When the Department of Health receives complaints on health care professionals, it is often found to be based on a lack of communication between the client and the practitioner. This is a common cause of complaints received on massage therapists, due in part to the hands-on nature of the profession. While a massage therapist may be performing a technique within their scope of practice, it may be perceived as inappropriate by a patient who has not been sufficiently informed.
It is important to remember that there are a lot of different techniques and modalities in the massage profession, some of which may be new to a client or make them feel uncomfortable. It is vital to communicate what a client can expect during their treatment session in order to determine their comfort level and adjust the treatment as necessary. The results of good communication are patient safety and fewer complaints.