Your experience of massage may be one of soothing nurturance, but did you know how much training and credentialing your massage therapist has received? In Ontario, Registered Massage Therapists are one of 21 regulated health professions, defined under the same Regulated Health Professions Act as physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, chiropractors, dental hygienists and others. “Massage Therapists assess and treat physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints of the body, mostly by hands-on manipulation. Assessment and treatment can include orthopaedic and neurological testing, soft tissue manipulation (Swedish massage is the most commonly used technique), hydrotherapy, remedial exercise programmes and client education programmes.” Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) attend a diploma level program at a recognized vocational school or community college, and must pass rigorous exams both at the training school level at the regulatory college level before receiving the protected RMT title. RMTs adhere to a code of ethics, abide by principles of the Charter on Professionalism, meet and exceed competency standards and are required to obtain continuing education units to keep their knowledge and skills current. A quality assurance program provides evaluation and improvement of an RMT’s competency. To learn more visit the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario website at http://www.cmto.com
