Therapeutic Massage Therapy
Written by Scott Larke RMT
In ancient times past massage therapy was used to treat many medical conditions until scientific breakthroughs in medical technology and pharmacology redefined the delivery of western medicine. A resurgence of interest in natural forms of healing have made massage popular today, however Registered Massage Therapy has been around much longer.
In 1948 the Physiotherapists and Massage Therapist act came into being. The therapist had to be “of good moral character, graduated from an accredited college and pass provincial board exams”. In 1994 the College of Massage Therapists was formed under the health protection act and is linked with other medical supplemental health care providers. Today’s Registered Massage Therapist takes a three year course at an accredited college and then sits board exams governed by the College of Massage Therapists.
RMT’s are trained to provide medically oriented therapy for a large variety of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions including headache, whiplash and sciatica. Persons who have survived trauma of all types may benefit from the calming effect on the nervous system. When stressed the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is stimulated and turns on the “fight or flight” response. Massage can engage the parasympathetic response and calm the nervous system, normalizing breathing patterns and relieving stress.
To find a good Registered Massage Therapist, the patient should first check that the therapist is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of BC. There have been incidents of unregistered therapists providing medical massage. The patient should seek out the therapist they feel is most suited to treat their condition. Look in the yellow pages under registered massage therapy. You could also ask your physician or other health care providers who they recommend. It is interesting to note that British Columbia has the highest professional standards for Registered Massage Therapy in North America and perhaps in the entire world.
A good RMT will perform a competent assessment and provide appropriate, respectful treatment in an empathetic manner as suits the needs of the patient.
