Useful Do's and Don'ts

We're very impressed with Jennifer Stelzer's article in the MTDC BLOG on Massage Therapy, Communication, And Helping Trauma Survivors.Great tips and ethical reminders, including these do's and don'ts.

Do’s And Dont’s 

Do: Create and maintain boundaries in your practice

Do: Allow time for a thorough intake

Don’t: Rush your client

Do: Ask for emergency contact

Don’t: Ask marital status

Do: Have a box to check for pregnancy

Don’t: Ask about children

Do: Ask for preferred name & pronoun

Don’t: Assume nicknames or gender

Do: Request current health information

Don’t: Ask about heritage, accents

Do: Ask for surgical/accident history

Don’t: Set time limits (ie: 10 yrs)

Do: Add a box for PTSD

Don’t: Expect full disclosure

Do: Discuss levels of undress

Don’t: Ever adjust bras/underwear

Do: Ask clients about working gluteal areas

Don’t: Ask when client on table

Do: Discuss Informed Consent

Don’t: Make assumptions

Do: Avoid negative words & phrases

Don’t: Talk down to clients

Do: Greet every client with a smile & nod

Don’t: Force a handshake

Do: Respect personal space

Don’t: Initiate a hug

Do: Give advance warning of animals in practice

Don’t: Assume a client likes animals

Do: Ask client about music preference or none

Don’t: Play what you want to hear

Do: Appreciate client’s religious preference

Don’t: Display religious emblems

Do: Treat a body with respect

Don’t: Ask about scars or tattoos

Do: Provide appropriate draping

Don’t: Discuss client weight/height

Do: Acknowledge each client is an individual

Don’t: Council/compare clients

Do: Work in scope of practice

Don’t: Offer nutrition advice or sell other services you provide

Read the full article HERE