Massage therapy is proven by modern science to effectively treat many conditions that plague our everyday life.
Back pain, strains/sprains, arthritis, headache, fibromyalgia, TMJ dysfunctions, whiplash, shoulder issues and more can all be effectively treated with massage therapy. It has also been proven to reduce stress levels, reduce chronic pain, increase circulation, improve lymphatic drainage and manage depression.
Photo Credit: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
You might be surprised to know that not anyone can call themselves a ‘Massage Therapist’, regardless of their training or experience.
A registered massage therapist (RMT) in British Columbia is a health profession regulated by the CMTBC (College of Massage Therapists of BC) under BC’s Health Professions Act. The titles of Registered Massage Therapist, Massage Therapist, Massage Practitioner and Registered Massage Practitioner are reserved under Massage Therapy Regulation and can only be used by therapists that have the corresponding education and recognition through the CMTBC.
“You wouldn’t expect to go to someone calling themselves a doctor or physiotherapist without them having the credentials to back that up, but often the public is not aware of the education and licensing required to call yourself a massage therapist,” says Roxanne Petruk, Executive Director of Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy.
Photo Credit: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
In British Columbia, RMTs are required to have completed thousands of hours of training at an accredited massage therapy college and must meet rigorous entry-level requirements by passing the registration exams set out by the College of Massage Therapists of B.C. This ensures they have the competencies and education required for this health care profession.
It’s the CMTBC’s mandate to protect the public and make sure that if you are seeing a registered massage therapist, that they have adequate training, continuing education and liability insurance to protect their patients. Recognized education programs have hundreds of hours of anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical therapeutic education. This includes myofascial release, joint mobilization, neuromuscular techniques, lymphatic drainage, and much more. This is coupled with hundreds of hours of supervised patient care.
“These professionals have an extensive scope of knowledge,” states Petruk.
Photo Credit: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
Registered massage therapists can have specific and varied “areas of practice” but do not specialize.
“If you hear or read “massage specialist” that should be a red flag. It likely means that the bodyworker does not have an RMT designation and there is no recourse in cases of injury, misconduct or protection for the public. I’m not saying there aren’t competent bodyworkers out there,” says Petruk. “Spa type massage is a great way to pamper yourself, but if you want safe effective healthcare, with education to back it up, your best decision is a Registered Massage Therapist.”
A bodyworker or spa practitioner is not trained to deal with complex conditions, are not required to take continuing education in their field, and don’t have the training to recognize potential serious health complications.
Photo Credit: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
The education programs for massage therapy are also regulated and require accreditation through the Canadian Massage Therapy Council for Accreditation and recognition by the College of Massage Therapists of B.C.
“Massage therapy has become the career choice for many people looking for flexibility and control in their career that they can’t get in the traditional paths of nursing or diagnostics. We have many applicants coming with backgrounds in kinesiology, science, nursing and other science-based careers. Our 2-year program, prepares students for an exciting career in healthcare, where they are in the driver’s seat."
Photo Credit: Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy
As baby boomers age, and millennial’s seek alternatives to medication-based treatment for acute and chronic conditions, massage therapy has grown exponentially.
“Massage therapy has become the most utilized extended healthcare benefit today!” states Petruk. “80% of workers that have extended health benefits use it for massage therapy to stay active, fit and pain-free. This has increased the need for massage therapists and has resulted in tons of opportunities in the field.”
If a career as an RMT is something that you’d like to explore contact Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (OVCMT) to get more information.
Join us for a campus tour, or sit in class as a student for a day. Attend one of OV’s information sessions held around the province, or check out the website www.ovcmt.com
“We even have a real person answering the phone,” jokes Petruk. “We are always happy to talk with motivated individuals that want to engage their future through Registered Massage Therapy”
