Affiliation with AHPA adds resonance to voice of professional massage therapists
Massage & Myotherapy Australia recently announced a new affiliation with Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA).
In making the announcement, Ann Davey, CEO Massage & Myotherapy Australia said, ‘The parallel goals of providing a national leading voice for health professionals, and improving access to professionally qualified therapists, provides a natural fit for the two organisations.'
AHPA is a collegiate body consisting of 27 national allied health associations members and a further 13 affiliate members.
‘While massage therapy is not a Registered Health profession, it is well regulated through government lead national codes of conduct administered through the health ombudsmen and commissioners around Australia, supported by association-based quality standards and mandatory insurance, and ongoing professional development for membership.
‘Many professional massage therapists (remedial and therapeutic massage therapists, and myotherapists), now work alongside Allied Health professionals’ in multidisciplinary clinics and settings, such as sports clinics, aged and palliative care.
‘We believe the affiliation with AHPA will expand the collective voice of both organisations and help Allied Health professionals and health consumers gain a greater understanding of how massage contributes to managing a variety of chronic and acute conditions in pain, mobility, stress and anxiety management,’ Mrs Davey said.
Massage & Myotherapy Australia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 2003. As the leading representative body for professional massage therapists nationwide, we have a membership of over 8,500 therapists.
‘Over the past 20 years, the massage therapy profession has experienced considerable change in client need, with greater demand for higher level skills and competencies in health-related services.
‘Alongside this, Massage & Myotherapy Australia has responded by leading the professional development of the workforce, including association membership requirements, which are now very similar to those of registered health practitioners.
‘As the sector’s driving force towards evidenced-based massage, and integration of massage therapies, within Australia’s health sector where appropriate, it is important that we develop a wider circle of cooperative relationships and affiliations in order to support the contribution made in health care by our members.
‘We look forward to a positive and prosperous relationship,’ Mrs Davey said.
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Massage & Myotherapy Australia is the sector’s leader and the driving force towards
evidenced-based massage and myotherapy services.
Media enquiry and more information: Glenn Schaube 0439 320 151; glenns@grscom.com.au