Exam For Massage Therapy

Sometimes, a physician's exam for massage therapy is necessary. If the client has a serious illness or a contraindication to massage therapy, an exam by a physician must be performed before the therapist can work on the client. Otherwise, the massage therapist can be held accountable in court if a client's condition deteriorates.

Usually, if the client has a serious illness, he or she will already be seeing a physician on a regular basis. However, not all clients are good medical patients.

For example, my father had heart trouble for years but very rarely saw a physician.

If this is the case with a client who has a serious illness, you must insist that the client receive a medical exam so you do not put his/her life in danger. Be sure that the client brings you a release from the physician stating it is okay for the client to have massage therapy.

Contraindications are any conditions, diseases, or sickness that can be made worse if massage is performed.

These can include cancer, diabetes, and heart trouble. A few others are:

Pneumonia during acute phase

Preeclampsia

Ringworm

Scabies

Tuberculosis

Contact dermatitis

Lupus during a flare-up

Pharyngitis due to infection

Recent surgery

For more information on contraindications, please see this page. An exam for massage therapy performed by a physician will release the patient to have bodywork done. If at all possible, for your records and protection, try to get a written referral or prescription for massage therapy from the physician.

Place this in the client's chart. If you are billing the client's medical insurance, you will most likely need this to file your claim. Just be sure to submit a copy with the HCFA when you send the bill to the insurance company.

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