Generally, no, a massage therapist should not touch your breasts. According to established ethical guidelines, breast massage is not a standard or ethically offered service by Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs).
Ethical Considerations
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Professional Boundaries: LMTs must maintain strict professional boundaries to ensure client safety and comfort.
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Inappropriate Conduct: Touching a client's breasts without explicit therapeutic justification and informed consent is considered unethical and can be construed as sexual misconduct.
What the Reference Says
- According to the reference, "breast massage is not normal. This is not something an LMT can or should ethically offer."
When Could Breast Massage Be Appropriate?
While generally inappropriate, there may be specific medical reasons where breast massage is part of a treatment plan. However, this would require:
- Clear Medical Justification: The massage must be prescribed or recommended by a healthcare professional for a specific medical condition (e.g., post-surgical scar tissue).
- Informed Consent: The client must fully understand the reasons for the massage, the techniques involved, and provide explicit consent.
- Specialized Training: The massage therapist must have specialized training and qualifications in breast massage for medical purposes.
What to Do If You Feel Uncomfortable
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Communicate Immediately: If you feel uncomfortable or if a massage therapist touches you inappropriately, communicate your discomfort immediately.
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Report the Incident: You have the right to report any unethical or inappropriate behavior to the relevant licensing board or authorities.
