Public confusion over sexual and remedial massages is prompting an industry call for the public to do their homework.
Massage and Myotherapy Australia (MMA) says anyone seeking remedial massage therapy or myotherapy services need to check the Australian Massage Directory first before they book an appointment with an outlet.
A statement from the non-profit organisation says their call follows recent media reports, consumer complaints and industry concerns about individuals who booked therapeutic services only to find themselves at premises offering sexual services.
“We emphasise that this alert is not directed at lawful sex work but the confusion caused by the inappropriate overlap of sex work with the provision of professional massage therapy health services,” the MMA statement reads.
The MMA also highlights the following steps for individuals to take to verify their booking:
Search the Australian Massage Directory to confirm the practitioner is listed.
Check qualifications and association membership on the directory to ensure the provider meets professional standards.
Prioritise practitioners who have completed a Certified Practitioner Program.
Review the practitioner’s website and service descriptions carefully before booking.
Contact the provider directly if you are unsure about the nature of their services.
The MMA defines professional massage therapists as those with Australian-recognised qualifications and who belong to accredited associations that administer Provider Numbers for health insurance rebates.
It also has advice for what to do if you are offered sexual contact without your consent.
“The National Code of Conduct for Health Workers expressly prohibits massage therapists or myotherapists from sexual relations or intimate relations with clients,” the statement reads.
It says that if you are offered sexual services or are touched inappropriately, politely decline and leave the premises and report it to your state-based Health Complaints Commissioner, Ombudsman, or police.
OTHER LINKS: click here to visit the Myotherapy Association Australia website
GROWING CONSUMER CONFUSION
The MMA statement notes recent media coverage in Queensland and Victoria (where sex work is decriminalised) has highlighted increasing confusion.
These reports after Queensland’s sex-work decriminalisation reforms raised concerns about advertising practices, unclear service descriptions and the difficulty many face in identifying which are legitimate massage services.
Social media have carried reports about the location of sex‑service premises, the lack of regulation around signs and advertising, which prohibits misleading advertising, and the ease with which businesses can present themselves as massage therapy clinics.
Victorian media reports highlighted community protests and the high number of businesses advertised as legitimate massage providers but offer sexual services.
The MMA says cases of clients mistakenly assuming all massage therapists provide sexual services happen on a daily basis.
(Some therapy massage shops have posted notices on their doors to state that they do not provide sexual services.)
Despite these concerns, Consumer Affairs Victoria says sex‑work ads may legally use terms associated with massage services adding to the public confusion.
WHAT IS REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPY? It is a therapeutic practice based on diagnosing and treating muscle, tendon and joint issues. It is designed to address physical pain, tension, and improve overall well-being by using various techniques tailored to each client.
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