RMTAO Blog

Discipline Tribunal Sets Aside Allegations Deemed Outside of Scope of Investigation

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:33:21 GMT

In a recent case[1] that has application to RMTs, the Discipline Tribunal allowed a motion to set aside allegations of professional misconduct against a chiropodist because they fell outside the scope of the investigation authorized by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC), and the chiropodist was not provided with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

This case is significant because health professional colleges, including the CMTO, have typically taken a broad view of the scope of a Registrar-initiated investigation (i.e., an investigation commenced without a complaint), which has always generated great concern from health professionals.

The facts of the case are that the ICRC authorized a Registrar’s investigation regarding concerns that the chiropodist:

may be practicing pursuant to a conflict of interest by virtue of his position as a medical director of an orthotics lab;
may have failed to report a practice site to the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (CCO) in relation to his involvement with the orthotics lab; and
may have prescribed orthotics manufactured with the use of foam box, which is a process that is noncompliant with CCO standards.

The ICRC investigated these concerns and prepared an investigation report, which was provided to the chiropodist for comment.

Subsequently, the ICRC conducted further investigations into whether the chiropodist was working at multiple practice locations on the same dates and times. An addendum report addressing this scheduling issue was also provided to the chiropodist for comment.

The ICRC ultimately issued a Notice of Hearing referring various allegations of professional misconduct to the Discipline Tribunal. In addition to the allegations that were investigated and set out in the reports that had been provided to the chiropodist, the Notice of Hearing also included new allegations concerning the chiropodist’s “prescribing practices” relating to orthotics, including among other items, over-prescribing, failing to perform assessments to determine medical necessity and recordkeeping. To confirm, these concerns about “prescribing practices” had not been identified nor analyzed in the reports that had been provided to the chiropodist.

The Discipline Panel concluded that these new allegations constituted a different type of issue that was factually unrelated to the reasonable and probable grounds that authorized the Registrar’s investigation. To elaborate, the Discipline Tribunal held that the reasonable and probable grounds to believe the chiropodist had an improper relationship with an orthotics lab was unconnected to the chiropodist’s prescribing practices. As a result, the Discipline Tribunal did not believe that the new allegations were within the scope of the investigation initiated by the Registrar.

The Discipline Tribunal further held that the new allegations were not “related to the report,” as the report did not identify any such concerns and the chiropodist had no opportunity to respond to them. The Discipline Tribunal rejected the argument that the inclusion of patient charts in the investigation report permitted the ICRC to refer any allegation arising from its review of those charts. Rather, it stated that any concern must be expressly identified in the report and must relate to the issues that formed the basis of the reasonable and probable grounds for the investigation.

The Discipline Tribunal also summarized the applicable procedural requirements for Registrar investigations as follows:

An investigation can commence where the Registrar has reasonable and probable grounds to believe the registrant committed professional misconduct and authorization for the investigation is obtained from the ICRC;
The investigation must have a defined scope, limited to the issues that formed the basis of the reasonable and probable grounds, interpreted generously. Investigative powers can only be exercised in matters relating to that scope;
The findings of the investigation must be set out in a report and provided to the registrant for comment; and
Any allegations referred to the Discipline Tribunal must be based on the concerns identified in the report provided to the registrant.

This decision has application to all types of health professionals, including RMTs, and confirms that Registrar investigations are not unfettered and must be confined to the issues that gave rise to the investigation. As such, if the CMTO were to identify a new issue during the course of an investigation, it must obtain authorization from the ICRC to investigate the issue, which must be supported by reasonable and probable grounds. The decision also reinforces the requirement that RMTs must be informed of investigative findings and given a meaningful opportunity to respond.

As there have been very few, if any, cases that have explored the jurisdictional ambit of Registrar investigations, I would expect that this decision will be relied upon in future cases where the CMTO is alleged to have exceeded the scope of the authorized investigation.

About the Author

Lad Kucis is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a specialist in health law and provides advice and representation to registered massage therapists in respect of all types of regulatory matters, including complaint and disciplinary matters before the CMTO, and complaint reviews before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

[1] College of Chiropodists of Ontario (CCO) v. Ku (December 9, 2025)

How to Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse Complaints

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:05:00 GMT

As a lawyer who regularly represents registered massage therapists in CMTO matters, I have seen far too many cases in which an RMT faces false allegations of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the very nature of massage therapy places RMTs at a higher risk of such complaints compared to other health professions.

Being the subject of a sexual abuse complaint is extremely distressing and can carry serious professional consequences, including the potential revocation of one’s certificate of registration.

In my experience, most sexual abuse complaints are preventable and arise from misunderstandings, shortcomings in communications, or lapses in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

To help address this, I have prepared 12 key tips aimed at reducing the risk of a sexual abuse complaint being filed against an RMT:

Do not treat a sensitive area without having the patient complete the Consent for Assessment and Treatment of Sensitive Areas Treatment Form (the “Sensitive Areas Form”)
- It is a legal requirement to have a patient complete this form before treating a sensitive area (i.e. gluteals, upper inner thigh, breasts, chest wall)
- A failure to have this form in place could make someone question whether you followed other standards and your professionalism in general

Ensure that you carefully explain the Sensitive Areas Treatment Form
- It is insufficient to merely have a patient sign the form. Rather, you must ensure that you carefully explain all aspects of the form

Be very careful in respect of draping
- Discussing draping before commencing treatment
- Always keep patients properly draped except for the area being worked on
- Ask for verbal confirmation before adjusting or moving sheets/towels
- Ensure proper draping when a patient turns over

Be very explicit about treating a sensitive area
- Advise a patient before treating a sensitive area
- Obtain a further verbal consent before treating a sensitive area

Communicate continuously and transparently
- Ensure that you clearly communicate the areas to be treated at the outset of the appointment
- Advise the patient before proceeding to a new body part
- Consistently check in with the patient regarding pressure and comfort
- If a patient expresses any concerns about treatment - stop and discuss
- Open communication reduces misunderstandings

Maintain professional boundaries
- Keep conversations professional and neutral
- Avoid any discussions of a personal nature, especially relating to relationships, dating, sexuality, etc.
- Avoid accepting or sharing inappropriate disclosures
- Avoid flirting or complements

Be especially vigilant in the way you interact with new patients
- In my experience, the vast majority of sexual abuse complaints involve new patients, often first-time patients
- New patients have no history with you and are much more likely to jump to incorrect conclusions

Control the environment
- Be careful to ensure that the treatment room remains professional
- Avoid using romantic music or overly dim lighting
- Dress professionally

Mandate parental attendance while treating a minor
- Treating a minor, including a teenager, without parent attendance is a very risky practice, and exposes RMTs to a heightened risk of complaint
- Accusations from minors often come across as more believable and carry a heightened level of stigma

Look for cues
- If a patient does not appear to understand what you are saying, it is imperative that you repeat/revisit the issue involved
- If a patient appears uncomfortable, ensure that you immediately check in to see what is going on
- Minimize discussions with a patient who is not engaging in two-way discussion

Be careful with documentation
- Avoid any commentary of a personal nature in the clinical note
- Ensure that clinical notes are detailed and that any issues/concerns are clearly documented

Avoid “surprises”
- Do not say or do anything that could surprise the patient (i.e. treating body parts not requested/discussed, utilizing techniques not discussed, unanticipated draping practices, disclosing highly personal information)
- Surprising a patient often makes them question your professionalism – and can make them re-assess the appropriateness of your other conduct

I hope the above guidance proves useful and motivates RMTs to consider further strategies for reducing the risk of such complaints.

