What is a Registered Massage Therapist?
In Ontario, a Registered Massage Therapist is a Regulated Health Professional under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). All RMTs in the province are members of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. The CMTO is the regulatory body for the profession and is responsible for regulation of Massage Therapy, complaints and discipline and protection of the public.
Only members of the CMTO may call themselves Massage Therapists and offer Massage Therapy.
What type of education do RMTs in Ontario have?
Before they are able to register with the college, prospective Massage Therapists must attend a recognized training program that is at least 2200 hours in length and includes hands on field placement. Students must complete courses in Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Massage Theory, Ethics and Law, Hydrotherapy, Orthopedic Assessment, Massage Treatment, Remedial Exercise and more.
Once they have successfully completed their training, candidates may take the provincial board exams administered by the College of Massage Therapists. Upon passing the rigorous written and practical exams, they may register as Massage Therapists and begin to practice in the province.
What happens after registration?
All RMTs are subject to a quality assurance program overseen by the college. Members are required to obtain continuing education credits as well as keep up with self and peer assessments and literature provided by the College.
What sets a Registered Massage Therapist apart from others offering massage?
As Regulated Health Professionals, Massage Therapists are trained to administer treatment for therapeutic purposes. Not only are they able to deliver massage for relaxation, their skill set allows them to treat many impairments and health conditions. RMTs are trained to assess each client and create an individual treatment plan with the client's goals in mind. They are also trained to recognize scenarios when Massage Therapy may not be beneficial or when treatment needs to be modified.
How can visits to an RMT help my health?
The following list of general health benefits has been provided by the Registered Massage Therapists Association of Ontario (www.rmtao.com):
- Reducing or eliminating pain
- Improving joint mobility
- Improving circulation
- Improving immune system functioning
- Increasing lymphatic drainage
- Reducing depression and anxiety
- Reducing tension within muscles
- Increasing body awareness
What conditions can Massage Therapy treat?
Treatment by a Registered Massage Therapist can prove beneficial for the following conditions:
| Anxiety and depression | Asthma and Emphysema |
| Back, leg, and neck pain | Cancer |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain) | Chronic Fatigue syndrome |
| Dislocations | Fibromyalgia |
| Fractures and edema | Gastrointestinal disorders |
| Headaches | Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and bursitis |
| Insomnia | Kyphosis and Scoliosis |
| Multiple sclerosis | Parkinson’s disease |
| Muscle tension and spasm | Palliative care |
| Post-surgical rehabilitation | Pregnancy and labour support |
| Sports injuries | Strains and sprains |
| Stress and stress related conditions | Stroke |
| Tendinitis | Whiplash |
Who goes to see Registered Massage Therapists?
Massage Therapy is used by people of all ages, for a wide variety of reasons. For example, colicky infants may benefit from massage, athletes frequently use Massage Therapy to treat injuries and prepare or recover from events, and the elderly often use massage when they experience degenerative changes associated with aging. Your Massage Therapist will ensure that treatment will be safe and appropriate before proceeding. If you are unsure if you are a candidate for Massage Therapy, please give us a call at the clinic or speak with your Family Doctor.
For more information, visit our webpage at www.bowmanvillemassage.com or give us a call at 905-259-2158 to speak with a Registered Massage Therapist.
No comments:
Post a Comment