There's also a very good chance I'm being oversensitive today.  I left feeling embarrassed.

Hmm, chemgal.

I know that they will refuse if there is a concern re pregnancy.

Massage can release toxins, they may have been concerned for your health.

Given complex health conditions, I am guessing they are protecting you and them.

My thoughts are, given them a call and ask specifially why they refused you.  Don't wonder about it.  Ask them.

Thanks Pinga.

I was told 2 specific reasons, so at least I know what those are.  I think it could have been handled better by them, for example, the discussion occurred in the waiting room, not a treatment room.

If they do want to play it safe, I would have been much happier if the receptionist hadn't just booked me for a massage, I wouldn't have minded going for a quick consultation first or if she needed to get a therapist to call me back to go over my health/request a doctor's note then.

This place isn't a spa - I would expect less medical-appropriate treatment if it was; they mention treating people who have cancer, are pregnant, arthritis, injuries, etc.

Chemgal, sadly, it sounds like you have the opportunity for a teaching moment.

I would be tempted to call the supervisor / owner and share your embarassment about being denied by them in a public area (the waiting room)

Thanks, I sent an email already (after writing the OP here).  I feel better.  Hopefully it goes to the right place eventually, at least it will be seen by the office manager.

I did book with my last RMT, further way.  I also spoke to her to double check that she's still comfortable treating me.  I didn't have any problems with her before I got a diagnosis, so I trust her to continue to do things safely now that I do.  I really like her, but it's further away, using major roads and I dislike dealing with traffic after a massage.  I could walk to this new place, or stick to residential streets if I drove.

We'll see what happens with this response.  If things go well, I'll give the convienent location another chance, with a different therapist (and the doctor's note).

A similar happened to me at physiotherapy two weeks ago. I had been refered by a sports medicine doctor for specifc treatment. I arrived on time and filled out a form. the form asked anout my health status, including my HIV status. After filling out the form the therapist told me she could not provide the treatment the doctor asked for. i should come back later to see a different therapist. So I returned three hour later and this time the therapist told me ( in front of eveyone in the waiting room) that she would not treat me as she felt uncomfortable with people licing with HIV..
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I have been denied treatment fom doctors and other health care professionals because of my health status over the last twenty years. I have learned that i should always dress in a suit when see health care professions, but because inwas expecting physio, this time I was wearing gym pants and a top. I have also been instructed by my doctor nevr to tell the truth when asked if I am HIV. My docotr says she can decided if a treat,ent is safe for me, and that other health care providers do not have a clue, so I should lie. howevr this time, because i was tired and in pain, I told the truth. My mistake. people are often uncomfortable around those with illnesses and any information is too much, unless it is my GP.

Chemgal: that's horrible it happened in the waiting room and I'm sorry they wouldn't treat you...I guess they don't want to get sued if they hurt you.   Today's world!

Alex: I can't believe they are allowed to deny you treatment let alone telling the reason why in the waiting room. 

YIKES!

Thanks for sharing that Alex.  In my case, I think she was just concerned about triggering a problem when she was unfamiliar with what I have.  I don't think it was totally unreasonable, just carried out poorly and I wouldn't be surprised if it's the first time she was in that position.  What happened to you is unreasonable though!  Sorry you have to deal with that on a more regular basis, it makes you feel pretty shitty when it happens.

Thanks Sterton.  I feel much better about the whole thing today.

Wow, wow, wow! That person should be reprimanded, most health professionals have to sign a confidentiality agreement.

It happen at the Carleton University Athletic centre Physiotherapy clinic thus I have someone to complain to. The Equity office at Carleton. They are doing an investigation now. However I am only able to complain because there are witnesses.

I remember when my blood test came back positive for celiac disease, I told no one.  The next thing I know, a co-worker told me they heard from the local convience store my news.

I never did find out who the leak was...could have been the lab, the doctor, or someone over hearing medical staff talking about me privately.

Sterton, I find that really odd, but I don't live in a small town.  Creepy too!

Yeah good thing it wasn't an STI or pregnancy!

 Alex, that's not entirely true. What you are describing is an egregious act of professional violation of privacy.

 I spoke with my resident expert, a practicing physiotherapist, who is also an assessor for professional practice standards.

You have launched a good initial response through the university. But regardlessof the outcome of that action, you also have the right to file a complaint with the Ontario College of Physiotherapists, who regulate professonal practice. I have it on good authority that they take these complaints seriously and would launch an investigation. Even without witnesses, you would be able to file a complaint, which would be investigated by the college.

Oh Alex - how very disturbing that in this day & age, after such a long struggle to reduce misinformation around HIV, that this is still occuring.   I feel so sad to hear how we (health professionals) have let you down - I'm sure it's not the first time, and no doubt not the last.  

I am glad to hear that you have lodged a complaint and I hope some good will come of that - some education, revised policy & procedure, an apology to you.  Keep us posted, if you feel comfortable with that - I'd like to hear the outcome. 

Addendum - I was also thinking as DKS has posted - this is another avenue for you to pursue; it may also be forwarded by the employer to the College of Physiotherapists. 

chemgal - I guess you may run into this, as your condition is not well known & most responsible therapists will err on the side of safety - which really is what you'd want, right?  Recognizing that, you'll be better able to plan for future such events - eg by having dr. letter etc. ready when you go to appt. 

That being said, I agree with other that the location of their discussion with you seems inappropriate - assuming there were others present in the waiting area.  So that much is good to give them feedback on, so they can improve future interactions. 

Thanks Carolla.  I don't take any issue with them wanting me to check with a doctor first.  The massage today certainly didn't cause any issues though, besides a sore spot on my hand still, I'm feeling great today!  Chemguy thinks I should just stick to the same location/therapist, even with the drive.

She will travel, but I need to find some people around here who are willing to book along with me.  Chemguy isn't into massages.