About the Author

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:56:00 GMT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 9:00am at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, Toronto, located at 801 Dixon Rd. Toronto, ON

At the Annual General Meeting, members and stakeholders will receive important information about the activities of the RMTAO over the past year.

The following matters constitute the agenda:

Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on February 1, 2025 Download the 2025 AGM Draft Minutes
Board Chair's Report on behalf of the Board of Directors
Executive Director's Report on Operations
Auditor's Report & Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2025
Appointment of the Auditor
Report on the Election of Directors
Presentation of RMTAO Awards
Such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors dated at Toronto, Ontario, the 24th day of November 2025.

Important Notes

Vote by Proxy

If you are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person at the date and time stated above, please complete the Proxy Form that is available for download below and return it to the RMTAO by mail, fax or other electronic version prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026. In order for the AGM to proceed, 1% of the members must be present in person/virtually or by proxy, which means a large number of proxies will be required.

Download the AGM Proxy Form

Live Stream the Event

The RMTAO will be live-streaming the Annual General Meeting for those unable to attend in person. Please note that those streaming the meeting will not be able to vote but are welcome to submit a proxy form. The link to stream the meeting will be provided prior to the meeting, and you must register in advance.

Awards Presentation

During the AGM, we will also be presenting the annual RMTAO awards to RMTs who have made outstanding contributions to the massage therapy profession and to the Association. This is a great opportunity to honour and thank your peers for their contributions.

Guest Speaker Presentation: Consent Comes First: Cultivating a Culture of Care in Massage Therapy by Farrah Khan

From the #MeToo movement to healthcare settings, there's an unprecedented conversation about sexual harassment happening across North America. For massage therapists, this conversation is long overdue: 73% of Ontario RMTs have been subjected to sexual harassment by patients, according to a new study by the RMTAO.

Drawing from two decades of experience as a social worker, educator and policy advisor, Farrah Khan delivers a trauma-informed, interactive keynote that addresses sexual harassment by patients. This keynote is grounded in three critical truths: it's never your fault when someone harms you, you are not alone, and we believe you. Together, we will explore practical strategies to enhance safety through policy, procedures, and best practices. Using real scenarios, the ABCs of Intervention model, and the CARE framework, participants will learn harm reduction strategies, exit planning techniques, how to support colleagues, and their rights under OHSA.

You will leave with concrete tools to help build the profession we all deserve, one where safety, support, and well-being are non-negotiable.

Read more about Farrah Khan

Farrah Khan is a global leader in preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment. With over two decades of experience as a trauma counsellor, educator, and policy advisor, she works with organizations to build trauma-informed systems that protect workers and centre survivors. As CEO of Possibility Seeds, Farrah led Courage to Act, the first national collaborative project addressing gender-based violence in Canadian post-secondary institutions, engaging 3,500 stakeholders and producing 82 accessible resources.

She established Consent Comes First, one of Canada's first stand-alone campus sexual violence support offices at Toronto Metropolitan University. Farrah has shaped policy at all levels of government, including serving on the inaugural Gender Equality Advisory Council for the 2018 G7 Summit and co-chairing Ontario's first permanent provincial roundtable on Violence Against Women. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Governor General's Award for Excellence in the Arts (2022) and the YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award (2025). Farrah is the creator of the BRAVE Model© and CARE Model©, trauma-informed disclosure frameworks. The BRAVE Model is globally recognized and has trained over 100,000 people to support survivors with care, clarity, and accountability. Farrah's work bridges lived experience with bold, practical solutions to help organizations build more compassionate and equitable futures.

You must register in advance to attend the event in person or stream the event online.

Sample Social Media Posts - OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) treating people injured under Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) are required to have another health professional sign their OCF-18 treatment and assessment form. This is an unnecessary administrative burden to both RMTs and other health professionals that causes delays to patient care. RMTs are able to independently assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in every other circumstance, and many RMTs do not treat people under HCAI due to this administrative burden.

Changing this would require a change in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABs), to include RMTs as one of the listed Health Practitioners able to sign the OCF-18 form. This change would ultimately need to be made by the Ontario Ministry of Finance. The RMTAO met with a variety of MPPs advocating for this change, as well as with key decision makers within the Ministry of Finance. This was also one of our key asks of the Ontario government during our Queen’s Park Day on October 22, 2025.

Many government officials have expressed interest in this issue and have agreed that this is an unnecessary barrier to the delivery of effective and important healthcare. However, there is still work to do to ensure that this change is made.

We have created a series of five ready-to-share posts that you can use to tag your MPP, and increase their awareness of why this requirement is an unnecessary barrier to healthcare as well as garner their support for allowing RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms.

If you're not sure who your MPP is, you can click here to search by postal code.

This follows our recent letter-writing campaign which encouraged members to write directly to their MPPs requesting support for RMTs to independently sign OCF-18 forms. If you haven’t yet written to your MPP, click here for a template letter that you can send.

We encourage all Ontario RMTs to share these social media posts and send letters to their MPP as a way to show their support for this initiative.

Letter to MPPs – OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:54:00 GMT

As you may know, RMTs can’t sign the OCF-18 Treatment and Assessment Plan forms for individuals who have been in a motor vehicle accident, as they are not explicitly listed in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. This results in barriers to care, worsened patient outcomes, administrative headaches for RMTs and patients, among other issues.

Building on our past advocacy efforts to address this issue, which include meetings with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Red-Tape Reduction and other MPPs, you can help by sending a letter to your MPP requesting that they contact the Minister of Finance, asking for his support in changing this legislation so that RMTs are able to independently sign the OCF-18 form.

The time to act is now! The government is currently determining their budget for the next fiscal year, and we can bring about this change by getting it included in the next budget.

We’ve made it easy for you. You can use our quick and easy template to send a letter to your MPP to put the pressure on. If you’re unsure of who your MPP is, you can find their contact info here.

If you contact your MPP, we encourage you to let us know at info@rmtao.com so we can help support future advocacy efforts with your MPP.

MPPs are more likely to support something that is important to their constituents, so by sending a letter to your MPP, you are helping this change to the OCF-18 form become a reality.

Download our template letter to send to your MPP now

Sample Social Media Posts - Primary Care Demonstration Project

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:57:10 GMT

The RMTAO has submitted a proposal for an expanded version of our recent pilot project that embedded RMTs into a team-based, integrated primary care setting. The results of this pilot project were outstanding, with participants experiencing reduced pain, improved treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life.

The objective of this new demonstration project is to expand Ontario’s capacity to manage both acute and chronic pain using a non-pharmaceutical approach in primary care, through the integration of Registered Massage Therapists as part of comprehensive rehabilitative team-based care.

Through this project, we aim to provide policymakers and healthcare administrators with strong evidence to support the broader integration of massage therapy into Ontario's primary care system. To help secure funding and ensure the success of this initiative, we are seeking support from MPPs across the province.

We met with a wide range of MPPs about this issue during our Queen’s Park Day on October 22, but we also need the support of RMTs across Ontario to help spread the word.

We have created a series of five ready-to-share posts that you can use to tag your MPP, and increase their awareness of why they should support this project and help make massage therapy more accessible to Ontarians across the province.

If you're not sure who your MPP is, you can click here to search by postal code

Call for Nominations - RMTAO Board of Directors

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:08:00 GMT

The Board of Directors has issued a Call for Nominations for up to 4 positions of Director on the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario's (RMTAO) Board of Directors. This call for Nominations is part of the regular annual governance process as is required under the RMTAO By-laws. To be eligible for Directorship, nominees must, at the time of election and throughout the three-year term of office, be an active or life member of the Association, a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), and for a period of six years have not received a finding of guilt by a CMTO Discipline Panel.

