Most of us see it on a daily basis in some form or another. It appears in our social media feeds. We watch it on television, are aware of it in the workplace, and see it in society. Occasionally, we witness it firsthand in social settings, among our friends and families. Sometimes we become targets of it and realize it leaves a painful, unforgettable memory of the moment. Sometimes we are guilty of it ourselves.
What is this phenomenon? It’s discrimination or implicit bias which is rooted in the belief that all individuals fit neatly into predefined categories.
Thoughts and feelings are “implicit” if we are unaware. We have a bias when, instead of being neutral, we have a preference for (or against) a person or a group of people. We use the term “implicit bias” when we have attitudes toward people or associate stereotypes to them without conscious knowledge. Implicit bias is held universally and is not limited by any race, gender or country.
In this course we will explore Implicit Bias, Discrimination and how it impacts us as individuals, the healthcare field and the massage therapy industry. We’ll take a closer look at the LGBTQ community and their history, struggles, strides, triumphs and the impact discrimination has, not only on the LGBTQ community, but to all of us. We’ll provide information and tips on how to make your massage therapy practice more “inclusive” friendly.
The objective of this course is to provide massage therapists different ways to enhance their practice to provide a positive massage experience for all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, age, physical appearance, beliefs or personal choices.
In recent years, certification, credentialing, and required education for massage therapy professionals has been on the rise and has become more stringent, as have state regulations for those practicing massage therapy and bodywork professions. To date, 46 states as well as the District of Columbia now regulate massage therapist practices, and/or provide voluntary state certification. Certification and credentialing is always encouraged, as it promotes trust for the client or patient that their massage therapist or bodywork professional has been adequately trained, is knowledgeable, and understands the limitations of their scope of practice.
States that regulate the massage therapy industry mandate that massage therapists meet legal requirements to practice. For some, that means a obtaining a minimum number of hours for initial training, passing a national exam and taking continuing education classes.
Even if the state does not regulate the massage industry, local counties or municipalities may stipulate regulations of their own. It is encouraged that massage and bodywork professionals obtain licensing within their states, or in any state where he or she provides their services.
Upon completion of a massage therapy program, massage therapists are usually required to pass the massage and bodywork licensing exam (MBLEx). Passing the MBLEx is necessary in order to apply for your massage therapy license in the state in which you wish to work (but not in all states such as Massachusetts). In some cases, other training, exams and certifications are encouraged (or mandatory) in order to offer specialized treatments (i.e. Oncology) and are provided through the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB).
Massage therapist and bodywork professionals today are more heavily regulated. Therefore, expectations of knowledge, expertise, and skill have grown in recent years due to changes in healthcare practices and approaches not only to rehabilitation, but in post-surgical and post-injury pain management, healing, and mobility. Massage is widely used in preventative health-care and for a variety of medical conditions.
The number of physicians and physical therapists recommending massage therapies have grown exponentially. As of 2017, approximately 18% of adults discussed massage therapy practices with healthcare providers, and among those, nearly 59% of their doctors or primary health care provider referred them to the therapist and encouraged massage therapy to aid in the healing processes.
Chiropractors and physical therapists have also increased recommendations for massage therapy for their patients or at least discussed it with them. According to the AMT A, approximately 54% of massage therapists had stated that he or she received at least one referral every six months or less from medical offices or hospitals in 2017 alone.
Many chiropractic offices are staffed by massage therapist for pre-treatment of chiropractic adjustments. Several hospitals have hospital based massage therapy programs and clinics. Assisted health-care facilities have massage therapists on staff. Even some dental offices have massage therapists on-site. I remember as early as 1991 our local dentist office recommending aromatherapy and chair massage to relieve anxious patients.
What does this mean for you as a professional? It means that expectations have increased. In the past, clients viewed massage as a luxury services – something to do on holiday. Today, with greater focus on pain management, shorter hospital stays, and often lengthy rehabilitation requirements for patients in post-surgical and post-injury scenarios, massage has become one of the foundations of continuing medical care for many.
As we proceed within this course, a number of terms will be brought up. For massage therapists and bodywork professionals, it’s extremely important to be aware of them. These terms go beyond those found in the Code of Ethics and Practices and Principles. They have to do with the human connection between therapist and client/patient.
A few to keep in mind as we move forward include some of the common that you may come across in the pursuit of your profession.
Scroll Down To Enter The Course and click on the 1st lesson to begin.
