Welcome to In Touch. Massage Association of Australia (MAA) September/Spring Also in this issue. Advertise with us!

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1 Welcome to In Touch Massage Association of Australia (MAA) Going solo: Contracting with massage clinics 16 Hands on: Keeping clients safe 18 In this issue MAA news Welcome from the MAA President 2 MAA fee structure 6 CPE points update 8 MAA member reminders! 9 Extended leave from MAA what you need to know 10 Feature: Oncology massage a safe touch 19 Owning it: 7 steps to hiring the best people 17 Join us at the MAA Annual General Meeting 10 Health insurance fund requirements 11 Member guidelines for using the MAA logo 12 Other news Medibank reduces Natural Therapies limit 11 Member spotlight: Frida Lezius, Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher 15 Also in this issue New member benefit! Discount nib Health Insurance 3 New member benefit! Travel and work in BC 4 Insurance for emerging modalities 6 Eligibility for taking on injured workers 13 How well would your client records stand up in court? A message from Insurance House 22 Get in touch and MAA contact details 30 Australian Unity Health Recognised Ancillary Provider Terms & Conditions 24 All about HCF 27 Tackling fraud a message from nib 28 Advertise with us! For details, office@maa.org.au

2 Welcome from the MAA Welcome! I hope you are all heading into spring with renewed energy and focus. We ve got some fresh new content and useful information in this issue, so take a good read. Great news we ve recently secured two new fantastic member benefits. MAA members can now get discounted personal health insurance through a new deal between Insurance House and nib Health Insurance (see page 3). Have you ever thought about combining work and travel? MAA members can now trial the mock exams needed for therapists to be registered in and work in British Columbia, Canada (see page 4). Bon voyage! Our regular sections are once again packed with practical information. In our Feature article, the Society for Oncology Massage details the wonderful role that massage can play helping to treat cancer patients. This issue s Member Spotlight focuses on Frida Lezius. Frida offers fascinating insights into yoga, massage and her own body mapping technique. Meanwhile, Owning it gives you seven top tips for hiring the best employees for your massage business, and Going solo offers advice to therapists considering contract work with larger massage clinics. Learn about how to provide a safe environment for your clients in Hands on. Back at the office, we ve signed the contract for a new office that will eventually host a bigger team to serve our growing membership. The new office is located at Number 1 Station Street, Moorabbin, just in front of the existing office. As we prepare for this move we also sadly say goodbye to some staff members who have moved on to new roles and opportunities (see page 3). They have been replaced, for now, by a team of contractors who are doing a great job. Finally, I d like to thank the Board for its fantastic work, particularly while managing some personal commitments, to make the MAA the best choice for massage therapists. Chrys Abraham JP MAA President MAA News Call for EOI to join MAA Board The MAA is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join our Board. We welcome nominations from anyone with relevant skills who is passionate about the professional Australian massage industry. You must also be able to make a realistic time commitment to the role. Contact Pauline Kelly, MAA Secretary, for more details: pkkellypauline@gmail.com New address for membership processing Want to renew your membership or join the MAA? We ve set up a new address dedicated to new membership applications and membership renewals to help make the process faster and easier for you. memberapplication@maa.org.au Get in touch! Spread the love! Share In Touch Do you have a friend or colleague who would like to read In Touch? Our editorial team is always keen to get new readers on board. Share In Touch with friends and colleagues by forwarding the link from your , or downloading online: go to maa.org.au and click on the Publications tab. 2

3 Goodbye and good luck MAA News We re sad to say goodbye to three MAA office team members Deidre James, Sharron Dyce and Sharda Ramcharan who are moving on to new work and life opportunities. Sharron and Sharda, the more recent additions to the MAA team, have done a wonderful job with the daily running of the office and helping members out. A big thanks goes to them. And a very special mention to Office Manager and past MAA Board Member, Deidre, who has been with the MAA for 11 years. Deidre has been an endless source of knowledge for members and also for the Board. Her contribution has been so valuable thanks to her extensive massage industry experience, which includes therapy, teaching, and covering health fund and contractual arrangements. She offered hands-on business acumen to the MAA through her own experience managing a successful business. Once hooked on massage, she kept abreast of all aspects of the industry, including regulation, education and government changes, and was an avid reader of massage related information and participated in industry meetings. Deidre s contribution over the years has undoubtedly helped the MAA to be the strong organisation it is today thank you. New member benefit! Insurance House and nib Health Insurance team-up to offer 8% MAA member discount As customers of Insurance House, every MAA member can now take advantage of Insurance House s great joint initiative with nib Health Insurance. The Insurance House Health Plan gives MAA Members the opportunity to access an 8% discount on nib health insurance plans. This significant discount allows MAA members to make major savings on their health insurance, adding to the great value already offered by Insurance House products and services. If you are an existing nib customer and want to transfer to the Insurance House Health Plan, simply call to see if your existing cover is eligible under the Insurance House corporate plan. Just let them know you are with Insurance House. Go to to take advantage of the Insurance House Health Plan and start saving on your health insurance! 3

