Three years in college (with some school closures and restrictions along the way), and I can finally say that I have completed my Registered Massage Therapy diploma. Today, I am here to answer some questions that I've received along the way, and I encourage you to send any other questions my way. I will do my absolute best to answer them.

What is Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)?

Massage therapy is a healthcare profession. "Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints." source: RMTAO

An individual who practices Registered Massage Therapy is called a Registered Massage Therapist (or, Massage Therapist) - both of which are protected titles. This means that in Ontario, only someone who is registered under the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) can call themselves an RMT or a Massage Therapist. This requires the successful completion of a 2-3 year full-time program (which I started at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy and completed at Sutherland-Chan School of Massage Therapy) and passing the CMTO Board Exams. Once registered, an RMT is able to treat patients with acute and chronic conditions soft tissue conditions, including but not limited to working with injury rehabilitation, chronic pain, discomforts associated with every day stresses (for instance, sitting for long periods of time), and muscular over-use.

Massage Therapy is clinically-oriented. It begins with an assessment (which, after a look at a patient's health history, may include a postural assessment, range of motion tests, palpations, and special tests). After discussing and getting consent for a treatment plan, an initial treatment may include techniques ranging from: stretching, hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, joint mobilizations, and general Swedish techniques. There is always a hands-on portion to the treatment, however a patient will also receive self-care to perform at home, as well as patient education throughout the treatment. A treatment plan can be changed at any point, and a patient should also be prepared to be reassessed. 

How was school?

College gave me the ability to both learn theory and practice on patients from the public. It was a very hands-on and intensive program. I took a variety of courses throughout the past 3 years, some I have listed below:

• Anatomy
• Clinical Assessment
• Physiology
• Pathology
• Business
• Professional Practice
• Body Awareness
• Hydrotherapy
• Neurology
• Pregnancy Massage
• Joint Mobilizations
• Research Literacy
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Theory & Practice
• Therapeutic Relations
• Techniques
• Nutrition
• Sports Massage

As well, I was able to practice and hone my skills in the following clinics, and treat patients with some of these issues, and with some of the listed below techniques:

• Muscle Impingement
• Pregnancy
• Wellness
• Joint Pain
• Arthritis
• Sports Massage
• Cupping
• Taping
• Concussion
• Lymphatic Drainage
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Nerve Entrapment
• Post-Surgery Scar Tissue

Lastly, my outreaches and volunteer experience included:

• Sick Kids Hospital
• Jack.org outreach sports event
• Marketing for both the Sutherland-Chan School and clinic

Needless to say, it's been an eventful last couple of years. I am so grateful that I was able to pursue RMT and I'm excited to complete my board exams this year in order to begin my practice. I will continue to share my learnings in our publications!

Why did I pursue RMT?

Since 2018, dioden has offered products on our site which are meant to inspire you to lead a balanced life. We have also hosted events throughout these last couple of years, to both get to know our collective and to inspire balanced living through community. Our goal continues to be to spread our mission: to support, inspire and cultivate a community of individuals so that they may foster a balanced and meaningful life. 

Massage therapy is a growing profession and will be an exciting added service to the wellness side of our business in the future. The RMT profession requires clinical knowledge and judgement, physical stamina, professionalism, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Being someone who is committed to community service, and having a great interest for public health, I am very excited to know that I can make meaningful change in a person’s life.

I’m all ears for any questions: you can leave a note down below, or you can send me an email at hello@dioden.ca. Exciting things ahead,

Summer