About the RMTAO

The RMTAO exists to advance the massage therapy profession in Ontario. As the only organized and recognized voice for practising Massage Therapists in Ontario, the RMTAO works to advocate on behalf of the profession and provide resources and opportunities to help RMTs improve their knowledge, navigate the latest research, and grow their practice.

Board structure

The Board operates under a policy governance model. The RMTAO values the different perspectives, knowledge, skills and interests that each Director brings to the Board. The Board is composed of up to 15 Directors as required.

Director's Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Board of Directors of the RMTAO is to provide governance and oversight to the Association, identify and monitor strategic priorities, set policies, and determine innovative ways to promote, expand and support the fulfillment of the Association's Vision and Mission.

There is an expectation that all Board Directors fulfill the following:

Attend all scheduled board meetings including; three two-day in-person meetings, and one three-day meeting (including the Annual General Meeting).
Participate in at least two Board Committees (i.e., Audit and Finance Committee, Board Policy Committee, Board Development Committee, Membership and Elections Committee, Strategic Discussions Committee).
Attend all teleconferences as required.
Actively participate in no more 18 hours of Board-related work per month.
Adhere to the Board's fiduciary duty at all times, act with integrity and in good faith in the best interest of the Association.
Promote the Association publicly by projecting a professional image in all aspects of their careers as Massage Therapists.

Directors will be provided with Director Liability Insurance.

2026 Meeting Dates

January 30 – February 1, 2026 (Board Meeting, Orientation & AGM)
March 28 – 29, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)
June 13 – 14, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)
September 26 – 27, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)

Directors will be offered an honorarium and reimbursement of expenses for in-person meetings.

Candidate Qualifications

We are seeking candidates from various regions across Ontario to ensure a broad representation of perspectives and experiences that reflect the entire province. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and are actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds to enhance the breadth of perspectives within the organization. This includes individual from Indigenous communities, racialized groups, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from rural or remote areas.

Although nominations from any RMT that is a member of the RMTAO are welcome, the Board has identified the following skills and experience which it believes it will benefit from in the coming year.

Experience reviewing or conducting formal research.
Experience with public speaking.
Experience and knowledge of human resources.
Members who are new to the profession (less than 5 years in practice).
Experience working with WSIB and Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI).
Previous experience with working/volunteering with the CMTO and/ or Program Advisory Committee.

It should be reiterated that individual nominees do not need to possess all the above attributes, however they do reflect the current needs of the board. All nominations will be considered.

Additional Skills and Experience

The Board of Directors of the RMTAO are comprised of a diverse group of individuals, each with their own backgrounds and skills. We ask that Members who put forth for nomination consider the following questions;

Do you have any experience in the profession outside of clinical practice? (E.g. Educator, Research)
Do you have any education or experience outside of the profession that would be relevant to the Board?

Nomination Procedure

Members are invited to nominate another member for a position on the Board by completing the Nomination and Consent form below.

When submitting a form, please keep the following in mind:

The nomination form must be signed by two Active or Life members in good standing, neither of which is the Nominee;
The Nominee, who must also be an Active or Life member, must complete the bottom half of the form which indicates that they consent to the nomination and will serve if elected; and
The form must be received in the RMTAO Office no later than November 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. to be valid.

Please note: All signatures do not necessarily need to be on the same form although the name of the nominee is needed on each form. The nominee must sign at least one copy. This allows nominations to be coordinated across the province.

In accordance with the RMTAO By-laws, nomination and election procedures are conducted in advance of the Annual General Meeting. This ensures that all members have had an equal opportunity to nominate and vote to fill vacancies.

Please be advised as follows:

IF only 4 nominations are received for 4 positions available on the Board, THEN the Bylaws stipulate that the 4 individuals will be acclaimed to the Board and no election is required;
IF more than 4 nominations are received for the 4 positions available on the Board, THEN the By-laws require that a balloting of all members be held in advance of the AGM; or
IF fewer than 4 nominations are received for the 4 vacancies on the Board, THEN the Bylaws indicate that those nominated are acclaimed and the Board of Directors may appoint individuals to fill the vacancies at its first meeting after the AGM.

For more information, please contact the Secretary of the Board:

Shannon Marshall, Secretary
secretary@rmtao.com

Download the 2025 Nomination and Consent Form

Submission Deadline: November 7, 2025, 5:00pm

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

Your Practice. Our Priority. We DARE you to join the RMTAO!

We’ve launched the DARE Refer-a-Friend campaign to encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends to join the RMTAO. Referrals help grow our community, strengthen our advocacy, raise public awareness, and build better support for RMTs. It’s a great way to give back to your professional association, and as a bonus, both you and your referred new member will be entered to win one of several great prizes!

Prizes include:

Prize pack worth $200 from OrthoCanada, including:
- 1L Sukha Massage Lotion
- Sukha Digital Heating Pad
- Sukha Full Round Bolster
- Sukha 3 Piece Microfiber Sheet Set
2 - 3-month GoodLife Fitness membership
Apple AirPods from Noterro
$100 Canadian Tire gift card provided by Robertson Hall
2 - $50 Tim Hortons gift cards provided by Alliance
6 months of ClinicSense
6 months free with Intelligent Office worth over $800 and $250 service credit. Service Credit can be used to pay for room bookings (Including RMT rooms or for live phone answering service).
Goodie bag from Perkopolis
One free RMTAO webinar
Free RMTAO membership for one year

How do you enter the contest? It’s simple! Refer someone to join the RMTAO who wasn’t a member during the 2024-2025 membership year (a brand new member, or a former member!). You will receive one contest draw entry for every new RMTAO member you refer.

You can use the sample social media posts and graphics, email template to send to non-members, member testimonials and a shareable Top 10 reasons to join the RMTAO graphic below to encourage someone to join.

Download the email template to send to non-members

Click here to share member testimonials

Click the image to download the shareable graphic - Benefits of RMTAO membership - Top 10 Reasons to Join

Click on the images below to download the high-resolution images. You can also copy and paste the sample social media text to use with the images on your own social media. Feel free to get creative by mixing and matching images and text to create multiple social media posts!
	I DARE you to join the RMTAO, a community that supports your growth, your career, and the future of massage therapy. If you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, the RMTAO is where you want to be! Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport
	Thinking of joining RMTAO? Now’s the perfect time! You’ll get: Advocacy for your profession Career-building resources Practice support Member-only perks and discounts A community of like-minded RMTs That’s why I’m a member—and why I think you should be too! DARE to Join the RMTAO today! Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport
	We’re stronger when we stand together. The RMTAO supports our profession, advocates for our future, and helps us grow. If you’re an RMT in Ontario, DARE to Join the RMTAO. Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport

Ways to Celebrate Massage Therapy Awareness Week - 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:28:27 GMT

This Massage Therapy Awareness Week, from October 19-25, we invite all RMTs to help promote the value that massage therapy brings to healthcare in their local communities. We’ve provided several different resources that can help you connect with a variety of people in your local community, and promote the diverse ways that massage therapy can help people reduce pain and improve their physical function.

Our first resource can help you connect with businesses in your neighbourhood, developing mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses that can include gyms, dance studios, midwife practices, health-focused cafes, retirement homes and more. We offer you a step-by-step guide to determining which partners would be a good fit for your business, approaching those potential partners for the first time, and developing a solid, mutually beneficial relationship.