4 New member benefit! Travel or test yourself against your Canadian counterparts Keen to combine massage and travel? Want to challenge yourself? Like to gain CPE points? 20 points! MAA News MAA members now have access to the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) mock board examination, which is the same mock practice exam that therapists in British Columbia (BC) are expected to complete to become registered and eligible to practice. The content is adapted directly from the curriculum of the WCCMT, which is a highly experienced faculty with more than 30 years of success at the College of Massage Therapy of British Columbia (CMTBC) Board Exams. MAA members considering travelling and working as a therapist in BC will need to become registered in BC and must pass the CMTBC exam. Members who participate in the 'mock exam' will be awarded 20 CPE points when they send in their final results to the MAA office. Access to the mock exam room costs $100 (CAN) for three months unlimited practice until members feel confident to sit the exam, which takes about four hours. Take a look at the preview version before committing to the challenge. To log on, go to: and use the password: VIP-Pass More information Contact Elizabeth Moffat at: marketing@collegeofmassage.com for information and to participate. You can also contact Pauline Kelly (MAA Secretary) at: office@maa.com.au. MAA teams up with Quebec regulatory body on Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) video The MAA has provided input into a video made by AQTN, the massage and naturopathy regulator in Quebec, aimed at helping the general public to understand how Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) fits into the wider spectrum of medicine. The MAA has a partnering and advertising agreement with AQTN. Take a look at the video here: Visit AQTN: 4

5 Upgrade to the Certificate IV in Massage Therapy Practice (HLT40312) Discover)Massage)Australia)is)excited)to)announce)a)new)pathway) op8on) for) our) students) to) obtain) a) na8onally) accredited) Cer8ficate)IV)in)Massage)Therapy)Prac8ce)qualifica8on.)) Students)who)complete)our)Whole)Body)and)Deep)Tissue)&) Common)Injuries)Level)One)and)two)workshops)can)choose)to) add) on )the)upgrade)pack)to)achieve)their)cer8ficate)iv)in)massage) Therapy)Prac8ce)qualifica8on.)) About the program The)upgrade)course)is)based)on)home)study)courses)allow)you)to) achieve)your)massage)qualifica8ons)in)your)own)8me)and)without) the)pressures)of)a)fixed)8metable.))! )100%)flexible)8metable)and)self)paced)course)! )You)can)start)at)any)8me)! )Your)course)will))include)prac8cal)training)&)learning)! ))You)will)have)tutor)support)to)complete)your)course) Discover)Massage))Courses 1 Whole&Body 2 Deep&Tissue&and&Common&Injuries&1 3 Deep&Tissue&and&Common&Injuries&2 UPGRADE)PACK)9)Certificate)IV)in)Massage)(HLT40312) 4 Anatomy&&&Physiology 5 Practice&Management,&Law&&&Ethics 6 Safe&Practices 7 Massage&Clinical 8 Massage&Practical 9 First&Aid&&!"students"undertake"externally The)upgrade)course)is)delivered)in)partnership)with)registered) training)organisa8on):))91165.) $2,610) Upgrade Pathway ) Your)upgrade)pack)will)include:) " Workbooks)and)learning)guides) " )Course)guide) " )Tutor)support) " )Textbooks) FAQs) When)can)I)start)my)course?) Any)8me.)Students)have)up)to)12) months)to)complete)the)program) and)can)request)extensions)if) required.) ) Are)there)any)preHrequisites?) )) No) What)is)the)qualifica8on)I)get?) This)course)leads)to)the)na8onally) recognised)industry)qualifica8on)) Cer$ficate)IV)in)Massage)Therapy)Prac$ce) (HLT40312)) Does)the)Upgrade)price)include)the) Discover)Massage)Australia)prac8cal) courses?) No.)Those)course)costs)are)paid)for) separately.) Will)you)offer)the)Diploma?) Yes.)The)Diploma)of)Remedial)Massage) HLT50307)is)also)being)added)as)a) pathway)upgrade)later)this)year.) 5

