AMTA's Commitment to Safe and Respectful Work Environments for Massage Therapists
AMTA is committed to promoting work environments that respect and uphold the professional boundaries of massage therapists. As trusted healthcare professionals, massage therapists play a vital role in supporting both physical and mental well-being. Unfortunately, at times some therapists may encounter inappropriate behavior from clients. AMTA strongly believes that misconduct is never the fault of the victim and is dedicated to creating a culture of accountability that protects both therapists and clients.
Addressing Client Misconduct
AMTA emphasizes the importance of mutual respect in the therapist-client relationship and advocates for clear protocols to address unprofessional behavior. When a client crosses boundaries, therapists are encouraged to immediately terminate the session and report the incident to supervisors, law enforcement, or regulatory bodies, as appropriate. AMTA also highlights the need for a supportive work environment where therapists feel safe to report misconduct without fear of retaliation. Through these efforts, AMTA seeks to protect the integrity of the profession while promoting a culture of respect, safety, and accountability for massage therapists.
Learn More: AMTA is quoted extensively in this recent New York Sun article: Massage Therapists Call for Legal Action Against Clients – Including Famous Athletes – Who Behave Inappropriately.
Massage Therapists Are Highly Trained, Licensed Professionals Who Deserve Respect
AMTA champions high standards of education and licensing for massage therapists. We work to educate the public about the extensive training therapists undergo, which includes studying hours of anatomy, physiology, ethics, and hands-on practice. This education ensures that massage therapists possess the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care while maintaining professional boundaries. Additionally, we emphasize that massage therapists adhere to strict ethical codes of conduct, enforced by regulatory boards, which help maintain the professionalism and integrity of the profession.
AMTA continues to advocate for massage therapy licensing in every state across the country. Learn more about our recent efforts in Kansas and Minnesota.