American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Practice Test

If a client feels treatment is no longer effective, what is the appropriate response from the massage therapist?

1. Yes. The treatment was not working, and the referral was appropriate.

2. No. It is not entirely up to the massage therapist to decide when to stop treatment.

3. No. The client should not have been sent to an acupuncturist.

4. Yes. The therapist has sole authority to decide whether continued treatment is appropriate based on client response.

The correct answer is: No. It is not entirely up to the massage therapist to decide when to stop treatment.

When a client expresses that they feel a treatment is no longer effective, it is essential for the massage therapist to engage in a collaborative discussion regarding the treatment. The focus should be on open communication, ensuring that the client's feelings and experiences are valued. In this situation, it is not solely the therapist's responsibility to determine when to stop treatment; rather, the decision should involve input from both the therapist and the client. This approach fosters a partnership in care, which is vital for effective therapeutic outcomes. It is important for the therapist to assess the client's concerns, possibly revisiting treatment goals, adjusting techniques, or referring the client to other professionals if necessary. This collaborative method respects the client's autonomy and ensures they feel empowered in their treatment decisions. The other options suggest a more unilateral approach by the therapist, which may not fully respect the client’s perspective or encourage a shared decision-making process. A balanced evaluation of the client's feedback is crucial in massage therapy, ensuring that the treatment plan remains aligned with the client's needs and preferences.