Massage therapist suspended over unconsented breast massage, B.C. college says

FILE: A massage table is seen in this undated photo. (Shutterstock)

A Vancouver-based registered massage therapist has been given a one-month suspension after he admitted to touching a patient’s breasts without her consent, according to his professional college.

Hamidreza Salahi was also given a formal reprimand, ordered to attend at least one meeting with a practice advisor, and required to complete a course on professional ethics.

In a public notice, the College of Complementary Health Professionals of B.C. said it launched an investigation into Salahi’s behaviour after the patient complained in May 2025.

The massage therapist ultimately admitted to professional misconduct that included failing to inform the patient of “draping options with respect to assessment and treatment of her breasts,” massaging her breasts without consent, and providing a breast treatment that was not “therapeutically indicated,” according to the notice.

Salahi also admitted to hugging the patient and commenting on her appearance.

Last summer, the college banned Salahi from providing certain treatments while the investigation was underway—a move it described as an “extraordinary action.”

At the time, Salahi was ordered to post notices detailing the limits on his practice in any waiting rooms and treatment rooms where he worked, as well as any associated online booking pages.

The college said Salahi admitted he failed to comply with that order as well.

The limits on his practice—including one barring him from massage patient “in the area between rib 2 and rib 9,” for any purpose—and the notice requirements will remain in place until his suspension, advisor meeting and ethics course are completed, according to the notice.