6 MAA membership fee structure MAA News The MAA has developed its fee structure to create a strong and stable base platform to build future membership, while still enabling members to enjoy competitive fees of at least 30 per cent lower than similar organisations. As highlighted in the previous issue of In Touch, a new membership fee structure took effect on 1 July MAA members were sent a 30-day notice to prepare. The fee structure is shown in the table below and applies to the 2014/15 financial year. Membership type Admin fee Membership fee Final rounded fee 10% GST 2014/2015 Member fee Student Membership $40.00 $40.00 $4 $44 General Membership new $55.00 $ $ $23 $253 General Membership renewal $ $ $17.50 $ Accredited Therapeutic Membership new $55.00 $ $ $17.50 $ Accredited Therapeutic Membership renewal $ $ $12.00 $ Accredited Remedial Membership new $75.00 $ $ $20.50 $ Accredited Remedial Membership renewal $ $ $13.00 $143 Accredited Myotherapy Membership new $75.00 $150 $225 $22.50 $ Accredited Myotherapy Membership renewal $ $ $15.00 $ Insurance for emerging modalities News just in! Insurance House has now extended its cover to MAA members who are qualified in Oncology Massage, Lymphatic Drainage and Medical Massage. This cover builds on an already extensive list of modalities, which can be found by visiting the MAA website and selecting the Insurance tab. Anyone who has completed training in these areas may apply for recognition for CPE and enquire about suitability for General Membership. Please direct enquiries to: Pauline Kelly at pkkellypauline@gmail.com or office@maa.org.au, Attention: Pauline Kelly. 6

7 Lymphoedema Academy of Australia Offering 115hrs online & 5 day face to face Lev 1 & 2 educational training for treating Grade 1/2/3 Lymphoedema Course is credited with the L.A.A. & Suite Qualified Massage Therapist Queensland: Beenleigh (Brisbane Sth Side) Monday 15th June to Friday 19th June 2015 Western Australia (Perth) Monday 31st August to Friday 4th September 2015 Victoria (Melbourne) Monday 5th October to Friday 9th October 2015 Course Content Anatomy & Physiology of Lympha c System Manual Lympha c Drainage Therapy treatment Primary Lymphoedema & Lipoedema Secondary Lymphoedema Support Garments including contra-indica ons Latest in Compression Bandaging (3M Coban2) Risk factors of developing lymphoedema A er care home management for lymphoedema Diure cs and lymphoedema Contra-Indica ons trea ng lymphoedema Prior learning, prac cal days, theory exam, prac cal assessment, complete course online for accredita on. Lymphoedema Academy of Australia Level 1 & 2 M.L.D.T. combined Course cost Queensland courses $1, Victoria/W.A. courses $1, Includes: Course content/recourse materials/samples/ Beverages/Lunch Register on L.A.A for further information: academyofaustralia@gmail.com Pauline Wallace: Principal (Clinical Lymphologist) & Lecturer Phone

8 CPE Points what you need to know MAA News Maintaining your Continued Professional Education (CPE) is an important part of your MAA membership. We ve had some members asking recently for clarification of what constitutes CPE. The table below shows the list of activities that MAA provides CPE points for and outlines the relevant evidence needed. Please note: The MAA does not award CPE points for watching YouTube videos. Activity Points Evidence Main massage qualification for accreditation: General Member Certificate IV Massage Therapy Diploma of Remedial Massage Advance Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) Bachelor of Health Science (Musculoskeletal Therapy) Postgraduate study in complementary medicine: Graduate Diploma Masters PhD Courses 20 +hours in clinical practice or business management of the clinic All day seminars, workshops or conferences Two day seminars, workshops or conferences Half day seminars, workshops or conferences Participation with a club or organisation where the practitioner is involved in using their qualification/experience AQF Certificate issues by RTO or University Proof of completion Postgraduate Certificate Proof of completion 20 Proof of completion 1 point per hour 1 point per hour 1 point per hour Proof of attendance Proof of attendance Proof of participation with number of hours Professional seminars by telephone 1 point per hour Proof of participation with number of hours Webinar Professional seminars and bulletin board participation by the Internet Professional development though paid subscription to journals related to clinical practice and business management of the clinic Professional development through reading books related to clinical practice and business management of the clinic Professional development through instructional DVD s and CD- ROMs Free subscription to an electronic journal or videos via the Internet related to clinical practice or business management of the clinic Participation in a local group of practitioners to enhance clinical practice Volunteer work in charitable events, sports events and community based projects 1 point per hour 1 point per hour 5 points per subscription 5 points per book 5 points per material 2 points per subscription 1 point per hour 1 point per hour Proof of attendance Proof of participation with number of hours Proof of subscription Proof of purchase Proof of purchase Proof of subscription eg. copy of table of contents Written evidence of participation by group leader Written evidence of participation by group leader Author or joint author of a published book or DVDs relating to 40 Copy of the book or DVD clinical practice Writing a published article related to clinical practice 10 points Copy of the article per article Presentation at a seminar, workshop or conferences 5 points Proof of presentation per hour Attendance at MAA Annual AGM 10 points Proof of attendance First Aid Level 1 5 Proof of completion First Aid Level 2 15 Proof of completion CPR update 5 Proof of completion 8