Access our resource to help you connect with local businesses.

We’ve also developed a resource that can help you bring your community to you, by hosting an open house in your clinic space. An open house is a great way to attract new patients as well as spread the word about massage therapy and about your practice. This resource will help you figure out the goals for your open house event, which will be unique to your practice, and will also help you promote the event and set up your space.

Access the open house resource

Our final initiative during Massage Therapy Awareness Week is a great way you can get involved in spreading the word about massage therapy during Massage Therapy Awareness Week. We have created a fill-in-the-blank poster, which you can print out and fill out what massage therapy means to you. We encourage you to take a photo of yourself holding this poster filled out, and share it during Massage Therapy Awareness week between October 19-25 using the hashtag #MTAW2025 to spread the word widely about how massage therapy can benefit people.

Download our poster

We will also be sharing a lot of content on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram during Massage Therapy Awareness Week to spread awareness of the great benefits of massage therapy. Follow along on our channels @RMTAO, and consider sharing the content on your own channels using the hashtag #MTAW2025

Managing Last-Minute Cancellations: Policies That Work and Feel Fair

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:16:00 GMT

by Beth Abney, Massage Therapist & Health Coach

Let’s be real—last-minute cancellations are frustrating. They throw off your flow, mess with your income, and sometimes leave you scrambling. A solid cancellation policy can make all the difference, but it only works if it’s clear, fair, and something you’ll actually enforce. In this article, I’m sharing what’s worked in my own practice, from how to write a great cancellation policy to using waitlists and booking tools that make things easier on you and your patients.

Why Cancellations Happen—And Why Boundaries Matter

Life happens. We all have days when plans fall apart—patients forget, schedules shift, kids get sick. As RMTs, we know these things come up. But when you’re running a practice, especially on your own or in a small clinic, those no-shows and last-minute cancellations can really affect your day, your income, and your ability to care for others.

That’s where boundaries come in.

Some RMTs feel uncomfortable setting or enforcing policies because they don’t want to come off as rigid or unsupportive. But clear boundaries aren’t about being strict—they’re about being consistent. And consistency is one of the best ways to build a loyal patient base. Patients want to know what’s expected of them. They look to you to create the structure that supports the therapeutic relationship.

When you communicate your cancellation policy clearly and kindly, you’re not just protecting your time—you’re also removing confusion for your patients and reinforcing mutual respect. That’s the foundation of any long-term therapeutic relationship. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out 8 Tips to Build a Loyal Patient Base.

How to Write a Great Cancellation Policy

Now that you know why you need a cancellation policy, let’s talk about how to create one that actually works for you.

Start by asking yourself:

How much notice do I realistically need to fill a cancelled spot or adjust my day?
Is my schedule fully booked with a waitlist, or am I still building my practice?
Am I seeing mostly repeat patients, or do I have lots of new bookings?

These answers will help you decide on a reasonable notice period and whether a cancellation fee makes sense. But don’t stop there—check in with how your policy feels. If your gut reaction is, “This feels a bit harsh,” it’s okay to soften it. If it makes you feel protected and respected, you’re probably on the right track. The key is to create something you’ll actually follow through on.

Once you’ve figured that out, here’s how to write a great cancellation policy that’s clear and fair:

Set a defined notice window—24 or 48 hours are common.

Clearly state your fee for missed appointments or late cancellations.

Use kind, professional language (e.g., “to ensure access to care for all patients…”).

Keep it brief—2–3 sentences is plenty.

Make sure patients see it: include it on your website, booking page, email confirmations, and appointment reminders. Most booking software allows you to require agreement to your policy before confirming an appointment.

Example Cancellation Policy:

Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or changes. Missed appointments or late cancellations may be subject to a fee of 50% of the treatment cost. This helps ensure we can continue to offer timely care to all patients.

Enforcing Your Policy Without Losing Patients

Worried that enforcing a cancellation fee might scare patients away? Don’t be.

The truth is, the patients who consistently cancel last minute or don’t show up aren’t helping you build a sustainable practice. Respect goes both ways, and setting boundaries around your time doesn’t make you unfriendly—it makes you professional.

And here's the good news: enforcing your policy doesn’t have to feel personal. In fact, it shouldn’t.

One of the easiest ways to take yourself out of the awkward equation is to use your systems. Use massage booking software to help manage your patient bookings by implementing a required cancellation policy acceptance upon booking! When patients see and agree to the policy upfront, there’s no surprise, no negotiation, and no uncomfortable conversations. It becomes a simple matter of logistics—not a personal conflict.

This small step reinforces that your time is valuable and sets the tone for a professional relationship from the very beginning.

Use Waitlist Management to Fill Cancellations

Having a strong cancellation policy—and actually enforcing it—will reduce the number of no-shows you deal with. But there will still be times when someone cancels last-minute or doesn’t show up at all. Charging a fee is one way to protect your income. But you know what’s even better? Filling the spot.

That’s why you need a waitlist.

When you’ve got patients eager to get in, a cancellation becomes an opportunity instead of a loss. You get to make someone’s day with a quick call or message: “Hey! A spot just opened up for you.”

Waitlist management is simple if you use booking software with that feature built in. Patients can sign up to be notified automatically when a time becomes available, and you don’t have to lift a finger. Personally, I love anything that can be automated. Managing a practice is already enough work.

If you don’t use a system with waitlist functionality, you can still manage it manually. In my practice, I sometimes prefer the flexibility of choosing whether to fill a gap or enjoy a longer break. Either way, having a list of people ready to go makes the choice yours.

Here are a few tips on how to build a waitlist:

Ask patients about their ideal days/times when they book.
If you don’t have a perfect fit, offer what you do have—and get something on the books.
Then let them know you’ll reach out if something opens up sooner.
Keep a simple list with names, preferences, and notes. Use your software if it’s available—or go old school with a notebook or whiteboard.

Whether you automate it or DIY, a waitlist is a great tool to keep your schedule full and your patients happy.

How Online Booking Permissions Can Save You

So, you’ve got a clear cancellation policy and a system in place to fill last-minute openings. But what about collecting fees—or dealing with repeat offenders? That’s often the part RMTs dread most.

If that makes your stomach turn, don’t worry. There’s a way to handle this without uncomfortable conversations—and that’s by using your software to do the hard work for you.

In my own practice, I use booking software to take care of these situations so I don’t have to get personally involved. You can customize online booking to support your boundaries, protect your time, and enforce your policies—automatically.

Here’s how:

Most booking software allows you to require a credit card to book. Set your system to collect cards only for new patients, or for all patients if you prefer. That card on file becomes your built-in No Show Guard, helping deter people from booking if they’re not fully committed.

Once you’ve communicated your cancellation policy and have a credit card on file, enforcing your policy becomes a click—not a confrontation.

You deserve to feel safe, respected, and in control of your schedule. Don’t be afraid to use the tools available to make that happen.

Tools That Help: Automating Communication & Rebooking

Let’s do a quick recap. Throughout this article, we’ve talked about tools and strategies that can make cancellations less stressful and your schedule more predictable.

Use appointment reminders to reduce no-shows, and booking software that allows you to communicate your policy clearly, collect consent at the time of booking, and—if needed—require a deposit or store a card on file to enforce your policy without confrontation.

If you’re introducing a new cancellation policy, send a friendly email to your patient list explaining what’s changing, why it matters, and how it helps you provide better care. Most people will appreciate the clarity and professionalism.

