HTML Preview Client Referral Letter page number 1.
Scope of practice is an important legal and ethical principle that Massage Therapists
must observe at all times.
Massage Therapists perform specic assessments on their clients but they do not
diagnose. Thus, if a client presents with symptoms that are not identiably of a
muscolo-skeletal origin, you must refer them to a primary health care practitioner for
appropriate care and diagnosis.
Writing letters of referral not only enhances client care but also helps establish
professional credibility within the medical community.
Some common symptoms warranting referral
• Not responding to treatment/no progress
• Worsening after treatment
• Excessive fatigue
• Persistent/chronic headaches
• Tremors
• Obesity
• Sudden or unexpected changes in health
• Untreated depression
• Sudden loss of appetite/unexplained weight loss
• Extreme pain
• Anything alarming
Massage Therapists can refer clients directly to:
• General Practitioners
• Sports Medicine Practitioners
• Chiropractors
• Osteopaths
• Physiotherapists
• Naturopaths
• Podiatrists
• Counsellor/Psychologists
• Dentists/Dieticians
We cannot refer directly to medical specialists.
LETTERS OF REFERRAL