9 MAA reminders Have you paid your membership fees? MAA members must be financial at all times to maintain the integrity of their membership commitments and requirements within health fund contracts. This means paying your membership fees within seven days of the renewal date, otherwise your membership will lapse. A lapsed membership means all your membership benefits, including insurance cover and health fund applicability, will be removed. Lapsing members wanting to renew will be considered new members and will need to pay the initial administration fee and again provide relevant information required for General or Accredited membership. The MAA will send 30-day renewal notices to members. Please keep an eye out for them. First Aid keep updated Whether you are working as an employee or as a solo contractor you must keep your First Aid up to date. Members needing to update their First Aid will most likely have to do the following courses, delivered by RTOs. HLTAID002 Provide basic emergency life support General Members will most likely do this course but can also do the below course if they like. HLTAID003 Provide first aid (Previously known as Apply first aid or Senior first aid or Level 2) Accredited Members must do this course. Note: Current industry standards state that both courses must be updated every three years with the CPR component to be updated every 12 months. 9

10 Taking extended leave from the MAA? The MAA recognises that members may need to take time out from massage to pursue other passions or to meet family and lifestyle changes. But it s important that you let the MAA Office know the reason and expected duration of the leave. You must remain a financial member at the existing level of accreditation during your extended leave if you don t want your membership to lapse. All other requirements of the existing level of General or Accreditation Membership are waivered for the duration of the extended leave. Accredited Members will be removed from the health fund provider lists for the duration of the extended leave notified to the MAA Office. On returning from extended leave, both General and Accredited Members must ensure that the currency of requirements of First Aid and insurance are in place and provide the relevant evidence. All General and Accredited members are to provide a plan to the MAA Office for achieving the requirements of any outstanding CPE for the coming year. At the membership renewal date: a) pay the renewal fee on time b) ensure the First Aid Certificate is current c) ensure the insurance policy is current d) ensure any CPE completed during extended leave is sent to the office for recording along with the plan for achieving any CPE that falls short of the required level of CPE e) ensure contact phone number and and home address is/are current f) ensure clinic(s) name(s) and address(s) is/are current working location(s ) g) send a letter of request to the MAA Office for advocacy to health funds to be reinstated on the health fund provider status lists h) provide all signed agreements when requested to by the MAA Office i) provide all requested auditing evidence for Accredited Members when requested by the MAA Office Please contact the MAA Office with any further questions. MAA Annual General Meeting MAA News The MAA is an association of the members. Its Board is a group of passionate volunteers who are dedicated to facilitating the MAA towards success and future growth. We d like to invite all members to the AGM to talk progress and future plans with the Board and other members. Accommodation is available at the venue and invitations will be ed to members. Why go? Gain 10 CPE points and have your say! Details When: Saturday 22 November 2014 Time: 10:00am to 1:00pm (Light refreshments provided) Where: Hemisphere Conference Centre & Hotel, Holmesglen TAFE. Building 2, 488 South Road Moorabbin, 3189, VIC 10

11 Health insurance fund requirements MAA News All Australian health insurance funds have certain requirements for MAA Accredited Members. These include (but are not limited to) financial membership, current professional indemnity insurance, relevant qualifications and a CPE commitment. There are also requirements, such as your provider number, your practice s details, client name and type of treatment, needed for issuing receipts and invoices to health funds. Each health fund has its own requirements for therapists to be listed as providers. The table below shows a list of each of the funds that you might like to apply for to be selected to become a provider of services for their members. Please note that all your applications may not be successful. MAA membership number Health fund AHM Australian Unity ARHG BUPA CBHS Grand United HBF HCF/Manchester Unity Health Partners Medibank NIB i.e MA1234R Provider number MA1234R and/or AHM provider number. Members can go to AHM website after 15th of each month to obtain separate provider number/s MA1234R MA01234R (M or R depending on level of accreditation) Provider numbers are ed to members by MAA (once received from BUPA) MAA1234 MA1234R MA1234R (members to apply direct) MA1234R MA01234R (M or R depending on level of accreditation) Medibank will advise members direct to their practice address (once they start re-issuing provider numbers) MA1234R and/or NIB provider number. Members to contact NIB direct to obtain a separate NIB provider number for each practice address. Members to contact NIB direct on to activate HICAPS For more information on provider numbers, receipt writing, corresponding with health funds and what to do if your details change, go to the MAA website and select Membership and then Accredited Members. Medibank reduces Natural Therapies limit Medibank is changing the annual limits on its Basic Extras cover, including a reduction in the annual limit for Natural Therapies. The Basic Extras 70 and Basic Extras 55 cover products currently have combined limits for Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Osteopathy and Natural Therapy services (including massage) of $450 and $300 respectively. Medibank is separating Natural Therapies from this group and giving it its own annual limit of $100. The change will take effect from 29 September. Questions should be ed to: ancillaryregistrations@medibank.com.au 11