And don’t forget your waitlist! Whether automated through your booking system or manually managed, it’s a smart way to help patients get the times they want while also reinforcing the value of your time and the demand for your services.

When it’s all working together, these systems save you time, reduce stress, and help you create a great cancellation policy that actually works—for both you and your patients.

Sample Social Media Posts - HST Exemption

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 14:57:33 GMT

The RMTAO has prepared a series of sample social media posts that you can share in the lead up to the federal election on April 28. These posts will help you advocate to MP candidates in support of HST exemption for RMTs

Privacy Considerations Involving Website Contact Forms

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:55:00 GMT

by: Lad Kucis

Many RMTs choose to include contact forms directly on their websites so potential new patients can connect with them directly about booking a first appointment. Many of these forms require patients to select the type of health care services a potential patient is seeking, e.g. massage therapy, and include a space to fill out information about the reason the individual is seeking health care.

This would be considered personal health information and is subject to the regulations under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA), which outlines the rules for how personal health information can be collected, used, and disclosed.

(Image Credit: Elevated Business Solutions)

Under PHIPA, health information custodians are required to obtain consent from persons for the collection and use of personal health information.

As such, massage therapists would be well advised to insert a consent statement at the bottom of their website contact forms, confirming that the prospective patient is providing their consent to the collection and use of their information for the purpose of ascertaining the possibility of providing health care services. It would also be prudent to include a hyperlink to your Privacy Policy and website Terms of Use, which sets out how you protect personal health information.

As many RMTs use third party companies to create or manage their websites, including through platforms such as WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, etc., the information from website contact forms may be stored on the servers of these companies, some of which are located outside of Canada. This information may also be visible to individuals working at these third-party companies. Patients should be advised of any such information, and it should be included in the Privacy Policy.

As a health information custodian, you are responsible for the conduct of your agents, which would include the third-party company you use to manage your website, or anyone else who acts on your behalf with respect to personal health information. This is why it is important to have a contractual agreement with anyone who may have access to personal health information on your behalf, even if it is the information submitted through a website contact form, confirming that they will comply with all the requirements put in place by PHIPA to safeguard personal health information.

Furthermore, RMTs would be well advised to limit the extent of personal health information collected on website contact forms (i.e. fewer questions, less space for comments, etc.) and should restrict the use of the form to investigating the possible provision of health care services and to contacting the prospective patient in respect of that item (i.e. it should not be used to obtain consent for marketing or fundraising). In addition, if possible, RMTs should take steps to delete the information once it is no longer required.

It is important that RMTs are keenly aware of their obligations under PHIPA. In the context of website contact forms, they must ensure that they obtain consent to collect and use personal health information and ensure that any information collected is appropriately safeguarded, in accordance with PHIPA. If you use a third-party company to manage your website, you should alert and obtain consent from patients regarding this item (i.e. through the Privacy Policy, etc.) and ensure that the company is protecting the personal health information.

The protection of personal health information is an extremely important item and a failure to take act in accordance with legal requirements can result in a fine or other penalty under PHIPA, a civil action, and/or an investigation by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.

About the Author

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

* This article has been prepared for information purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

Frequently Asked Legal Questions from RMTs

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:12:00 GMT

by: Lad Kucis

Over the past twenty years, I have provided legal advice and representation to Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in respect of all types of CMTO proceedings (i.e. complaints, investigations, discipline, etc.) and wide assortment of health law matters.

The following are some of the most common questions I receive:

If I Receive a Complaint, Can I Contact the Complainant to Discuss the Matter?

No. Once a complaint has been filed, an RMT is not permitted to have any communications with the complainant.

Can I Obtain an Extension to Deliver a Response to a Complaint?

Yes. The CMTO will typically provide an extension of up to 30 days to deliver a complaint response. Please ensure, however, that you make such a request in advance, and provide a reason for the extension.

Will Prior Complaint Decisions be Considered When Assessing a New Complaint?

Yes. Although not determinative, all prior matters with the CMTO are considered by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) when it reviews a new complaint. RMTs can provide a separate written submission about their prior history when they submit a response to a new complaint.

Are the Results of Complaint Decisions Posted on the CMTO Website?

The results of complaint decisions are not posted on the CMTO website if the ICRC decides to take no further action or simply provides advice and recommendations. However, all other results are posted on the CMTO website (i.e. oral cautions, specified continuing education and remediation plans, undertakings, etc.).

Can an RMT Request a Review of a Complaint Decision?

Yes. Both the RMT and the complainant can request a review of a complaint decision to an external tribunal called the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). An RMT cannot, however, request a review of a decision to refer a complaint to the Discipline Committee.

What are the Powers of HPARB?

After conducting a review of a complaint decision, HPARB may do one or more of the following:

confirm all or part of the decision;
send the matter back to the ICRC with recommendations (i.e. to conduct further investigations, etc.);
require the ICRC to impose an alternate decision;

HPARB cannot, however, order the ICRC to do things that the ICRC would not otherwise have the legal authority to do, such as make findings of professional misconduct or incompetence.

If I am Referred to the Discipline Committee, will the Referral be Posted on the CMTO Website?

Yes. The CMTO is legally required to post all referrals to the Discipline Committee on their website, including the charges of professional misconduct. Unlike the results of complaint decisions, which only appear on your personal CMTO webpage, referrals to the Discipline Committee are posted on the main CMTO webpage (and consequently reach a broader audience).

What Happens if I Resign During a Discipline Proceeding?

Resigning from the CMTO does not mean that a discipline matter will go away. The CMTO will proceed with the matter in your absence and the result will be posted on the CMTO website. If you are found guilty, you will also be required to pay a portion of the CMTO’s legal costs.

Am I Required to Advise the CMTO if I am Charged with, or Found Guilty of a Criminal Offence?

Yes. RMTs are required to notify the CMTO if they have been charged with, or found guilty of an offence under the Criminal Code (irrespective of whether the conduct relates to the practice of massage therapy). A failure to do so would likely result in charges of professional misconduct.

If I Am Found Guilty of a Criminal Offence will the CMTO Take Steps Against Me?

Yes. Any such finding would likely be considered “conduct unbecoming an RMT” as set out under the Professional Misconduct Regulation of the Massage Therapy Act, and would generally result in at minimum, an oral caution. If the conduct is serious and/or related to the practice of massage therapy, a finding of professional misconduct would almost certainly attach.

Am I Responsible if a Clinic Operator Submits False Accounts in My Name?

Potentially. RMTs are responsible for taking sufficient steps to ensure the accuracy of accounts submitted in their name and a failure to do so can result in charges of professional misconduct or being de-listed by an insurance company. It is imperative that RMTs conduct periodic audits of accounts submitted in their name and otherwise monitor the billing practices of clinic operators.

Do I Need to Enter a Written Agreement with a Clinic Operator?

It is highly recommended that all RMTs enter into a written agreement with the operator of any clinic where they work (either as an employee or and as an independent contractor). RMTs should ensure that such agreements discuss the protection and storage of patient health records and address what happens to such records when the RMT ceases working at the clinic. RMTs should also ensure that they obtain written confirmation that they always possess access to patient health records for all legitimate purposes (i.e. responding to a CMTO complaint or a request from an insurance company).

Can a Non-RMT be a Health Information Custodian of a Massage Therapy patient Health Record?

Yes. It is possible that another regulated health professional or non-regulated individual or entity can be the Health Information Custodian of a massage therapy patient health record. It is imperative that the identity of the Health Information Custodian is verified in writing before commencing work at any clinic.

How Long Do I have to Retain a patient Health Record?

