As far back as 460BC, Massage Therapy has been documented as one of the oldest forms

of therapy.  When we think of Massage Therapy, we often think of a flowing

massage that transcends us to the lands of palm trees and soft sea breezes. 

What many of us don’t know is that Massage Therapy is a much broader profession. 

 

BC’s Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are primary health care professionals

committed to every aspect of health and pain-free functioning of the body.

RMTs evaluate individual health needs and provide active and passive techniques for

complete patient care.

 

Modalities may include:

• Massage Therapy • Manual Therapy
• Joint mobilization • Hydrotherapy

• Rehabilitative exercise 

 

RMTs in BC have:

• Legislation by the government under the BC Health Professions Act

• The highest training standards in North America • Mandatory continuing education and

  professional development.

• Coverage: RMTs are primary contact health care providers. Referrals are not required for Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage. MSP covers massage therapy for patients who qualify for premium assistance. You may also have coverage through your extended health care plan. For injuries or conditions referred by a physician; ICBC, veterans affairs Canada, the RCMP and others may also provide coverage. 

 

RMT's are trained in:

 

1. The assessment of soft tissue and joints of the body

2. The treatment and prevention of injury, pain and physical disorders

 

RMTs are dedicated to treating your symptoms of pain and dysfunction, as well as the

underlying causes, through the utilization of neurological, orthopedic and systemic

techniques.

 

Massage Therapy can provide relief for many common conditions such as:

 

• Migraine headaches

• Whiplash

• Pregnancy

• Cancer

• Low Back Pain

• Stress Release

• Tendonitis

• Arthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Fibromyalgia

• Sports injuries

• And many other common conditions related to soft tissue and joint dysfunction

 

Current research suggests that there is a direct link between our physical wellbeing and our

mental or emotional state, which can be positively affected by massage therapy. Research also supports the use of massage therapy as an effective approach in injury management and rehabilitation, as well as part of a preventive care program.

 

RMT’s are also trained in rehabilitative exercise such as hydrotherapy, stretching, strengthening, and postural exercises. Your RMT is committed to providing the very best in one-on-one patient care.

 

Massage Therapy - A Regulated Health Care Profession

Massage therapy in BC has been a regulated health care profession since 1946 and is legislated by the government under the BC. Health Profession Act. In 2001, the Health Professions Council (HPC) accepted a revised scope of practice definition proposed by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC), the professions regulatory body.

 

The proposed definition reads:
The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of dysfunction, injury, pain and physical disorders of the soft tissues and joints by manual and physical methods to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function to relieve pain and promote health.

 

References:

Massage Therapists Association of BC 

College of Massage Therapists of BC

Evans, R. (2006). "What Does the Research Say?". Regents of the University of Minnesota. Retrieved 2013-07-14.