12 Member guidelines for logo use in Member advertising guidelines for logo use in advertising The MAA has developed logo and advertising guidelines to ensure both members and the association promote a consistent image. The MAA logo helps members to increase their professional profile in the community and these guidelines will help members to maintain a consistent and high quality MAA identity. Conditions of use of the MAA logo The MAA logo can be used on all member printed and promotional material and members websites. It is very important that the MAA logo is used correctly. This will enhance the strength of the association s overall identity. Do not distort or modify the logo in anyway. MAA News Business cards and promotional advertising MAA members must display their member number on any potential advertising, business cards and websites. Members must state their first name and surname or their first initial and surname e.g. John Citizen or J Citizen. If a business name is included, the member s name must still be shown as mentioned above. Additional information can also include modalities, qualifications and hours of availability. Option 1 Front of card: Member number only Your business logo List of modalities John Citizen Massage Therapist Address Street Suburb State Postcode Option 2 Front of card: Logo and member number Your business logo List of modalities John Citizen Massage Therapist Address Street Suburb State Postcode MAA Member Number: MAA Member Number: Newspaper advertising guidelines All newspaper advertising must display your MAA member number. Displaying the MAA logo is optional. Option 1 Advertising with MAA logo Option 2 Advertising with member number only HEADING TEXT CONTACT DETAILS!!!!!! MAA member number: 00000! HEADING TEXT CONTACT DETAILS MAA member number: Conditions of use: The Massage Association of Australia relies on members to produce material that complies with the Trade Practices Act Misleading or deceptive advertising must be avoided. The MAA accepts no responsibility for any breaches of laws relating to members marketing collateral. 12

13 Eligibility for providing remedial massage for injured workers through WorkSafe The MAA has recently been contacted by remedial therapists who are considering taking on injured workers. As this work is a specialised area of remedial therapy, therapists need to follow certain guidelines if they decide to take on this work. Who can provide remedial massage services? The WorkSafe Agent (the Agent) can only pay for remedial massage services provided by healthcare professionals who are: MAA News registered by WorkSafe to provide remedial massage services members at or above the required level* of one of the following associations: o Australian Association of Massage Therapists Ltd. (AAMT) Diploma (Remedial Massage) Therapist o Association of Massage Therapists (NSW) Ltd. Senior Level One o Australian Natural Therapists Association Ltd. (ANTA) Member (A) o Australian Traditional Medicine Society Ltd (ATMS) Accredited member o Institute of Registered Myotherapists of Australia (IRMA) Level Two What if I am not a member of a recognised association? Remedial massage therapists who are not current members of a recognised association can apply to the Australian Natural Therapists Association Ltd. (ANTA) to have their eligibility for membership assessed. Provided that benchmark standards are met, the remedial massage therapists will be issued with a written endorsement of eligibility for membership**. If the therapist sends in all the required information to ANTA, ANTA make the decision to approve or not. Once you have your letter of endorsement from ANTA, fill in the application form for permission to provide services for workers. WorkSafe will then need to approve it and issue the therapist with a provider number. Note: Gaining approval is not dependent on a therapist being a member of any particular association***. It depends on the eligibility criteria and the benchmark of standards as outlined by WorkSafe. The enquirer does not have to become a member of their association but just needs to meet its membership criteria. The therapist must also be able to provide evidence of current professional indemnity insurance. Further information on WorkSafe s required level of professional indemnity insurance can be found on WorkSafe s Application for Registration to Provide Services to Workers. WorkSafe will not accept claims where the above requirements have not been carried out and the remedial therapist must not refer the client to any other therapist. While exploring the possibilities of becoming a WorkSafe provider and for payment information, take a look at the information at the following link: Good luck! *Required membership levels may be subject to change. **This process may entail a cost, which is at the discretion of the association and is payable by the therapist. ***During the initial selection many years ago MAA did not apply for recognition so therefore has never been on the list. WorkSafe has no plans to add other associations to the list at this stage. 13

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15 Member spotlight Frida Lezius Regulars Name: Frida Lezius. Originally from Germany and now living in Geraldton, WA. Years in the industry: 15 (as a massage therapist and yoga teacher) Qualifications: Diploma of Remedial Therapy and Massage, Senior Yoga Teacher (YA, 500 hrs.), Bachelor of Fine Arts and Communication, Diploma in Reiki, apprenticeship in Art as Therapy and Dynamic drawing of the human body. What is your current work? I run my own business as a Remedial Therapist, Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach. I lecture in posture and alignment with my own method called Body Mapping. When did you become interested in massage? As a child I was interested in massage and gave massages as a teenager to my siblings and friends. I became interested again when I learned about adjustment skills as a yoga teacher. I noticed that I had a natural ability in touching and understanding the human body s mechanics and biomechanics. Massage is not just about touch, but through knowledge and intention we can shift and transfer energy and therefore trigger the human body s natural healing capacity. Do you specialise in a particular area? I am very specialised in deep tissue and trigger point release and do a lot of posture analysis and training. I also involve a form of Yoga Massage I learned in India to release deep tension from joints. Nowadays I specialise in teaching people the context of their body through my Body Mapping process. This enables them to understand their posture and pain occurrences in their body. The wellness coaching and fitness part is getting more important since I truly believe a healthy body needs a healthy mind. Are you studying? Always! Right now I am studying Pranayama (Yogic breathing techniques). What message/knowledge do you want your clients to take home? That health and wellbeing is within their reach and that, like with any journey, we just need a map to get to where we want to be. I encourage them to take initiative for their wellbeing. What do you like most about massage? I love the immediacy of massage. Touch is a miracle cure for disconnection, physical or emotional pain. Want to be put under the Member Spotlight? What do you find to be most challenging? To stay clear and well office@maa.org.au aligned within ourselves when we work so closely together. Regular energetic cleanses and enough breaks are essential. Has anything about the profession surprised you? Yes, by how much other knowledge a massage therapist needs to be truly good and effective. What s next for you? I am developing a mentoring program for Yoga interested body workers and teachers to be. I believe any massage therapist would benefit from knowing the fundamentals of Yoga. 15

