Massage Therapy in British Columbia

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in B.C. are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of soft tissue and joints of the body, and the treatment and prevention of injury, pain and physical disorders. RMTs are dedicated to treating your symptoms of pain and dysfunction, including the underlying causes.

It is widely understood that massage therapy decreases stress and helps control pain. Perhaps less known is the effectiveness of massage therapy in treating deeper structures of the body such as ligaments, bones and joints, fascia, blood vessels, organs and other soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy can provide relief for many common conditions such as migraine headaches, tendonitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, sports injuries and various other soft tissue sprains and strains.

A common misconception is that massage therapists provide only “hands on” therapy. Your RMT is 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.

A significant rise in massage therapy use in BC can be attributed to higher educational standards, extensive research studies proving the efficacy of massage therapy, and an overall increase in public interest in non-surgical and drug-free treatment options. The most current research suggests that there is a direct link between our physical well-being 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.

Education and Training

B.C.’s Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are among the most educated and highly trained professionals in the world. Standard educational requirements include comprehensive studies in health sciences such as anatomy, physiology, pathology, kinesiology and neuroanatomy. Other studies include clinical sciences such as manual skills, orthopedics, remedial exercise, hydrotherapy and patient education. The management of chronic diseases, injuries and the effects of long-term stress are also studied extensively.

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 B.C. 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.

British Columbians can be sure that they are receiving the highest quality of care available because RMTs in BC are governed by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) – the profession’s equivalent to the College of Physicians and Surgeons – the regulatory body for all RMTs in BC. The CMTBC ensures that the public receives safe and ethical care by establishing and enforcing standards of education, qualifications and the quality of practice for all RMTs.