A foundational, introspective, and personal session focused on the RMT practitioner. This webinar presentation will outline their professional scope, mindset, and clinical adaptations for safely and compassionately supporting children in palliative care.

Through exploration of evidence-informed practices and real-world experience, participants will gain a deeper understanding of their role, readiness and therapeutic presence in this area of work. The session emphasizes professional boundaries, ethical care, treatment adaptations, and self-care strategies to sustain a compassionate practice.

• Describe the role and scope of RMTs in pediatric palliative care.
• Apply safe and adaptive massage techniques and treatment considerations for fragile or medically complex conditions.
• Recognize the emotional, relational, and physiological impact of massage therapy for children in palliative stages.
• Implement ethical practices that support families and self-care practices that promote professional sustainability.

• Act with professional integrity 
• Communicate effectively 
• Function in a client-centered manner
• Interact effectively with other professionals 
• Maintain a safe work environment 
• Maintain personal wellness consistent with the needs of practice 
• Practise in a self-reflective manner 
• Treat others respectfully

Sofia Costa, RMT, has extensive experience providing massage therapy to children and adults with various conditions and life-limiting illness through her clinical and mobile practice. Began focusing on pediatric palliative care through McMasters Quality of Life and Advanced Care Massage Therapy pilot program. With a focus on comfort-based care, Sofia has worked in home and clinical settings, integrating massage therapy into interdisciplinary teams. Her work emphasizes therapeutic presence, adaptive techniques, and the role of touch in supporting comfort and quality of life for children and their families. 

-Registration Deadline: Wednesday, January 28 by 9:00am.

-All webinar registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited capacity on total registrations per webinar.

-Webinar will be recorded. All registered participants will receive a link to the webinar recording. Access to the recording will be available for up to 3 months from the webinar date.

Recording Consent Disclaimer for RMTAO Webinars:

This webinar will be recorded. By registering for the event, you are providing your consent to being recorded and the use of your image and voice by the RMTAO in replaying the webinar in the future.