ABMP: Massage Professional Practices

Equipment and Safety

Terminology

Accident report - A written document that is completed any time anyone at a business (client, manager, practitioner, guest, owner, other) is injured in an accident, causes injury to another, or causes property damage. An accident report should include the address of the premises where the accident occurred; the date and time; the name of the person filing the report and his/her job title; the name, address, email, and phone numbers of all individuals involved, including any witnesses; a detailed account of what happened and written witness accounts of what happened when appropriate; a description of injuries or property damage; and a description of how the matter was resolved (e.g., the client was sent to the emergency room, the insurance company was contacted, etc.). A copy should be filed at the business and provided to those involved in the accident.

Allergy - Hypersensitivity to a particular substance that results in an adverse reaction.

Aroma - A distinctive scent (either natural or synthetic) found in massage lubricants, laundry detergents, and other scented items used in a massage practice.

Bolster - Specialized pillows used for client support that come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Carrying case - A bag with shoulder straps designed to carry a massage table.

Client safety - To ensure the client's safety, follow these guidelines: 1) Stay up-to-date with training in CPR and first aid. 2) Conduct a health history intake process to rule out contraindications with each new client and annually thereafter. 3) Look up all unknown medications, conditions, or other information in reference books before providing massage. 4) Be prepared to help some clients who may need help getting on and off the massage table. Do not leave the client alone if he or she is unstable and may fall. 5) Wipe the client's feet with paper towels after the session to remove excess lubricant from the foot massage. 6) Never provide massage to a client who has been ingesting alcohol, illegal drugs, or some prescription medications (obtain a physician's release if you are uncertain about massage based on the client's medications).

Client screening - A process for vetting clients to ensure their reasons for seeking massage therapy are legitimate. It includes questions the receptionist asks when the client calls to book a first appointment, and the gathering of the client's contact details over the phone. It also includes sharing the clinic policies such as the draping policy, the policy on drugs and alcohol, and the policy on sexual innuendo or misconduct. Client screening also includes careful listening to client messages for red flags. For example, if a client asks what a practitioner looks like or what he or she will wear during the massage, it is a red flag.

Common area safety - Common areas of a massage facility include the reception area, hallways, and bathrooms. All should have nonslip flooring, be free from obstructions, and be free of area rugs (which might cause a client to trip). Bathrooms and doorways should be wheelchair accessible. There should be good lighting throughout common areas.

Cream - A water and oil emulsion with thick consistency used for lubrication during a massage.

Equipment safety - Regularly check massage equipment to ensure it is in good working condition. Tighten the leg bolts of tables before each session. Any exposed electrical cords should be heavy duty and taped down around the edges of the room and placed behind furnishings or equipment when possible. Do not run extension cords across doorways. Have a first aid kit in each treatment room.

Face cradle - Also called a face rest; used to support the client's head and neck in a neutral position while lying prone.

Fire plan - Check with state authorities to ensure that proper fire and safety codes are followed. Have at least one fire extinguisher and smoke detector in clear view (more than one of each is often needed). Check these units monthly to ensure they are in proper working order. A fire escape route should be clearly indicated in every room. The use of candles, incense, and open flames should be avoided.

First aid kit - A collection of supplies used to provide care for minor injuries or illnesses.

Gel - Substances like aloe vera that create a jelly-like lubrication.

Hydrocollator - A specialized unit used to heat hot packs for use in a massage session.

Incident report - A written document that is completed whenever an unusual event occurs that creates an unsafe environment or distress for a client, practitioner, or business owner. Situations that would warrant an incident report include a client making sexual advances during the massage session causing the practitioner to terminate the session, or a client who is unhappy with a massage and ends a session early, demanding a refund. An incident report should include the date, time, and place the incident occurred, the name and title of the person filing the event, the contact details of involved individuals and witnesses, a detailed account of what happened, written witness accounts of what happened if appropriate, and how the matter was resolved (e.g., the client left the premises, or the client was given a full refund, etc.).

Linens - Sheets, blankets, towels, and bolster and face cradle covers used to protect the table and cover the client during a massage.

Lotion - A water and oil emulsion used for lubrication during a massage.

Lubricant - A substance used to prevent undue friction between the therapist's hands and the client's skin during a massage.

Massage table - A table designed for use in massage that supports the client in various reclining positions.