16 Going solo Tips for the self employed Regulars Navigating employment through massage clinics not owned by the therapist Demand for massage therapists is expected to rise over the coming years and some of this demand will stem from large massage clinic groups and other health-related businesses. Therapists can get good experience working as a contractor. It is important to make sure you take relevant caution. There have been reports of illegal and improper hiring and working conditions. Here are some things to be aware of. Sham contracts Some industries, including massage, may hire people as contractors when really the nature of their employment dictates that they should be hired as employees. Employers may do this to avoid paying payroll tax and employee entitlements, such as sick leave, superannuation and holiday pay. To learn more about the differences between an employee and contractor, visit Fair Work Australia Interaction with health funds There have been reports of therapists not being allowed to send client files to health funds when requested because the owners or managers who they are contracting for claim this is confidential information. This is not the case there is nothing confidential between therapists, clients and health funds. The Health Fund Provider agreement to share information is between the therapist, the client and the health fund. If the therapist does not send in the requested client files to health funds then they will be removed from the health fund provider lists. Once you lose your provider status your work opportunities will be limited. Displaying qualifications Therapists are required to display their certifications and qualifications, however some massage clinics are preventing them from doing this. This really sends a strong signal that while a clinic may claim to offer remedial massage, the person qualified to perform massage might not actually be available and so the massage is performed by someone not adequately trained to perform the required massage. This can be interpreted as false and misleading. Sharing provider numbers There have been cases of multiple therapists using the same provider number. This is fraud and a practice that therapists should not be engaging in. Do not let anyone use your provider number. Selling Certificates Some reports have alleged that unqualified therapists are being approached by 'sales people' telling them that if they hand over a certain amount of money they will get a Certificate and then be able to attain provider numbers. Again, this is fraudulent activity that therapists should not engage in. 16

17 Owning it Tips for business owners Regulars 7 steps to employing the right people You need to be confident that new employees will treat your clients and represent your brand to the best standards. Here s seven steps we think will help you to hire the right people. 1. Be prepared. Think about what you want to ask the candidates and the essential qualities and attitudes they must have to suit your business and clients. Allow at lest one hour for interviews to cover questions and answers and any practical elements. Make sure you provide a quiet space where the candidate feels comfortable. First impressions work both ways, so be professional, be on time and dress appropriately. 2. Ask open questions. Ask the candidate questions about their professional and personal qualities that require answers beyond a simple yes or no. Here are some starters: Describe what sort of person you are? What are your best qualities? How would your friends describe you? What makes you a good therapist? What would your last employer say about you? What do you like about massage? What do you find challenging? Are you doing anything to overcome these challenges and improve your practice? What is the most important thing that you want your client to experience during a massage? Can you give me examples of how you help them to experience this? Can you give me an example of where you had to really use your initiative and think outside the box when treating a client? Have you ever had a difficult client? How did you manage them to ensure treatment remained successful? 3. Assess their professionalism. Ask them to take you through the steps they would take when meeting a client (do they make eye contact, stand up to greet the client, hold the door for them, show a friendly demeanour?) to check that they can make a client feel at ease in your clinic. 4. Test their practical skills. Ask them to show on you or an assistant how they would treat certain conditions, such as soft tissue conditions, range of motion, stress indicators, joint quality and muscle strength. Make sure they can identify different muscles and major tendons. Ask them to talk you through step by step how they would preform a full body massage. 5. Set clear expectations. Make it clear what you expect from them in terms of work hours, availability, attendance at meetings, presentation standards and professional development. Ask them what they expect from you as an employer in terms of salary level, training or mentoring and let them know whether or not these expectations are realistic. 6. Reference checking. Talk to at least two previous employers, if available, or contact the organisations that the candidate has trained with, as well as professional associations. 7. Go with your gut Sometimes a candidate might be perfect on paper but you just don t feel a connection with them. Trust your instincts here you need to make the right choice for your business and clients. 17

