The Massage Therapy Act, 1991, the provincial legislation for Massage Therapy in Ontario, defines the practice of Massage Therapy 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.” This is referred to as the “Scope of Practice.”
Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.
Modern massage techniques can be traced back to the 1700s and the development of Swedish massage, the first systematic method of therapeutic massage based on physiology. Today’s Massage Therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to combine traditional Swedish and modern Massage Therapy techniques with exercise and other therapies to treat their clients.
Training to become a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario consists of a two to three year diploma program from one of a number of recognized Massage Therapy schools in the province.
After education is completed, all candidates must take the College’s Certification Examinations and register to practise Massage Therapy in Ontario. Only registrants of the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario are permitted to use the protected titles “Registered Massage Therapist” or “Massage Therapist” and use the letters “RMT” or “MT” with their names. Note – Both titles are equivalent and mean that the holder of the title is a Registrant of the College.
The CMTO is the regulatory body for the profession of massage therapy in Ontario. Therefore, they set the policies and guidelines that must be followed by all RMTs in Ontario. many of these guidelines can be found on CMTO.com and concern issues including client records, receipts, consent, and all other regulations pertaining to RMTs.
Before a treatment, your Massage Therapist will propose a personalized treatment plan based on an initial assessment and health history. The assessment may consist of various tests to determine the condition of your muscles and joints. Any personal and health information you provide to your Massage Therapist is completely confidential and will be safeguarded.
Your health record cannot be released or transferred without your written consent.Your Massage Therapist must also obtain your consent to work on any part of your body, regardless of whether you are fully clothed, or fully or partially covered with sheets or blankets. Your privacy will always be respected, and you may withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.
Various specialized movements of the hands, over the skin or clothes, make up the Massage Therapy treatment. The Massage Therapist will work with your level of pain tolerance during the treatment, and the treatment can be stopped at any time should the treatment become uncomfortable.
Massage therapy is not covered by OHIP, but many private insurance companies cover treatment from a Massage Therapist as part of their extended healthcare plans. Please consult your policy.
The profession of massage therapy is regulated in the Province of Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act and the associated legislation, the Massage Therapy Act.
In addition to maintaining their registration with the College through an annual renewal process, Ontario’s Registered Massage Therapists:
According to Ontario's Physiotherapy Act, 1991:The practice of physiotherapy is the assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction, injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function and promote mobility.
Physiotherapy is the treatment to restore, maintain, and make the most of a patient's mobility, function, and well-being.
Physiotherapists (sometimes known as PTs or physios) work with people in one-on-one or group-based settings. They provide treatment in all health care settings in Ontario including: hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, community-based clinics, schools, private practice clinics and primary care networks.
Working with patients, physiotherapists promote independence and prevent injuries and disability.
Treatments may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, acupuncture and other modalities, and self-management.
Physiotherapists in Ontario must complete a Master's degree in Canada. For individuals educated outside of Canada, their education is reviewed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators to ensure that it is substantially equivalent to the content of a Canadian physiotherapy program.
The profession of Physiotherapy is regulated in the Province of Ontario under the Physiotherapy Act.
