What is registered massage therapy?

Massage Scope of Practice

The practice of Massage Therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain (Massage Therapy Act, 1991).

Massage therapy is a way to manually affect soft tissues in the body, including muscles, ligaments, tendons, connective tissue and joints. The goal is to have a therapeutic effect by stimulating the nervous, circulatory and muscular systems of the body to make a positive change. 

Swedish massage, which is the base curriculum in most Canadian massage schools, originated almost 400 years ago. Massage therapy today is a combination of these Swedish massage principles and modern massage techniques. There is current research constantly being done to explore the true therapeutic effects of these techniques and what is the most clinically effective. As an evidence-based practitioner I read this research often to ensure I am offering the most value for you, my client.