Questioni have had a client recently with diabetes type 2,her doctor told her she was ok 4 massage and that she does`nt need written approval!from a legal point of view is it ok not to have a letter,also what type of massage movements would you advise?
AnswerThanks for the inquiry, Catherine.
This is coincidence, but you are the 2nd consecutive person to ask me this question, only from a different perspective. My answer again is depending on if the client's medical history is relatively clean, you should probably be ok to provide basic Swedish massage to her. Chances are her doctor doesn't want to put himself "out on a limb" with the written authorization in case something unexpected comes from the session.
From a legal point of view, I as a massage therapist can only respond that that is beyond my specific expertise and that you should check with the legal staff of your professional association and of your malpractice insurance company.
I hope that guides you in the proper direction.
Michael, LMT
