Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

A masseur-physiotherapist examining or treating a person deprived of their liberty may not, directly or indirectly, even by his very presence, encourage or condone an attack on that person’s physical or mental integrity or dignity.If he finds that this person has been subjected to abuse or ill-treatment, subject to the consent of the person concerned, he shall inform the judicial authority. In the case of a minor under the age…

The masseur-physiotherapist takes all the necessary steps to maintain and improve his knowledge and skills. In particular, he must fulfil his obligation of continuous professional development.

The masseur-physiotherapist assists the competent authorities in their efforts to protect health and promote health education. The collection, recording, processing and transmission of nominative or indirectly nominative information are authorised under the conditions laid down by law.

When a masseur-physiotherapist participates in a public information campaign of an educational, scientific or health nature, whatever the means of dissemination, he or she will only report confirmed data, will exercise caution and will be concerned about the repercussions of his or her comments on the public. It is not his intention to profit from his contribution in the context of his professional activity, nor to pass it on to…

The masseur-physiotherapist does not divulge in professional circles a new practice that has not been sufficiently tested without accompanying his communication with the appropriate reservations. He does not make such disclosure to a non-professional public.

The masseur-physiotherapist only participates in research on individuals under the conditions laid down by law. He shall ensure, within the limits of his competence, the regularity and relevance of such research and the objectivity of its conclusions. The treating masseur-physiotherapist, who participates in research as an investigator within the meaning of article L. 1121-1, shall ensure that the study does not alter either the relationship of trust between him and…

Physiotherapy should not be run as a business.

I. – The masseur-physiotherapist is free to communicate to the public, by any means, including on a website, information likely to contribute to the patient’s free choice of practitioner, relating in particular to his professional skills and practices, his career path and the conditions of his practice. This communication must comply with the provisions in force and the ethical obligations defined in this section. It is fair and honest, does…

Professionals from other Member States of the European Union or the European Economic Area who have been granted partial access to the practice of the profession of physiotherapist under article L. 4002-5 of the Public Health Code, when presenting their activity to the public, in particular on a website, are required to inform the public of the list of procedures they are authorised to perform. As part of their practice,…

A masseur-physiotherapist may engage in another activity, unless this is incompatible with his professional independence, morality and dignity or is likely to enable him to profit from his prescriptions. In the context of this other activity, with the agreement of the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre, he may use his title of masseur-kinésithérapeute.