The massage therapy standards have been developed by Massage therapy associations to provide a
formal framework for the safe and ethical practice of Massage Therapy in Australia, and to assist
practitioners in applying risk management policies and procedures in their clinic or workplace.
The Standards have been formalised to help practitioners understand and meet their
professional duty of care. In the context of massage therapy practice, duty of care pertains to the
massage therapist’s ethical and legal obligation to avoid acts or omissions that are likely to cause
harm to their clients. It is the appropriate and responsible application of professional knowledge,
skill and integrity.