RMTs are required to retain patient health records for at least 10 years from the last date of service. If the patient was under 18 at the time of the last service, the RMT must retain the health record for at least 10 years after the date the patient would have turned 18 years of age.

Do Insurance Companies Have the Right to Obtain patient Health Records?

Under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, insurance companies are permitted access to personal health information to verify that services were in fact provided. In addition, patients typically provide insurance companies with consent to access their health records when they enter into their insurance policy and when they submit a claim. Each insurer request should be taken seriously and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What Happens If I am De-Listed by An Insurance Company?

If you are de-listed by an insurance company, this means that you can no longer submit claims to the insurance company in question, nor can your patients submit claims for reimbursement to that insurance company. In many de-listing cases, the insurance company will also file a complaint against the RMT with the CMTO.

Can I Appeal a De-Listing from an Insurance Company?

It is possible to appeal a de-listing decision but it important to keep in mind that the appeal is reviewed by the same insurance company. As such, it is generally very difficult to successfully appeal a de-listing decision, unless new information is obtained.

About the Author

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

* This article has been prepared for information purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

Dr. Amanda Baskwill Presentation - Empowering Change

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:43:00 GMT

Dr. Amanda Baskwill, recently named honorary member of the RMTAO, made an inspiring presentation at the 2025 RMTAO Annual General Meeting.

Her presentation was titled "Empowering Change: The Role of Leadership in Massage Therapy's Future". In this presentation, she drew from her experiences as an educator, practitioner, and advocate to inspire massage therapists to become leaders and agents for change in their profession and beyond. This included outlining current issues in massage therapy and healthcare, and touched on why these issues are important for massage therapists.

8 Tips To Build A Loyal Patient Base As A New RMT

Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:45:00 GMT

by Beth Abney, Wellness Advocate & Neuromuscular Therapist

Starting out as a new massage therapist can feel daunting, but building a loyal patient base is key to growing a thriving practice. From creating personalized treatment plans to providing exceptional service and starting referral programs, there are proven strategies to attract and retain patients who keep coming back. This guide shares actionable tips to help you deliver value, enhance patient satisfaction, and grow your practice with confidence.

Whether you’re just opening your doors or looking to strengthen your patient relationships, these eight tips will set you up for long-term success. Let’s dive in to learn how to build a loyal patient base when you’re just getting started.

How To Build A Loyal Massage Patient Base

Building a loyal massage patient base starts with creating meaningful connections and providing exceptional care that keeps patients coming back. By focusing on trust, communication, and delivering value, you’ll lay the foundation for success. From communication tools to patient education, the following tips will help you grow your practice.

Listen To Them

We recently interviewed massage therapists with full patient lists to uncover their top tips for building a loyal patient base. Their advice was straightforward yet often unintentionally overlooked:

Listen to your patients.

Building loyalty starts with truly listening to your patients’ concerns, asking about their goals, taking detailed notes, and tailoring treatment plans to meet their needs.

Following up between appointments is another thoughtful way to show you care about their progress. When patients feel valued and understood, patient satisfaction rises—turning occasional visits into lasting loyalty.

Create Effective Treatment Plans

An effective treatment plan not only delivers results but also helps patients understand when and how often to return. Creating patient treatment plans that work starts with meaningful conversations. Review their intake form. Then, ask questions about their lifestyle, habits, and hobbies to uncover what’s driving their discomfort or pain. Use this information to craft a session that meets their immediate needs and a long-term plan to achieve their wellness goals. Be sure to communicate the plan clearly, explaining your recommendations. Offer to schedule their next appointment before they leave to encourage consistency and improve patient retention.

Provide Exceptional Service

It takes time to master massage techniques, but there’s one thing you can deliver right away: exceptional customer service. Outstanding service is the foundation of building a loyal patient base, even when you’re new to the field. Go beyond expectations by focusing on the overall experience. Take your time with each patient, use booking software to make scheduling seamless, and add personal touches that show you care. Prioritize your patients’ needs and ensure they feel valued every step of the way. When you consistently provide exceptional service, you’ll build strong relationships and create satisfied patients who keep coming back.

Start A Referral Program

Word of mouth is one of massage therapists' most powerful marketing tools. To build a loyal patient base, create a massage therapy referral program.

A referral program could be done by connecting with other practitioners and referring patients to one another. We call this the power of collaboration!

This can be done by connecting with other wellness practitioners, for example, physiotherapists, osteopaths, or even mental health professionals, to explain the services you offer and refer one another should you feel it would benefit your patient.

This is not only an ethical way to build a referral program - but it also has your patients’ best interest in mind.

Educate Your Patients

Education is essential for retention. While everyone knows massage feels good, it’s your job to explain how it supports their health and wellness goals. During sessions, discuss the benefits of massage therapy and how consistent care can make a lasting difference. Share relevant details about their treatment plan and provide self-care tips they can use at home to see real results. Extend your educational efforts beyond appointments with email newsletters or workshops. Hosting a massage therapy lunch and learn is another great way to inform patients, inspire action, and strengthen their commitment to regular massage therapy.

You can also stay top of mind and connect with your patients by sharing a newsletter on wellness tips, extending your patient care beyond the treatment table.

Remember The Little Things

When building loyalty, the little things make a big difference! Remembering small details—like a patient’s preference for no heating pad, desired pressure, favorite scent, or preferred sound—helps them feel truly seen and cared for.

Keeping thorough treatment notes is one way to stay on top of these details. You can also make them feel special on their birthday by using software that automatically sends personalized birthday wishes.

Implement Massage Therapy Software

Starting your practice can feel overwhelming, but massage therapy software is designed to take the stress out of running your business. You don’t have to figure out every detail on your own—this software was created specifically for massage therapists, so everything you need has already been thought through. With features like online scheduling, SOAP notes, intake forms, financial reports, and marketing tools, you can manage your practice seamlessly in one place. Implementing massage therapy software helps you present your business professionally, build patient trust, and deliver the seamless service that keeps patients coming back, ultimately supporting the growth of a loyal patient base.

Tap Into Your RMTAO Network

As a new massage therapist, connecting with other therapists in your community can help you grow professionally, gain guidance from those who’ve been where you are, and build relationships with other health and wellness providers. Being part of a community of therapists can expedite your professional goals and provide the support you need to build the practice and loyal patient base you’re dreaming of. Check out the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario Community-Based Networks to find valuable resources and connect with peers who can help you thrive in your new career.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 17:03:00 GMT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario will take place on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 9:00am at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, located at 5875 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario.

At the Annual General Meeting, members and stakeholders will receive important information about the activities of the RMTAO over the past year.

The following matters constitute the agenda:

Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on January 28, 2024 Download the 2024 AGM Draft Minutes
Board Chair's Report on behalf of the Board of Directors
Executive Director's Report on Operations
Auditor's Report & Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2024
Appointment of the Auditor
Report on the Election of Directors
Presentation of RMTAO Awards
Such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors dated at Toronto, Ontario, the 26th day of November 2024.

Important Notes

Vote by Proxy

If you are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person at the date and time stated above, please complete the Proxy Form that is available for download below and return it to the RMTAO by mail, fax or other electronic version prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2025. In order for the AGM to proceed, 1% of the members must be present in person/virtually or by proxy, which means a large number of proxies will be required.

