fbpx

Registered Massage Therapy: Safe, Ethical, and Effective Treatment

Registered Massage Therapy: Safe, Ethical, and Effective Treatment
9
December
2019
Massage Therapy

You may think of massage therapy as stress-busting self-care, but did you know that massage therapy is a regulated health profession? Today, we’ll explore the world of registered massage therapists, including their scope of practice, educational requirements, and common conditions treated with massage therapy.

Is massage therapy a regulated health profession?

Yes! In Ontario, massage therapy is one of the regulated health professions under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). The RHPA also governs professions such as optometry, nursing, dentistry, and psychology.

What is a registered massage therapist?

A registered massage therapist (RMT) is a professional healthcare provider. In Ontario, RMTs are members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) and their work is defined by the Massage Therapy Act, 1991. This act defines the massage therapy scope of practice as, “the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain.”

That’s quite a job! With so many responsibilities on the table, it’s no surprise that massage therapists undergo rigorous training.

What training and education are required for registered massage therapists?

In Ontario, registered massage therapists attend a two- or three-year diploma program at a recognized massage therapy school. They must pass rigorous exams at the training school and pass the CMTO certification examinations before they can register to practice massage therapy. Once registered, they can use the protected titles of “massage therapist” and “registered massage therapist.” Only professionals registered with the CMTO can use those protected titles and the related abbreviations—MT and RMT—after their names.

RMTs adhere to a code of ethics, abide by principles of the CMTO’s Charter on Professionalism, meet and exceed competency standards, and take continuing education to keep their knowledge and skills current. To learn more about massage therapy in Ontario, visit the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

What conditions do massage therapists treat?

Massage therapists use hands-on manipulation to assess and treat physical dysfunction, joint pain, and soft tissue pain. They can also provide orthopaedic and neurological testing and client education programs, including remedial exercises.

Consider massage therapy for:

  • Easing aches and pains associated with chronic illness such as multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and myofascial pain syndrome.
  • Reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
  • Managing the stress associated with hypertension, cancer, headaches and migraines.
  • Recovering from injuries such as pulled muscles, frozen shoulder, sciatica, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Relieving built-up muscle tension that comes from day-to-day living!
  • Rounding out your own self-care routine.

We’re here to help you look and feel your best, whether you’re interested in massage therapy for relaxation or recuperation. If you’d like the safe and effective treatment that comes with working with a registered massage therapist, give us a call to book a deep tissue or Swedish massage.

Feel great, look great with Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa.

Massage. Facials. Waxing. At Hand & Stone, our registered massage therapists will help relieve tension, soothe tired muscles and ease headaches. Interested in our facial services? We know radiant, healthy skin reflects how you look and feel. Hand & Stone’s facials are performed by certified estheticians and we are proud to offer Dermalogica®, YonKa and Diego Dalla Palma products so you can enjoy a bright, beautiful complexion between regular appointments.

We’ll help you look and feel your best, affordably! Call today to schedule your appointment! We’re open 7 days a week with extended hours and gift cards are available for all occasions. Contact us today!

>