Being trained to recognize communicable diseases helps a massage therapist protect clients from contracting an illness. It also ensures that the therapist is trained to deal with any pathogens.
Many states require a certain amount of sanitation training as part of the minimum standards for licensing. In addition, some continuing education credits are required to be used in maintaining sanitation training.
Training in communicable diseases should include three areas: Recognizing signs, such as elevated body temperature or sweating; recognizing symptoms, such as a chill or not feeling well; and universal precautions to ensure the disease does not spread.
Training in recognizing diseases does not grant the massage therapist the ability to diagnose. Massage therapists must refer to a licensed physician for a diagnosis. Also, massage is not generally considered an acceptable form of treatment for communicable diseases.
Because massage therapists are trained to spot possible illnesses, an alert therapist could spot a sign of disease which might go unnoticed. This training could lead to proper medical treatment.