What is a Registered Massage Therapist

Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario and as such, massage therapy should be performed by a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).

A Registered Massage Therapist is an individual who has:

• Completed competency-based education at educational institutions recognized by the Government of Ontario;
• Studied anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical assessment, neurology, treatments, ethics and other subjects;
• Completed a minimum of 150 clinical hours;
• Successfully completed examinations from and have been “registered” by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (the College) in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Massage Therapy Act;
• Maintained their registration by participating in continuing education and a Quality Assurance Program that assists them in the maintenance of high professional standards and quality care of their clients.

Only members of the College are permitted to use the title, Massage Therapist or Registered Massage Therapist or the designation of RMT or MT. All members of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario must be registered with the College and are therefore licensed massage therapy practitioners.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a comprehensive intervention involving a range of techniques to manipulate the soft tissues and joints of the body. The purpose of massage therapy is to prevent, develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991). It is a clinically-oriented health option that achieves undeniable results in the relief of an array of discomforts stemming from stress, muscular overuse and many chronic pain syndromes.

Massage Therapy treats soft tissues of the body (skin, muscles, fascia, tendons and, ligaments) using Swedish massage techniques. This involves the use of oils or lotions on the skin with direct pressure and fluid movements by the therapist. Other, advanced techniques may be used according to the body’s requirements. These include trigger point therapy, myofascial work, joint mobilizations, etc. The use of heat or cold as required.