Regulations

The New Zealand College of Massage reiterates call for regulation of massage therapists in New Zealand and for effective standards of training to be set\

November 8, 2006

The case of a young woman who was paralysed by the release of a blood clot following a workplace massage, reported on TV1 last night and the New Zealand Herald today, highlights the need for effective training of massage therapists, according to the New Zealand College of Massage.

The college has reiterated its call for regulation of massage therapists in New Zealand. “Although the massage link could not be proven absolutely in this tragic case, it highlights the need for effective training of massage therapists,” says college director Susan Penman.

The media reports stated that the therapist was “qualified” but this in itself is no guarantee of safety. “Standards of training are still very mixed both in Australia and in New Zealand. It is still possible to gain so called “certificates” and “diplomas” in 5 - 10 days,” she says “The young woman reported that the massage felt very rough.

The massage also took place at a work desk, with no indication of support for the neck. Therapists with effective training are taught a number of precautions that ensure safety. Workplace massage training should include: a check of client health and any pre-existing conditions, how to sink into deeper tissues without any bruising or blood vessel damage, and avoidance of endangerment sites on the body,” she says.

Ms Penman says anyone with concerns about the level of training of massage therapists in the workplace should contact an NZQA registered provider or the president of Massage NZ, Barry Vautier.