Massage Liability Insurance is One Way to Protect Your Practice

Let’s explore some of the key ways massage therapists can safeguard themselves from lawsuits.

The first step to avoiding lawsuits as a massage therapist is to obtain proper education as required by your state. Requirements vary by state, so you must do research to ensure you’re following your state license requirements.

For example, Florida requires massage therapists to complete a 500-hour educational program to apply for a license while Indiana requires 625 hours. As another example, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Oregon and Alaska are all states that require massage therapists to have a CPR certification for licensure. You can find your state to learn more about requirements on MASSAGE Magazine’s state massage laws page but it is also recommended to verify all information by going directly to your state board’s website as this is where you will find the most up-to-date information.

Once you have received the proper initial education, you must also ensure you keep your license updated and skills sharp by completing continuing education courses. Just like applying for a license, continuing education requirements vary by state. Furthermore, continuing education and participating in industry seminars or events also will help massage therapists avoid liabilities by staying on top of new advancements and learnings in the field.

Liability insurance is an essential step for protecting massage therapists from malpractice lawsuits. This type of insurance can help massage therapists avoid lawsuits by providing financial protection in the case of a claim.

The most common claims massage therapists face include burns from a hot stone massage, back injuries due to too much pressure, injuries from being stretched incorrectly, and a massage table breaking and causing a client to fall to the floor and sustain injuries. A proper liability insurance policy would protect the massage therapists from these claims and more—but without liability insurance, massage therapists could be responsible for paying for legal fees and damages.

Massage therapists who communicate clearly with their clients can help avoid lawsuits and provide a better service overall. Clear communication is essential to ensure that the client’s needs are met, that consent is given for treatments, and that any risks associated with massage are properly discussed in advance.

Massage therapists need to use an intake form and SOAP notes that gather information about their clients’ relevant medical history, including any current conditions and past injuries. This information can help the therapist customize their technique to best meet the needs of their client.

It’s also important for massage therapists to clearly explain what types of treatments they offer and how long each session will take. Establishing a clear timeline in advance can help both the therapist and the client get the most out of their treatment.

Additionally, massage therapists should be sure to obtain consent before each session and make sure clients understand any potential risks associated with massage therapy. Informed consent means they understand and agree to the procedure or treatment after being informed of the benefits, risks and alternatives.

This important step allows them to make an educated decision about their course of care. Making sure your patients are informed not only promotes trust but also patient safety.

Using appropriate equipment and techniques is another critical step to prevent malpractice lawsuits as a massage therapist. For example, massage therapists should use massage tables that are sturdy and stable, oils and lotions that are safe and non-irritating, and techniques they are qualified to perform.

Massage therapists should ensure their practice space is clean and safe for clients. This promotes the health and well-being of clients and protects massage therapists from liability claims. Here are some ways to maintain a safe and sanitary environment:

Hannah Young is brand manager for Massage Magazine Insurance Plus (MMIP). MMIP provides massage liability insurance for as low as $149 per year with policy options for part-time and full-time professionals. The policy includes $3 million per year in coverage in addition to thousands more in additional coverages like product coverage, stolen equipment coverage, identity theft protection and more.

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