COMPLEMENTARY
MODALITIES
The College has
determined that there are some modalities which, while not
fitting the definition of the scope of practice, may be
complementary to massage therapy treatments.
Scope
Statement
Section 3. of
the Massage Therapy Act, 1991 states:
“The practice
of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue
and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention
of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and
joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate
or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”
Policy
There are a number
of modalities that can be integrated into a treatment plan
by a massage therapist, and may even be accepted and taught
in recognized massage educational institutions, that, if
used exclusively in and of themselves, would not fall within
the generally accepted practice of the profession.
Therapists ought
to be given a reasonable and responsible latitude with respect
to the use of complementary modalities, recognizing that
they are accountable to ensure that the modality is integrated
into a treatment plan that largely consists of modalities
in scope.
Massage therapists
who provide complementary modalities must understand their
professional accountability and that they are responsible
for:
- following
the Code of Ethics, the Standards of Practice, and the
Regulations,
- determining
the appropriateness of the complementary modality,
- ensuring
that they have the knowledge, skill, and judgment to perform
the modality competently,
- performing
an assessment of clients before providing the treatment,
- explaining
to the client the anticipated effects, the potential benefits,
and the potential risks of the proposed modality so the
client can make an informed choice,
- obtaining
valid consent before beginning treatment, and
- evaluating
the ongoing status of the client and the effects of the
modality on the client’s condition and overall health.
Members teaching
a complementary modality should note that teaching a course
on a complementary modality is not considered practising
massage therapy.
Members are reminded
that the complementary modalities therapists engage in under
this policy are not considered massage therapy and that
they may not be billed as massage therapy as such if performed
on their own. However, they may be billed as massage therapy
if they are integrated into a treatment plan. Activities
carried out by a therapist or a health profession corporation
beyond the strict practice of massage therapy may not be
covered under the member’s professional liability
insurance and it may be necessary to make arrangements for
separate insurance coverage for these activities.
The attached
list is a schedule of modalities that the College considers
to be outside the scope of practice for the profession but
which may be used as complementary modalities.
Adopted: September
22, 2003
|
