistic approach and provide care for people with concurrent mental illness and physical health conditions was a welcome development for many professional therapists.

It highlighted that treatments involving physical therapies such as manual manipulation and exercise are known to lead to positive outcomes for those assessed within the mild spectrum, those who self-manage mental health issues, or those who are classified as low intensity patients.

January to March

Stakeholder Bulletin 15 - Addressing psycho/physical mental health risk factors associated with chronic pain, mobility and related stress’.

The Bulletin referred to the Association’s submission to the Productivity Commission’s (PC) mental health report (published early 2020). The PC Report recognised the need to take an holistic approach to care for people with concurrent mental illness and physical health conditions.

Stakeholder Bulletin 16 - Is massage for dementia a valuable but underused resource?

The Bulletin examined the complex relationships between physical and mental health are well recognised, but not fully understood by medical science and highlighted that while massage is a response that is often used in the care of patients with dementia, in Australia massage is rarely acknowledged for its benefits.

Media release /backgrounder – ‘Is the fascia the medical link to understanding manipulation therapies?

The media statement examined the complex neurological and physiological nature of chronic pain which continues to confound medical science, with the bulk of available literature suggesting that no single pain management response offers the answer to this national health issue.

The statement pointed to the natural conclusion that effective pain management demands an integrated response across multiple disciplines and that the fascia has become an increasing focus for researchers and health practitioners in trying to understand the nature of pain, particularly in relation to how this connective network of tissue may apply clinically to musculoskeletal disorders.

Media Release / backgrounder – ‘Is massage for dementia a valuable but underused resource?’

The backgrounder outlined the complex relationships between physical and mental health as well recognised, but as yet not fully understood by medical science. Given this, applying massage in the care of patients with dementia, is a largely unsung yet often used response. Digging deeper reveals that some authoritative sources such as Dementia Australia refer directly to massage, touch or manipulation. The media backgrounder pointed to the findings of a significant US study attesting to the efficacy of manipulation therapies such as therapeutic and remedial massage and myotherapy (massage therapies). Other studies and findings supported the contention that massage has a more important role to play on helping people with dementia.

April to June

Stakeholder Bulletin 17 ‘What is holding back the integration of professional massage therapists?’ the special edition three-part bulletin, discussed the barriers to integration for professional qualified therapists who have the competencies to work alongside other complementary therapist such as chiropractors, occupational therapists, acupuncture (Chinese Medicine) or osteopaths.

Each of the three parts examined different issues and questions associated with barriers regarding perceived levels of professionalism, institutional arrangements, and doubts about the business case.

Part 1. Questions of professionalism covered the following topics:

• Are doubts about qualification and competencies warranted?
• Are there questions about principles and professional standards?
• Is it an issue of risk?
• Is it a question of education or knowledge?

Part 2. Are there institutional barriers to integration?

• Are there legislative barriers?
• Is it a question of time and cost?

Part 3: Is there a solid business case?

• Is it a question of acceptance by registered practitioners?
• A question of efficacy?
• Is it a question of need or demand?

The three parts of Stakeholder Bulletin 17 were distributed during May.

Media engagement – Response to a Herald Sun Health editorial enquiry concerning immigration/prostitution and illegal activity involved the preparation of key messages and statements, and CEO rehearsal prior to interview.

Key messages included:

• The skills migration program has not kept pace with these changes or the standards of the industry.
• Illegal sexual services have been a long-standing issue for professional massage therapists.
• During the past 10 years, much has happened to improve the expectations and standards in the professional massage and myotherapy sector.
• The professional massage industry has a very low rate of formal complaints regarding illegal activities and is a relatively well managed industry.
• The vast majority of formal complaints concerning illegal activity involves therapists who are not members of a professional association
• Massage is often used as a ruse by predators to access their victims.

Media release - 'Thanks, PCA: Yes – palliative care is so much more!'

The release was issued in support of the Palliative Care Australia awareness campaign and highlights the role of massage therapists in palliative care.

Media Releases and Stakeholder Bulletins 2020/2021

July to September

Stakeholder Bulletin 18 - How to Identify a Professional Massage Therapist

The Bulletin raised awareness in the absence of legislative regulation, anyone can hang out a shingle and claim to be a massage therapist.

Regulations governing advertising standards and the ACCC do not seem to prevent poorly skilled or trained massage workers from promoting their services as therapeutic or remedial massage or myotherapy. This includes treatment for a range of conditions and modalities describing a particular area of professional training.

The Bulletin demonstrated that this situation has led to confusion and uncertainty about the levels of education, training or clinical standards that massage therapists in Australia must achieve to be accepted by a professional association and the Private Health Funds.

Bulletin 19 - Health policy falls short of contemporary care for cancer patients

The Bulletin highlighted that cancer centres around the country offer oncology massage, which is supported by a large body of evidence demonstrating its efficacy.

Oncology massage is not new and has long been available in many cancer centres. This includes the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and many others.’

However, in Australia’s health care system, professional massage therapists are still regarded as pleasant optional extras, made available as supervised and often unpaid hand maidens to allied health or medical therapy. The Bulletin argued that this needs to change.

Media Release Backgrounder - Exposing the myths about the professionalism of massage therapists

Remedial and therapeutic massage and myotherapy (massage therapies) have long been embraced and accepted by the community and many medical and allied health practitioners.

Yet, paradoxically, it is rarely included as a standalone therapy in government policy or regulation.

The media release pointed out that this is a significant frustration and disappointment for many of our members who are well qualified and professional therapists, because massage therapy is used extensively by Australians and international communities alike. Numerous reviews and studies recommend its use in holistic health care plans. It argued that the time has come to re-evaluate the myths that limit a deeper level of integration with the wider health community. The release addressed the myths that professional massage therapists, remedial massage therapists and myotherapists cannot meet the necessary professional standards required of other health professionals, such as those registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Media release - COVID-19 lockdown rules overlook chronic pain patients

The release stated that COVID lockdown rules across Australia have overlooked the needs of people who are dependent on professional remedial massage therapists, or myotherapists to maintain their mobility and wellbeing.

It pointed to the lock down rules for Victoria, Western Australia and Northern Territory which excluded massage therapists in the list of complementary therapists that can provide massage.

Under these rules, physiotherapists and osteopaths for example, can provide massage therapy to patients who are critically dependant on massage, but qualified remedial massage therapists and myotherapists cannot. The release stated that this does not make sense because the risk of the COVID virus being transferred between people through professional physiotherapists, osteopaths, remedial massage therapists or myotherapists practicing massage in clinically appropriate settings is the same. The risk is also the same in every state, and there is no justification for the stricter rules imposed by various jurisdictions.

Media release - Time to end hand-maiden policy for professional oncology massage therapists

The release stated that cancer centres around the country offer oncology massage, which is supported by a large body of evidence demonstrating its efficacy. This includes the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and many others.’

The release highlighted that in Australia’s health care system, professional massage therapists are still regarded as pleasant optional extras, made available as supervised and often unpaid hand maidens to allied health or medical therapy. This policy has not kept pace with the education and skills of oncology massage therapists or real-life experience of cancer centres where professional massage therapists are now an important part of caring for the whole person.