Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including, muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints.
Massage Therapy is a clinically-oriented healthcare option that helps alleviate the discomfort associated with everyday and occupational stresses, muscular over-use and many chronic pain conditions.
Massage therapy is an increasingly popular health care option across Canada.
According to the 2015 Sanofi Canada Healthcare Survey, massage therapy is the most utilized paramedical extended health benefit, behind only dental and vision care, with over 50% using it to treat a diagnosed condition or injury.
Massage therapy should be provided by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).
An RMT is an individual who is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act. Only registrants with the CMTO are permitted to use the title Massage Therapist (MT), Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) and the equivalents in other languages. To determine whether someone is an RMT, you can search for them on the CMTO website.
A Registered Massage Therapist is a primary healthcare provider in Ontario and anyone may visit an RMT of their choice.
A referral or prescription is not required to visit an RMT, although some insurance companies may require this.
Massage Therapy can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
RMTs can work with a variety of patient populations in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability. Massage therapy can be beneficial to a wide variety of conditions and is a great addition to your everyday healthcare.
An RMT:
- Has completed a 2-3 year program at a recognized school of massage therapy
- Has passed an entry-to-practice examination that ensures they have the competencies necessary to safely and effectively offer massage therapy services
- Must participate in a Quality Assurance program with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, a program that assist in the maintenance of professional standards and quality care
- Is accountable to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, through the complaints and discipline processes, in the event that the services they provide to not meet the standards of practice
- Provides a receipt that will be accepted by your extended health benefits plan for reimbursement (provided you plan covers massage therapy).
