Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

The practice of physiotherapy is personal. Each masseur-physiotherapist is responsible for his or her decisions, actions and prescriptions.

All masseur-physiotherapists are entitled to perform all regulated acts. However, except in exceptional circumstances, they must not undertake or continue treatment, or prescribe in areas that exceed their skills, knowledge, experience and available resources.

The masseur-physiotherapist has at his disposal, at his place of practice, suitable facilities and sufficient technical means commensurate with the nature of the procedures he performs. The premises must allow professional secrecy to be respected. In particular, windows, doors and display cases must be blacked out. The masseur-physiotherapist must ensure compliance with the rules of hygiene and cleanliness. They must not practise their profession in conditions that could compromise the…

The masseur-physiotherapist shall ensure that the persons who assist him in his practice are informed of their obligations with regard to professional secrecy and comply with them. In particular, he shall ensure that the confidentiality of his professional correspondence is not breached by those around him.

The masseur-physiotherapist protects from any indiscretion the professional documents concerning the persons he treats or has treated, examined or cared for, whatever the content and medium of these documents. The same applies to professional information which may be in his possession. The masseur-physiotherapist must ensure, when using his or her experience or documents for scientific publication or teaching purposes, that it is not possible to identify the persons concerned. Failing…

The practice of masso-kinésithérapie is prohibited. However, exemptions may be granted by the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre in the interests of public health or for the promotion of the profession.

It is forbidden to practise massage therapy under a pseudonym. A masseur-physiotherapist who uses a pseudonym for activities relating to his or her profession is obliged to declare this to the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre.