Business Practices & Documentation

The professional practice domain covers the business and administrative aspects of massage therapy. This is the largest content area on the MBLEx (18%), reflecting the importance of business skills alongside clinical skills.

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Business Planning

Components of a Business Plan

Business Structures

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Insurance

Types of Insurance for Massage Therapists

Key distinction: Professional liability covers treatment-related claims (e.g., "the massage caused nerve damage"). General liability covers non-treatment claims (e.g., "I slipped on the wet floor").

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Documentation Standards

Required Documentation

1. Client intake form — medical history, contact info, consent
2. Informed consent form — signed before first treatment
3. SOAP notes — completed for every session
4. Treatment plan — goals, frequency, modalities, timeline
5. Progress notes — tracking changes over multiple sessions
6. Incident reports — document any unusual events or accidents
7. Cancellation/no-show records — track scheduling patterns

Documentation Best Practices

• Write notes immediately after each session while details are fresh
• Use objective, professional language — avoid subjective opinions
• Never alter records after the fact — if corrections are needed, draw a single line through the error, write the correction, date it, and initial
• Date and sign every entry
• Use anatomical terminology rather than casual language
• Document client communication including referrals and self-care instructions

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Marketing & Advertising

Ethical Marketing Standards

Acceptable:

• Describing your qualifications, training, and certifications accurately
• Listing the modalities you practice
• Sharing client testimonials (with written permission)
• Describing the benefits of massage based on evidence
• Using professional photographs and language

NOT Acceptable:

• Claiming to cure diseases or medical conditions
• Guaranteeing specific results
• Using the title "doctor" or "physician" unless you hold that degree
• Misrepresenting your credentials or training
• Using sexual imagery or innuendo in marketing
• Making claims not supported by evidence

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Financial Management

Key Financial Records to Maintain

• Income records: All payments received (cash, credit card, insurance)
• Expense records: Rent, supplies, insurance, continuing education, equipment
• Mileage log: If traveling to clients (mobile massage or outcalls)
• Receipt file: All business-related receipts
• Tax records: Quarterly estimated tax payments (if self-employed)

Common Tax Deductions for Massage Therapists

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Client Communication & Retention

Effective Communication Skills

Client Retention Strategies

• Consistent quality — provide excellent, reliable care at every session
• Follow-up — check in after sessions (especially first visits)
• Scheduling — book the next appointment before the client leaves
• Education — provide self-care recommendations (stretches, exercises)
• Professional environment — maintain a clean, welcoming space
• Punctuality — start and end sessions on time
• Personalization — remember client preferences and treatment history

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Workplace Settings

Types of Massage Practice Settings