What Registered Massage Therapy Qualifications Mean

At Change Your Pain Kamloops (CYPK),we are a Registered Massage Therapy clinic. We know there are many different types of massage services which are not registered. But what does that mean?  There are some distinct differences between massage services and Registered Massage Therapy – namely the regulation and education required in order to be registered certified in the province of British Columbia. At a minimum, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) in BC must attend an intense, demanding education program through an approved and accredited educational program, and pass a rigorous provincially regulated exam (written and oral-practical).  In order for an RMT to maintain a valid licence, yearly continuing education courses must be completed in both professional development and practical skills which are approved by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC) - The “CMTBC regulates the profession of massage therapy in the public interest to ensure that registered massage therapists (RMTs) in BC deliver safe, ethical, and effective treatment”   ᷈www.cmtbc.ca.  Unregulated individuals, with an interest in massage do not necessarily carry liability insurance and there is no recourse to the College should they practice unsafely, ineffectively, or unethically.

Many RMTs have training that goes even beyond, including Melissa West, our clinic director and one of the CYPK Massage Therapists. Melissa has been practicing Massage Therapy since 1996, after graduating from UBC. Here are some of her qualifications and what they mean:

Bachelor of Physical Education

Melissa graduated with a degree in physical education from UBC, majoring in Human Kinetics. Her background in Human Kinetics allows her to utilize an interdisciplinary approach in the rehabilitation and care of her clients.

Registered Massage Therapist

Following the completion of her degree, Melissa obtained a diploma from the West Coast of Massage Therapy, one of the provincial institutions recognized and accredited by the College of Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC).  Melissa is also a member of the Registered Massage Therapists Association of BC – a provincially recognized association which supports the profession.

According to RMTBC:

“Registered Massage Therapists (RMT) are educated and trained to evaluate individual health needs, and provide active and passive techniques for patient care. RMTs provide an accurate assessment, differential diagnosis of specific soft tissue and musculoskeletal conditions…”

~ www.rmtbc.ca

Being part of the RMTBC allows practitioners to access professional development opportunities and benefit from the advocacy and support provided by the association in regards to recognizing massage therapy as a viable and necessary component of BC health care services.

At CYP Kamloops, we are committed to fostering a culture of growth and continue to explore new educational opportunities and expanded techniques in order to benefit our clients. Our goal is to ensure you have a positive clinic experience directed towards treating your symptoms, providing preventative treatment programs, as well as offering advice to create permanent positive lifestyle changes.

At CYP Kamloops, we are committed and honoured to help clients Experience Transformational Change to their health and wellness. Here is what one client said about the impact CYPK has had on her quality of life:

“I was unable to climb on to the table at the beginning of my treatment. I had severe pain in both shoulders and neck and through the clavicle area. Melissa was able to release all of the trigger points and gave me relief through every appointment. I felt secure in Melissa's care as her superior knowledge of all the muscles, their functions, and how to release pain spasms put me at ease. I looked forward to each treatment as the relief from pain and the progress I was making towards recovery was evident . I continue to improve and my mobility is 100\\% improved. My energy levels are above normal and my general health has never been better.”

~ Janet

Learn more about our Massage Therapy services in Kamloops and then Book an Appointment to continue your lifelong journey towards wellness. As an RMT, our clients are often eligible to receive coverage for registered Massage Therapy through their extended health care plans and/or through ICBC. At CYPK, there is direct billing available for extended health plans and ICBC patients (some restrictions apply). If you have questions, feel free to Contact Us with your questions.