In recent years, the massage therapy industry has witnessed exponential growth, with an increasing number of individuals seeking its services for various health and wellness benefits. However, this rapid expansion has brought to light significant concerns regarding the lack of consistent standards, qualifications, and oversight within the industry. To address these issues, this talk advocates for the implementation of statutory regulation to ensure the professionalism, safety, and efficacy of massage therapy services.

The absence of statutory regulation has created a fragmented landscape where practitioners operate under varying standards, leading to discrepancies in training, qualifications, and ethical practices. Without a standardised framework, clients are left vulnerable to potential harm from untrained or unscrupulous individuals posing as massage therapists. Moreover, the lack of regulation undermines the credibility and reputation of legitimate practitioners, making it difficult for clients to discern between competent professionals and those lacking proper training.
 
The talk will address statutory regulation, the different types of regulation, which other industries are regulated, the pros and cons of becoming a statutorily regulated industry, and how to go about it.  I will discuss how therapists have been compromised by poor training, and how people with bad intentions will use the industry to commit sexual assault.

• Public Health and Safety: Acknowledgment of the need for regulation to protect clients from unqualified practitioners, ensuring that massage therapy is performed in a safe, ethical, and hygienic manner.
• Legal Framework: Consensus on the necessity to create a legal framework that sets standards for practice, including continuing education and ethical conduct for massage therapists.
• Consumer Protection: Establishment of a regulatory body to handle complaints, disputes, and malpractice cases, safeguarding consumers from exploitation or harm.
• Increased Accountability: Implementation of mandatory certifications and background checks for massage therapists to improve accountability and maintain trust within the industry.