Massage table cart - A cart with wheels designed to carry a massage table across flat surfaces with minimal stress on the therapist's body.

Massage tools - Tools used in a massage session by the therapist to protect his/her joints from undue stress when applying pressure to the client.

Music - Instrumental and/or vocal sounds played during the session to enhance client enjoyment and relaxation.

Oil - Fat-based substances, usually vegetable-derived, used to provide lubrication during a massage.

Parking area safety - To assess a parking area for safety, ensure that the pavement is smooth and even (creaks or uneven surfaces may cause a client to fall), the area has adequate lighting, and the pathway to the front door of the massage facility is unobstructed. If clients must climb stairs or use a wheelchair ramp, these areas should be well lit and offer handrails.

Practitioner liability - Liability due to damage or injury to a client because of negligence or acts of omission during the performance of professional duties.

Practitioner safety - Practitioners practice good self-safety by paying attention to their body mechanics when they lift laundry, boxes of lubricants, housekeeping supplies, and equipment. They should wear heavy gloves, a face mask, and protective eyewear to protect against heavy cleaning products. They should have protocols in place for client screening and backup during times when they are alone at the facility.

Reference library - Key books a therapist might consult in a massage practice, such as a drug reference, medical dictionary, and a pathology reference book.

Safe environment - A place where conditions that may cause injury have been eliminated. Procedures are adopted to increase security and plans made to efficiently handle any accidents that may occur. Massage businesses should have safety plans in place to provide guidance for managing clients and to ensure practitioner safety. Practitioners in private practice have greater control over safety issues. As employees, practitioners should maintain awareness of safety issues and alert a supervisor if the environment is not safe for clients or practitioners.

Safety of the facility - A facility where massage is provided must be accessible to a wide array of clients, including those who are unsteady on their feet and those using wheelchairs. Assess the parking area, common areas, equipment, and fire plan.

Skin sensitivities - Any reaction on a client's skin indicating irritation.

Stool - A seat used by a therapist while performing massage.

Ventilation - The provision of fresh air to a room or building.

Warming equipment - Items such as heat lamps, table pads, hot water bottles, and heat packs used to ensure the client stays warm during the massage.

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Hygiene and Sanitation

Terminology

Acute -

Antiseptic -

Autoimmune diseases -

Bacteria -

Bleach solution -

Blood spill -

Body fluid contamination -

Cancerous diseases -

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) -

Chronic -

Deficiency diseases -

Direct contact -

Disease -

Disease transmission -

Disinfectant -

Fungus -

HIV/AIDS -

Hand washing -

Hepatitis A -

Hepatitis B -

Hepatitis C -

Housekeeping -

Indirect contact -

Infection control -

Infectious diseases -

Lice -

Metabolic diseases -

Mites -

Pathogen -

Personal hygiene -

Phenols -

Protozoa -

Quats -

Sanitation -

Signs -

Standard/universal precautions -

Subacute -

Symptoms -

Tuberculosis -

Vector transmission -

Vehicle transmission -

Virus -

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Client Records

Terminology

Abbreviations -

Activities of daily living -

Aggravating activities -

Assessment information -

Client intake -

Confidentiality -

Disabled -

Documentation (charting) -

Duration -

Frequency -

Functional goals -

Functional limitations -

Functional outcomes -

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) -

Health history form -

Informed consent document -

Intensity -

Location -

Mild -

Mild minus -

Mild plus -

Moderate -

Moderate minus -

Moderate plus -

Objective information -

Onset -

Palpable findings -

Qualifying data -

Quantifying data -

Relieving activities -

Response to treatment -

SOAP form -

Self-care activities -

Severe -

Severe minus -

Severe plus -

Subjective information -

Symptoms -

Techniques/modalities -

Visual findings -

Wellness form -

Within normal limits -

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Body Mechanics

Terminology

Body awareness -

Body mechanics -

Bow stance -

Burnout -

Cardiovascular fitness -

Centeredness -

Flexibility -

Horse stance -

Nutrition -

Personal health -

Physical fitness -

Range of motion -

Repetitive stress injury -

Self-care -

Sleep schedule -

Stances -

Strength -

Stress reduction (therapist) -

Structural alignment -

Use of body weight -

Use of breath -

Warm-up -

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