amt
association of massage therapists
What to expect
Massage is a patient-centred therapy. Your therapist will discuss your treatment plan with you and establish goals. You are in control of the treatment at all times and should expect to be treated with respect, courtesy and dignity.
Before you book an appointment with a new massage therapist, there is a number of screening questions you should ask:
- What formal qualifications do you have?
- Are you a member of a professional association?
- Do you have professional indemnity insurance?
- Do you have a senior first aid certificate?
- Can I claim this treatment through my private health insurance? (you must have appropriate extras cover)
- What sort of assessments will you do in the initial treatment? Will you ask for a medical history?
- Will I be draped with towel(s) throughout the treatment? What clothing will I need to remove?
At your appointment, your AMT-accredited therapist should:
- provide a clean, safe and comfortable environment before, during and after the massage
- conduct a thorough case assessment, including relevant medical history
- explain the nature of the massage and techniques to be used in advance of the treatment
- offer you the opportunity to consent to the massage techniques and approaches, including manual pressure, used in the treatment
- give you the option to ask questions and receive professional responses
- give you privacy while changing and the right to remove clothing only to your level of comfort
- provide appropriate and secure draping throughout the treatment by a sheet, towel or blanket, with only the area being massaged exposed.