18 Hands on Practical guidance for massage therapists Creating a safe environment for clients Keeping clients safe and healthy is essential to offering an excellent service, maintaining a good reputation and limiting insurance claims. Massage therapists should be aware of common safety risks and understand how to mitigate them. Slips, trips and falls Falls from massage tables, tripping over equipment or slipping on spills (water and massage oils) can injure clients in your care. Prevention: Make sure the treatment room is tidy and that chairs and equipment are moved to make space for the client. Ensure floors (including bathroom areas) are clean and dry. Offer assistance to clients getting on and off the massage table, particularly to those with mobility impairments and those using wheelchairs or walking frames. Burns If not applied carefully and at the right temperature, hot towels, stones, heating pads, ice packs and cupping can cause serious distress to your clients. Prevention: Don t rush. Allow plenty of time for hot items to cool or ice packs to warm to a comfortable level. Test these items yourself and then ask the client if the temperature is comfortable. Remember that skin is more sensitive in certain areas and it may be worthwhile initially wrapping heat or icepacks in towels to lessen the impact. Spread of illness Poor cleanliness and inadequate sterilisation can result in germs spreading between your clients, and also to you. Prevention: Wash your hands with soap and water between clients. Keep bathrooms clean and stocked with soap and fresh towels. Put towels and other linen that a client has used aside to be washed in soap and hot water. Do not re-use unwashed linen. Wipe down all equipment, including the massage table and headrest, with an antibacterial sterilizer after every client. Throw away disposable headrest covers after each use. Outdoor hazards As well as in your treatment room, clients need to be kept safe when entering and leaving your clinic or treatment premises. Prevention: Ensure there is space for clients to safely park cars and advise them of best parking options when they book the appointment. Provide good lighting from parking areas to the front door. Make sure surfaces outside your clinic or house can be easily navigated by clients using mobility aids, such as walking frames, walking sticks or wheelchairs. Discover Massage Australia is recruiting now for 2015 DMA is looking for instructors in New South Wales to deliver our Whole Body Massage Course. Applicants need to be available for 7 weekends per year (approx.). For more information, please info@discovermassage.com.au Regulars 18

19 Regulars Feature Oncology Massage: The benefits of a safe touch for all The international organisation the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) defines Oncology Massage as the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. S4OM also states that clinical assessments and adaptations to the massage session for someone experiencing cancer or having a history of cancer treatment are critical to providing a safe massage. When thinking of remedial massage, thoughts often turn to a therapist diving deep into muscles trying to pummel them into submission. To a cancer patient that has been or is going through the rigors of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, that is the last thing they need although many may still ask for the treatment they had once enjoyed as it is one way for them to feel normal again. By Deborah Hart, SA/WA State coordinator and OM Ltd Board member. Oncology Massage is a specialised form of remedial massage in the truest sense of the word as remedial means to remedy. Of course the suggestion is not that cancer can be cured by massage, however a client s experience of their symptoms may be relieved by skilfully applied massage techniques. Over 10 years ago one study concluded that 30 minutes of massage three times per week reduced depressed mood, anxiety and anger and enhanced dopamine, serotonin, and NK cell number and lymphocytes for women with breast cancer. These symptom score changes are witnessed because of the neuroendocrine and immune function alterations that occur during and after massage. Reductions in both blood pressure and heart rate have been observed. Of course the suggestion is not that cancer can be cured by massage, however, a client s experience of their symptoms may be relieved by skilfully applied massage techniques. A reduction in cortisol of about 30% is also common, with a corresponding increase in circulating lymphocytes and a decrease in inflammatory mediators, including interleukin. Increases in serotonin and dopamine have also been noted explaining the corresponding regulation of mood, appetite, sleep and cognitive functioning. This same group followed with another study and measured whether these changes were due to relaxation alone, or mediated by a tactile response by incorporating a progressive muscle relaxation group in their trial. Both relaxation and massage groups showed immediate positive effects on mental health parameters, but only the massage group showed significant improvements in qualitative measures of wellbeing and increased levels of dopamine, serotonin, Natural Killer cells and lymphocytes after five weeks of treatment. The largest study into massage for symptom control for cancer patients has been one from the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This study surveyed just under 1,300 patients over a three-year period representing 3,359 treatments. This study showed the benefits of massage in relation to symptom control (continued next page) 19

