I am certified in instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, am I allowed to do this with clients?
I am a full time physical therapist assistant and I have been certified in Graston for 4 years. I just started personal training as a second job and I am aware when I am training clients, I am not allowed to treat or diagnose injuries. I was wondering since I am certified in Graston if I will be able to offer instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization to my clients as well? I can not find much information online. Thank you!
Hello Michelle Parchomenko,
I would double check this with a business lawyer: If it were me, I would be sure to let the clients know that the personal training service is a separate entity; keeping the two services separate…do not combine the sessions.
Why not use all your education, as clients need all the help they can get while you make yourself more marketable.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.
Hi Michelle,
Natalie made some excellent points. I would also consult a lawyer on that & review my liability insurance policies. I would think that you might need a separate policy for each of your skills. As long as you are certified and trained in that particular skill and technique, I can’t imaging there being a problem with offering it to your training clients – you certainly aren’t overstepping your boundaries. Actually, I think it makes you that much more marketable as a trainer. I became familiar with the Graston technique a few years ago when someone introduced me to a Chiropractor (who also was certified as a Personal Trainer)who pretty much used the Graston method exclusively. I sent him a few of my own clients who had some chronic issues & he helped them tremendously. Good luck Michelle – you should be fine.
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com
I’m not sure if you need to go as far as contacting a lawyer unless you want him or her to re write a legal document/liability waiver for you
If you want to use this technique it would be advisable to have a contract and signed understanding from your clients. You can offer it as needed or within a package of services also.
Thank you all for the advice and tips! If possible, I would like to avoid seeing a lawyer due high fees (At least for now). When I work as a physical therapist assistant, I do have patients sign a separate waiver before performing Graston. Are there waivers/liability forms available online before training a client (for independent trainers)?