Who can be treated?
Lebron James
What is acceptable but must remain confidential? As explained by the CMTO's Standards of Practice, confidentiality is described as "the moral, ethical, legal, professional and employment obligation to protect information entrusted to RMTs; the duty to ensure that information is kept secret to the extent possible".
A student is in the midst of exams and feeling super stressed and a bit anxious
What is massage therapy can be used to increase relaxation and decrease cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels through various techniques? (Andrade, 2014)
I don't feel comfortable having a massage done in just my underwear
What is there is no obligation for the client to remove clothing that they are not comfortable removing? RMT's put the client's comfort and safety first and can adapt techniques in order to fit the client's needs. Specific draping techniques are also used throughout the massage in order to ensure that sensitive areas of the client are never exposed and draping boundaries are put in place.
References
American Pregnancy Association. (2021). Prenatal Massage. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/prenatal-massage/
Andrade, C.K., (2104). Outcome-Based Massage; Third edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. (2022). https://www.cmto.com/
Spectrum Massage Therapy & Acupuncture. (2022). Benefits of massage therapy post surgery. https://www.spectrummassagetherapy.com/blog/massage-post-surgery
Your friend's mom, Jan
What is not advised as is it considered a dual relationship as per the CMTO's Standards of Practice? A dual relationship "occurs when an RMT has some other type of relationship with a client in addition to the professional therapeutic relationship. The multiple relationships can become blurred or merged, making it difficult for the RMT to maintain clear boundaries and clinical objectivity, despite best intentions" (CMTO, 2022).
Someone is having trouble walking down the stairs months after a knee replacement and physiotherapy doesn't seem to be working
What is "support, guidance, education, monitoring and encouragement during the recovery process are the main benefits of massage therapy for surgery patients. Specialized techniques improve lymph flow and postural patterning, and a relaxing environment is a mood enhancer?" (Spectrum Massage Therapy, 2022).
A massage therapist can target tense muscles surrounding the area of injury using various techniques and also provide take-home stretches and exercises to aid in the recovery process.
My massage therapy treatment was terrible! The RMT was unprofessional, creepy, and I want to file a complaint!
What is the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario takes complaints and concerns from the public very seriously? There is a public database where you can view all ongoing or past discipline hearings of RMT's in your area. You can also directly file a complaint through the CMTO website and confirm that someone is an actively Registered Massage Therapist through the CMTO's public registrar. All RMT's must take part in a Quality Assurance program and must act as per the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. (CMTO, 2022)
That guy you made out with at the bar last Saturday
What is unacceptable and considered sexual abuse as per the CMTO's Standards of Practice? "A dual relationship is never permissible with a person with whom the RMT is in a sexual or romantic relationship, including their spouse, as this is considered sexual abuse under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991" (CMTO, 2022).
Help! I'm 5 months pregnant and my lower back is killing me!
What is "prenatal massage therapy can help reduce anxiety, decrease symptoms of depression, relieve muscle aches and joint pains, and improve labor outcomes and newborn health?" (American Pregnancy Association, 2021)
I've never had a massage before and I'm not sure how much say I have in the treatment. What are my rights?
What is you have the right to?