Section 20.13. Required knowledge base

(a) Massage therapy education must provide students with knowledge of the following:

(1) Massage and bodywork assessment and application.

(2) Contraindications and precautions for massage therapy.

(3) Anatomy and physiology.

(4) Kinesiology.

(5) Pathology.

(6) Pennsylvania legal requirements.

(7) Business practices.

(8) Professional ethics.

(9) CPR resulting in a Board-approved certification.

(10) Communicable diseases and universal precautions.

(11) Power differentials and other therapeutic boundary issues as they relate to client interaction.

(12) Fundamentals of human behavior and respect for clients in the practice of massage therapy.

(b) Massage therapy education must provide students with the practical skills to:

(1) Administer fundamental massage therapy for the treatment of soft tissue manifestations of the human body.

(2) Safely utilize topical preparations, thermal and cryogenic modalities, hydrotherapy and movements that lengthen and shorten soft tissues within the client’s normal range of motion.

(3) Maintain safe and effective body mechanics in the application of massage therapy.

(4) Locate and palpate muscle attachments, muscle bellies and other anatomical landmarks necessary for the practice of massage therapy.

(5) Use draping/coverage practices that address both function and safety.

(c) Massage therapy education must provide students with additional skills in the following areas:

(1) Development, implementation and modification of a massage therapy treatment plan that addresses client soft tissue manifestations, needs and concerns, including identifying indications, contraindications and precautions of massage therapy within the scope of the act.

(2) Obtaining informed consent regarding the risks and benefits of the massage therapy treatment plan and application and modification of the massage therapy treatment plan as needed.

(3) Using effective interpersonal communication in the professional relationship.

(4) Utilizing an ethical decision making process that conforms to the ethical standards of the profession, as set forth in this chapter and in the codes of ethics of massage therapy professional associations.

(5) Establishing and maintaining a practice environment that provides for the client’s safety and comfort.

(6) Establishing and maintaining client records, professional records and business records in compliance with § 20.42(a)(19) (relating to standards of professional conduct).

Notation

Cross References

This section cited in 49 Pa. Code § 20.11 (relating to minimum hour requirements for massage therapy programs).