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.
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 .