In 1927 ‘The News’ newspaper in Adelaide, South Australia ran a weekly series of articles on their Woman’s page exploring suitable careers for girls; “a problem which at times confronts the parents of daughters”. The newspaper obtained the information for the article from an un-named “authority in the occupation”. The first four articles explored hairdressing, pharmacy, dentistry and law. The fifth article covered massage [physiotherapy] and the text is reprinted below:

No. 5 – Massage

Hand-in-hand with the profession of medicine and surgery goes the increasingly important and beneficial practice of massage, and in South Australia at any rate more women than men have adopted it as a source of income.

A leading member of the South Australian branch of the Australasian Massage Association [Australian Physiotherapy Association] said that their was much scope in this State for competent qualified masseuses, but that certain qualifications were necessary to ensure success.

Golden Rule

“The secret of all professions.” she said, “is to treat one’s patient or client as one would treat oneself. Massage is exceedingly interesting work, but it is of no use a young woman taking it up unless she thoroughly enjoys it. “During the war masseuses shortened the convalescence of wounded men and alleviated the suffering caused by fractures and the like, and in private practice they are of great assistance to the medical profession.

“There are certain rules of the Australasian Massage Association to which rigid adherence must be given. Among these are:- ‘No member shall act in a professional capacity except under the immediate direction or approval of a registered medical practitioner; no member shall advertise professionally in a manner disapproved by the committee; and no person shall be registered who is following the calling of spiritualist, or medical medium, clairvoyant, hypnotist, or fortune teller, nor shall any member work for or be associated with any person practising under these or similar titles.’

Course of Two Years

“The course comprises two years at Adelaide University, which includes practical work at Adelaide Hospital. “A girl who decides to take up massage as a profession must devote herself exclusively to the two years of training and not engage in any other occupation during that time. She will find the course a period of great interest, and if she is a woman of ambition she should go far in the profession.”

Candidates for the diploma of membership of the Australasian Massage Association [later the Australian Physiotherapy Association], must, before entering upon the first year of their professional studies, satisfy the committee that they have passed the University leaving examination, and that they possess physical and general fitness, as certified by examiners appointed for this purpose by the committee. During the first year candidates must attend courses of lectures and instruction on anatomy, physiology, theory of electricity, and bandaging and must perform a first course of dissections and attend demonstrations in massage. During the second year they must attend courses of lectures and instruction on anatomy, theory and practice of medical electricity, theory and practice of massage, and theory and practice of medical gymnastics.

They must also perform a second course of dissections and attend during 12 months the massage practice of a hospital approved by the committee. All examinations shall be partly written, partly oral, and partly practical. Candidates who have passed the foregoing examinations and have’ attained the age of 21 years shall be entitled to the diploma of membership of the association. The cost of the two years’ course is approximately £75.

Ranks Never Full

“If a woman is willing to give her best, service, she will have ample opportunity to obtain further experience,” said the masseuse. “The ranks are never full, and there is always a demand for competent qualified workers. There is one point which should be stressed. Sometimes very sick folk are ordered massage and she who ministers to their needs must combine sympathy and firmness in her nature, but on no account must she be maudlin. “We members of the association are a happy band and our numbers are made up of 28 women and five men. When a young woman has gained her diploma she may visit hospitals and private homes to treat patients under medical supervision nor she may set up for herself in professional rooms. “In the latter case the cost of furnishing and equipment is not great, and £20 should secure all that is necessary for a beginning. She could add to her belongings as her practice grew.

“There is scope for practitioners in country districts. Broken Hill has one, but I do not think there is one at Port Pirie and many of the larger country towns.”

Next Monday – Florists’ work.

References

Careers for girls. (1927). The News. Adelaide, South Australia, page 5.