20 (continued) and resulted in 47% improvement in pain levels, 42% improvement in fatigue levels, 59% improvement in anxiety levels, 51 % improvement in nausea and 48 % improvement in reports of depression with other symptoms such as dry mouth, shortness of breath, memory problems or disturbed sleep improving by 48%. Out-patients improved about 10% more than in-patients with benefits persisting including no return toward baseline scores over a 48-hour follow-up. Patients used a 0 10 rating scales of pain, fatigue, stress/anxiety, nausea, depression and other and surveys were handed into staff not associated with the trial to eliminate bias. Changes in symptom scores and the modifying effects of patient status (in- or out-patient) and type of massage were analysed. Symptom scores were reduced by approximately 50% across all fields, even for patients reporting high baseline scores. These data indicate that massage therapy is associated with substantive improvement in cancer patients' symptom scores. With results like these it is difficult to imagine why there isn't more research into a modality, which is so safe and non-invasive. It is also difficult to imagine why Oncology Massage is not available in every cancer centre and hospital across Australia. In the USA Oncology Massage is available in more than 90 hospitals across the country. Oncology Massage is becoming increasingly embraced in Australia and is now available in some hospitals. Besides the SolarisCare program operating through a variety of locations in WA, there are three Oncology Massage therapists now employed in the Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, two therapists at the RPA Lifehouse and programs are running at the Flinders Medical Centre in day oncology and the Restore program at the Calvary Hospital at North Adelaide. The massage techniques taught by Oncology Massage Ltd are elegant in their simplicity but do not mistake this to mean that they are easy to perform. The challenge for the therapist is to remain constantly mindful and to resist drifting into habitual patterns of treatment. A space is created, like a bubble of peace and tranquillity, regardless of the environment, which may be anything from a beautiful spa clinic environment or a hospital bed. Imagine the most gentle and profoundly relaxing massage taking into account all of the complexities of cancer treatment. It is quite literally blissful and this style of massage is just as beneficial to the broader massage clientele as it is for cancer patients. The safety of the client must be of paramount importance so Oncology Massage Ltd, the only teaching organisation outside of the USA to be recognised by S4OM, teaches therapists to adjust their massage treatments to take into account all side effects the client may be experiencing. Massage therapists need to be confident when treating this ever growing client population, and with many colleges still teaching that you can t massage anyone with cancer, this training provided in a Level 1 course will give all massage therapists good skills in this area. Chemotherapy cycles, radiation oncology and surgery can leave patients experiencing a mixture of physical and psychological side effects and knowing how to modify a massage session is a basic requirement if working with cancer patients. Oncology Massage therapists understand the disease process and know what questions to ask to make sure that the massage provided is safe and effective for those with a history or diagnosis of cancer. Asking about compromised blood cell counts, lymph node removal or treatment, fatigue, neuropathy, pain and understanding how to work around catheters, ports and other medical devices are all areas which need to be considered when a treatment plan is devised. (Continued next page) 20

21 (Continued) Patients that have had lymph nodes removed or treated with radiotherapy are at lifelong risk of developing lymphoedema, with anywhere between 5-60% of patients developing the condition. There is no way to determine which patients will go on to develop lymphoedema so massage therapists need to be aware of the risk factors. Simple adjustments to minimise risk, such as the position of the client on the massage table and knowing to never working deeply on the quadrant of the body that has had lymph nodes treated, are just two such adjustments. Happiness is a not a destination, but the journey. Dealing with cancer is both destination and journey. Medicine focuses on the quality of the destination. Oncology Massage focuses on the quality of the journey. People with a history of cancer or who are being treated for cancer are a fragile population. There is a large psychosocial aspect to massage in this population and it is also important to prepare the therapist for this added responsibility to maximise the benefits to the client. Oncology Massage Level 1 and 2 courses are held across Australia in all capital cities and regional centres. Level 3 and 4 are currently only offered through the Austin Hospital, Vic. Oncology Massage Ltd is a registered charity dedicated to training massage therapists to work safely with cancer patients. More information on course content is available at oncologymassagetraining.com.au References Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ, 2004, Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Centre, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 28:3: Oyston E, McGee M, 2012, Oncology Massage Research and Training Update, Journal of Australian Traditional Medicine Society, 18:1: Hernandez-Reif M, Ironside G, Field T, Hurley J, Katz G, Diego M, Weiss S, Fletcher MA, Schanberg S, Kuhn C, Burman I, 2004, Breast cancer patients have improved immune and neuroendocrine functions following massage therapy, Journal of Psychosomatic Research 57:45-52 Hernandez-Reif M, Field T, Ironside G, Beutler J, Natural killer cells and lymphocytes increase in women with breast cancer following massage therapy J.Neuroscience, 115: , 2005 Smith GR and Missailidis S, 2004, Cancer, inflammation and AT1 and AT2 receptors, Journal of Inflammation 1:3 NLN National Lymphoedema Network Position Papers LANGBECKER D., HAYES S.C., NEWMAN B. & JANDA M. (2008) European Journal of Cancer Care 17, Treatment for upper-limb and lower-limb lymphedema by professionals specializing in lymphedema care What can you do to help your clients with cancer? Find out how you can offer massage to all your clients. Register 30 days in advance and take $100 off the registration fee! Contact info@oncologymassagetraining.com.au to Enrol NOW! Call Kylie