Download the AGM Proxy Form

Live Stream the Event

Awards Presentation

Special Presentation by Dr. Amanda Baskwill

Empowering Change: The Role of Leadership in Massage Therapy's Future

Immediately following the Annual General Meeting, Dr. Amanda Baskwill will be making a presentation titled Empowering Change: The Role of Leadership in Massage Therapy's Future. In this presentation, Dr. Amanda Baskwill draws from her experiences as an educator, practitioner, and advocate to inspire massage therapists to become leaders and agents for change in their profession and beyond.

Read more about Dr. Amanda Baskwill

Dr. Amanda Baskwill is an educator, administrator, researcher, and advocate with a PhD in Health Research Methodology from McMaster University. Amanda holds the position of Senior Vice President, Academic at Loyalist College where she champions health and wellness, social innovation, inter-professional education, and academic integrity. She has been a registered massage therapist since 2003.

Amanda is also the Executive Editor and Editor-in-Chief for the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Her research interests include innovative teaching and learning strategies in healthcare education, the professional identity of healthcare providers, the application of evidence-informed practice, and the safety and effectiveness of massage therapy in the treatment of various conditions.

You must register in advance to attend the event in person or stream the event online.

Views from our Departing Board Members

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 13:15:00 GMT

The RMTAO is governed by a Board of Directors made up of members of the association. Members of the Board of Directors serve for a three-year term. The three members who will be leaving the Board of Directors this year are Deborah Coburn, Dylan Crake and Erin Pierson. We interviewed them to learn more about their experiences on the Board.

If you are interested in joining the Board, nominations are currently open and the deadline is November 7, 2024. Click here to learn more about the requirements and expectations of the RMTAO Board of Directors and to access a nomination form.

Why do you think the Board is important?

Deborah: The Board is crucial because it is the voice of Massage Therapists across Ontario, working to determine the future of our profession. Being part of this group makes you feel like you're directly helping our profession grow and stay strong. Also, it allows us to advocate for policies that protect and elevate the work we do as health care providers.

Dylan: The Board is important because we're RMTs and we know/understand what is going on in the RMT culture at that moment. We can take what other RMTs are feeling in Ontario as well as our own experiences and help create ideas for the RMTAO.

Erin: The board is like a think tank for the whole profession. This group is deeply invested in the success of RMTs at an individual and group level.

How has being on the Board helped you learn and grow?

Deborah: Serving on the Board has been very rewarding. I’ve learned about governance and regulation, which I honestly didn’t fully understand before. More importantly, I’ve developed a broader understanding of leadership, especially in collaborative decision-making. The different experiences and skills of my fellow board members have pushed me to think in new ways.

Dylan: I've actually learned more about the policy side of the RMT world and I'm able to make sense of longer documents and also understand why they're important to be there.

Erin: It has been both an honour and a privilege to be on the RMTAO Board of Directors. I had no previous board experience but really wanted to be a part of the RMT community in a different capacity and this spoke to me. It has given me additional perspective of our profession and really helped me to further understand how RMTs fit into the bigger picture of health care. It also helped me to see that my opinions have value and that my opinion can have a real impact. Also, the talent attracted to this board is wonderful to be around.

Why would you recommend that others consider joining the Board?

Deborah: I recommend joining the Board if you’re passionate about making a difference in the massage therapy profession. It's a chance to get involved at a strategic level, where your voice can influence decisions that affect all massage therapists in Ontario.

Dylan: You get to see the backstage of what's going on within your association. If I hadn't joined the Board, I would have no clue how much the RMTAO actually does with not only RMTs in Ontario, but with other RMTs across the province, other HCPs and insurance companies for example.

Erin: The board encourages the viewpoints of all its members. If you have a particular interest in the success of RMTs at both the individual level, and the profession as a whole, this is going to be your jam. It does require a bit of a time commitment but nothing that isn’t manageable. And it’s a very rewarding commitment to be a part of.

What will you miss about being on the Board?

Deborah: Honestly, I’ll miss the sense of team comradery. Working alongside such dedicated and inspiring RMTs has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of being on the Board. I’ll also miss the enthusiasm and thrill that comes from working on important initiatives together. It’s been an amazing experience watching our ideas become action that are shaping our profession in this province.

Dylan: I will miss the people. It was always nice meeting up every few months, catching up and seeing how we were all doing.

Erin: The wonderful discussions. The ability to make a difference in the future of the profession and the association. The camaraderie of the group. Getting to focus for a whole weekend at a time on matters at hand every 3 months. It’s been such a lovely privilege.

What has been your most memorable moment during your time on the Board?

Deborah: It’s tough to choose just one moment, as each meeting over the last three years has been special in its own way. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, from starting important projects to seeing positive changes in our field, the whole journey has been full of moments that remind me why I wanted to join the Board in the first place. Leaving the Board is a mix of pride and sadness for me—I feel proud of our accomplishments, but also a bit sad that this part of my journey is ending

Dylan: When I became the Secretary and that meant I got to speak at the AGM. I love public speaking and feel like that is where I shine the most. So it was nice speaking to my fellow peers and engaging with them.

Erin: Nothing in particular but being a part of something meaningful has given me great pleasure.

What has surprised you about your experience on the Board?

Deborah: I was surprised by almost every part of the experience. Before joining, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect or what my role would be, but I soon understood the wide range of issues the Board deals with. From dealing with rules and regulations to making big plans, the decisions we have to make are much more complex than I thought. I was also happily surprised by how much teamwork and discussion there is—we really work together as a group to handle important, often detailed, issues that could impact all RMTs in Ontario.

Dylan: How quickly the meetings always popped up. But also how much we can cover in the span of one weekend.

Erin: I learned I’m not good at some things that I just assumed I would be good at, but the group organically helped me understand where my strengths are.

Any other information you'd like to share?

Deborah: I would add that serving on the Board has been an incredible journey, and I’m truly grateful for the experience. If you’re considering joining, my advice is to go for it.

Dylan: I've enjoyed my time on the Board immensely and will miss the other members of the Board.

Erin: I would definitely like to come back in a couple of years time if elected, when my life slows down a bit, I just have too much on my plate. This was a hard decision not to run again but I know that new perspectives and skillsets are coming our way!

Meet Mary

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:23:57 GMT

Massage therapy has been a part of Mary’s healthcare for over 30 years, and she keeps going back to it because it helps her participate more fully in all aspects of her life.

Massage therapy has helped Mary remain limber and manage pain, and she likes that RMTs take continuing education that helps them focus on treating specific issues. She also appreciates the progress she continues to see and the partnership that’s developed between her and her massage therapist. An important aspect of her progress has been recognizing that massage therapy is not a passive experience. This is a perspective she encourages others to adopt as well .

“Remember how your body responded to the massage in the days after and share it at the beginning of your next visit as it will help guide your therapist as they move forward with your treatment,” Mary suggests. “It is not a totally passive treatment. They may recommend simple stretches to help maintain the newfound range of motion. Your work is to do that homework so that at your next appointment you haven’t backslid, and your progress is not hampered.”

For those considering trying massage therapy for the first time, she recommends researching RMTs in your area to find the RMT with the massage therapy style that works best for each individual. She emphasizes the importance of communicating with your RMT and asking any questions you have to ensure you’re comfortable.

“It is totally reasonable to ask them to explain what will happen during the massage. And remember, communication is key, especially during treatments,” Mary said. “If the pressure they are using is too much, it is so important to let them know. You should never feel uncomfortable either physically, emotionally or psychologically.”

After a massage therapy treatment, Mary relishes in the feeling of her body having responded so positively. She will often feel fairly instant improvement, and continues to experience long-term progress.

“There can sometimes be a bit of a sense that ‘someone has been working on your body’, which they have, “Mary said “It is not muscle soreness exactly and it dissipates the next day or so. After that feeling has gone, I relish the feeling of my body having responded so positively to the treatment and the ease it brings into my life.”

Mary feels happy with the progress she has made with massage therapy treatment, and knows that she wouldn’t have the quality of life she currently enjoys without it. She recommends anyone trying massage therapy stick with it.

“You may not see the full benefits of massage therapy in the first one or two appointments, but progress is being made,” Mary said.

During her experience with massage therapy, Mary’s RMT has worked on various parts of her body as a response to various issues. She is continuously impressed with her RMT’s skill, and hopes that everyone is able to find and access an RMT that works just as well for them.

Meet Lori

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:22:19 GMT

Lori originally started massage therapy at the suggestion of a chiropractor she had been seeing to help her keep mobile and to complement the treatment she was already getting. She has nerve issues in her back, and massage therapy helps keep her back pain away. Massage therapy has also been essential to help keep her performing well at her office job.

“Without massage therapy I would go back to having weekly migraines and miss more work, which would affect my performance and paycheck,” Lori said. “Never mind the constant pain in my lower back.”

Lori has experienced a lot of benefits to regular massage therapy treatment including helping her keep mobile, finding relief from migraine headaches and improving her sleep. In the past, massage therapy has helped her find pain relief from leg pain and plantar fasciitis.

She often advises others to access massage therapy as much as they can when they are having any pain and mobility issues.

“People do not understand that it is not a spa treatment – it cures problems. Anytime I have a new issue I ask if it can be fixed,” Lori said. “For example, last massage I was having mobility issues in my left shoulder, and I mentioned it to my RMT, and she fixed it.”

In addition to the more long-term benefits, Lori loves how she feels after a massage therapy treatment. She appreciates that her RMT takes the time to check in with her and make sure she is addressing Lori’s concerns.

“After a massage, I feel relaxed and anxiously anticipate the great night's sleep I will get,” Lori said. “My RMT is one of the best out there. She always asks ahead of time if I have any new concerns so she can address them.”

Massage therapy has helped Lori remain mostly pain free and has had an overall positive impact on her life. She would recommend that anyone experiencing pain consider giving massage therapy a try.

Meet Amy

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:00:47 GMT

Amy was diagnosed with a temporomandibular disorder that negatively impacts her jaw alignment and causes jaw pain. This was contributing to regular headaches, and continuous daily tension and pain. Amy had tried several practitioners until she found the right fit and she was able to find an RMT she felt comfortable with who had the type of experience she was looking for. She knows that everyone is different and it is important to find the RMT that works best for you.

“Personally, I look for someone I can communicate with openly and, in my specific case, I looked for someone who is experienced in head/neck/jaw issues,” Amy said.

Amy has lived with a baseline level of discomfort for most of her life. Due to this, sometimes it’s only after a massage therapy treatment that she realizes how bad the pain was, because a massage therapy treatment brings her so much relief.

“The relief, release of tension and increase in mobility throughout my whole head/neck area is unbelievable,” Amy said. “I feel extremely grateful to have access to this type of support and care.”

Massage therapy helps Amy manage her symptoms as well as avoid jaw surgery for as long as possible. She wants to continue with massage therapy as long as possible to keep her jaw muscles and bite alignment in optimal form. At first, she didn’t realize that massage therapy could help with jaw issues, and she hopes that people consider the diverse ways massage therapy can help them.

“I always thought of it as traditional full body massage but there are so many areas of focus within massage therapy,” Amy said. “For example, intraoral and many years ago I visited RMTs for other specific types of pain.”

Massage therapy has helped Amy to relax and be more in touch with how her body is responding to various treatments. She finds she always feels better after massage therapy treatment and wouldn’t be able to have as much symptom relief without it. This is both because of the effectiveness of massage therapy and finding the best RMT for her.

“I’m beyond grateful to have found a practitioner who is highly skilled at what they do, is curious to understand the condition I have AND knows how to communicate!” Amy said.

	The requirement for a third-party health professional to sign an OCF-18 form causes delayed patient care, with 85% of RMTs surveyed reporting delays at least some of the time. Delays lead to halted progress, emotional distress and increased pain. That’s why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support RMTs signing their own OCF-18 form by asking the Minister of Finance to make a change to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. We need to remove barriers to Ontarians receiving the healthcare they need, when they need it. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #patientcentred #patientaccess
	Unnecessary administrative burdens take away time that health professionals could spend on patient care. The requirement for a third-party health professional to sign an RMT’s OCF-18 form takes away time from both RMTs and other health professionals, time that could be better used providing healthcare to their patients. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to connect with the Minister of Finance to request that he change legislation to allow RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #PatientsBeforePaperwork #RedTape #AdministrativeBurden
	Patients should be able to chose the healthcare option that works best for them. RMTs often limit the number of patients they treat under HCAI due to the administrative burden of the third-party signature requirement for the OCF-18 form. This is why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support patient choice in healthcare by asking the Minister of Finance to allow RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms. Changing this requirement will increase patients’ treatment options. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #PatientEmpowerment #PatientCentredCare #PatientExperience
	RMTs can assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in most circumstances. However, when treating patients injured in an automobile accident RMTs are required to get another health professional to sign their OCF-18 form. This an unnecessary barrier to care, which is why I’m asking (YourMPPHandle) to ask the Minister of Finance to allow RMTs to sign their OCF-18 forms. This will ensure that patients have access to the regulated health professional they need, when they need them. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #healthprofessional #RegulatedHealthProfessional #RegisteredMassageTherapist
	Many Ontarians can’t access the healthcare they need simply because of cost. Many health professionals will charge to sign an RMT’s OCF-18 form, ultimately increasing the healthcare cost to patients. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to ask the Minister of Finance to support RMTs signing their OCF-18 forms. This will decrease healthcare costs and ensure that more patients have access to care. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #HealthcareCosts #HealthcareForAll

	Access to massage therapy is out of reach for many people who need it to manage pain simply because they can’t afford it. That’s why I’m calling on (@YourMPPHandle) to support the RMTAO’s proposal to integrate massage therapy into primary care teams across Ontario. Everyone deserves access to the care they need, when and where they need it. Massage therapy in primary care would improve pain management and wellbeing for people in our community. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #teambasedcare #primarycareteam #healthcareteam #OntarioHealth
	RMTs already work alongside other healthcare professionals to reduce pain, improve movement, and support better quality of life. But not everyone can access this care. That’s why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support the integration of RMTs into more primary care teams so people across Ontario can benefit. Everyone deserves access to a diverse and complete healthcare team. Let’s make care more comprehensive and more equitable. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #OntarioHealth #healthcare #primarycare #teambasedcare
	Massage therapy helps people recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, and reach their health goals, but not everyone can access it. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into primary care teams across Ontario. Let’s build stronger, more complete healthcare teams that work for everyone. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #primarycareteam #OntarioHealth #healthcareaccess #teambasedcare
	Massage therapy can help people take less pain medication and see their doctor less often, but access is still limited to those who can afford it. RMTs in primary care will support pain management, improve access to care, and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into more primary care teams across Ontario. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #teambasedcare #healthcareteam #OntarioHealth #primarycare #healthcareaccess
	Over 3 million Ontarians live with chronic pain, but access to effective care like massage therapy is still limited by income. RMTs in primary care can help people manage chronic pain, improve function, and access the care they need, close to home. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into more primary care teams across Ontario. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #primarycare #teambasedcare #OntarioHealth #healthcareaccess

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Meet Mary

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