Massage Therapy Ethics & Professionalism 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The therapeutic relationship in massage therapy is defined as:
- A professional, client-centered relationship with clear boundaries (Correct answer)
- A personal friendship between therapist and client
- A business partnership focused on revenue
- A purely technical interaction with no emotional component
Correct answer: A professional, client-centered relationship with clear boundaries
The therapeutic relationship is professional, client-centered, and governed by ethical boundaries to protect client welfare.
Question 2: Informed consent in massage therapy means the client has been informed of:
- The nature of the treatment, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives (Correct answer)
- Only the price of the session
- The therapist's certifications and education
- The scheduling and cancellation policy only
Correct answer: The nature of the treatment, expected benefits, risks, and alternatives
Informed consent requires that the client understands what will occur, potential benefits and risks, and available alternatives before agreeing to treatment.
Question 3: A massage therapist should maintain client confidentiality by:
- Not disclosing intake information without written authorization (Correct answer)
- Sharing client health history with colleagues for better care coordination
- Posting client testimonials without asking
- Discussing cases openly in public areas
Correct answer: Not disclosing intake information without written authorization
Client health information is protected and may only be shared with written client authorization, in keeping with HIPAA and professional ethics.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of draping during a massage session?
- To protect client modesty and maintain professional boundaries (Correct answer)
- To keep the client warm only
- To reduce friction between skin and table
- To absorb excess lubricant
Correct answer: To protect client modesty and maintain professional boundaries
Proper draping respects client modesty, maintains professional boundaries, and is required by law in most U.S. states.
Question 5: Which action constitutes a dual relationship that most ethics codes advise against?
- Massaging a close romantic partner for payment (Correct answer)
- Referring a client to a specialist
- Using a consent form before each session
- Adjusting pressure based on client feedback
Correct answer: Massaging a close romantic partner for payment
Dual relationships (e.g., therapist-client and romantic partner) blur professional boundaries and compromise objectivity and client welfare.
Question 6: When a client makes a sexual advance, the appropriate response is to:
- Stop the session, address the behavior professionally, and end the appointment if necessary (Correct answer)
- Ignore it and continue the massage
- Apologize to the client and offer a discount
- Report it only if it happens a second time
Correct answer: Stop the session, address the behavior professionally, and end the appointment if necessary
The therapist should calmly but firmly address the inappropriate behavior, stop the session if needed, and document the incident per workplace policy.
Massage Therapy Ethics & Professionalism 1
The therapeutic relationship in massage therapy is defined as: