Sports Massage 2: Ethics and Building Trust
Ethics, Sports Massage

Sports Massage 2: Ethics and Building Trust

Author(s): Kathy Paholsky

2.5CE credits 13 Lessons Text

Review the unique ethical considerations appropriate to sports massage. Learn about transference, countertransference, special confidentiality requirements and workplace challenges, as well as how to manage vulnerabilities and boundary issues that arise in this specialty.

Complete this course on its own or as part of the AMTA/NCBTMB Sports Massage Specialty Certificate Program.

This course counts towards NCBTMB’s Ethics credit requirement. 

When you finish this course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the unique ethical considerations involved when specializing in sports massage therapy.
  • Identify strategies for managing boundaries and communicating effectively.
  • Define the rules for confidentiality.
  • Outline ethical decision-making steps specific to sports massage.
  • Create an effective sports massage therapist self-care program.

  1. Basics of Sports Massage Ethics
  2. Ethical Decision-making
  3. Managing Vulnerabilities
  4. Managing Vulnerabilities—The Power Differential
  5. Managing Specific Sports Massage Issues
  6. Transference and Countertransference
  7. Establishing Boundaries
  8. Physical Boundaries and Privacy Issues
  9. Communication
  10. Skills and Confidence as Ethical Concerns
  11. Confidentiality
  12. Self-care
  13. Resources

Kathy Paholsky, PhD, LMT has worked more than 30 years in massage and bodywork as a practitioner and an educator. From a solo office to health care settings, she recognizes the challenges to maintaining professional boundaries while still being a caring and nurturing person.