Massage Matters, Fall 2012 by David DeWitt

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Robert Libbey, RMT Saskatchewanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Path to Regulation The National Regulatory Scene

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President’s Message

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overnments need to update the various items of health profession legislation to allow the health professionals and their regulators to work together.” (Conference Board of Canada,

Achieving Public Protection Through Collaborative Self-Regulation— Reflections for a New Paradigm)

Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia

Massage Matters A Journal for Registered Massage Therapists

Please direct your comments to dave@massagetherapy.bc.ca, subject heading “Letters,” where they will be forwarded to the MTABC Board for review. Editor in Chief David DeWitt Editor Lori Henry Published by: BIV Media Group 102 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V5T 1G2 Tel: 604-688-2328 Sales Victoria Chapman 604-741-4189 vchapman@biv.com Design Soraya Romao Editorial Board Bodhi Haraldsson Anita Wilson Brenda Locke Dee Willock Damon Marchand Michael Reoch Mission Statement This publication is intended to provide a voice to BC’s Registered Massage Therapists, a source for the latest research and a vehicle for the general population to understand and respect the valuable work of our RMTs. Massage Matters is published three times a year for Registered Massage Therapists. Funding is provided from the MTABC and advertising revenues. Massage Therapists’ Association – MTABC 180 - 1200 West 73rd Avenue Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 6G5 Tel: 604-873-4467 Fax: 604-873-6211 Toll Free: 1-888-413-4467 Email: mta@massagetherapy.bc.ca www.massagetherapy.bc.ca

Today, only three Canadian provinces are regulated for the massage therapy profession. BC, Newfoundland and Ontario all provide protection to the public through the regulatory process. Regulation means there are published laws and standards of care, as well as accountabilities to the public and patients. Regulation also brings duties visited upon massage therapists. Self-regulation, of course, refers to who actually polices this system. Here, in BC, the CMTBC does this is. The CMTBC is responsible for registering members; ensuring they adhere to all laws, by-laws and standards and codes; and protecting the public by enforcing rules when massage therapists stray or when unauthorized persons attempt to practice. Failure to adhere to these collective rules could result in investigation and discipline, up to and including being barred from practice. How important is it to be a regulated province when it comes to massage therapy? Just ask my colleagues in one of the many unregulated provinces. Right now, the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are on the challenging journey to be regulated and become self-governing. It is something they have found to be worth fighting for. Regulation, they have realized, means many things for the public, for the practitioner and for other stakeholders. Mainly, regulation means the public is protected - that there is an official body responsible for ensuring that rules are followed by qualified members of the massage therapy profession. Before being granted membership in a regulatory College, individuals must prove that they meet specific minimum levels of education and training, and have the required skills in massage therapy, after completing recognized schooling and testing. Membership in a College is the public’s assurance that their RMTs have the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively treat them with massage therapy. Regulation also means that members of the profession will be able to call themselves Registered Massage Therapists. To further protect the public, regulated massage professionals are required to follow laws, bylaws, standards and ethical codes of conduct, and if they fail to do so, there are consequences up to and including loss of privilege to practice. Members of a regulated profession are required to participate in an investigation and disciplinary process. This level of oversight and control offers the public the ability to know where to turn if they have a complaint, and know how it will be investigated and resolved. Regulation includes the need for insurance, both general and liability. Regulation also means that the Canadian Revenue Agency will recognize receipts issued for massage therapy from a registered member. Plus, regulation sets standards of education and an ongoing requirement for continuing education, with legislated minimum hours over a specified period of time. Is the current regulatory model perfect? The answer to that is no and there is definitely room for improvement as noted by the Conference Board of Canada. However, it’s essential that massage therapy be regulated across the country to provide a level set of expectations for Canadians. Plus, regulation sets an ongoing requirement for continuing education, with legislated minimum hours over a specified period of time. The public is assured that their registered professional is keeping up-to-date with new treatment modalities. The final message I will leave you with is this: there is strength in numbers. It is essential that massage therapy be regulated across the country to provide an absolutely level set of expectations for Canadians. None of us deserve anything less. Damon Marchand, President

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contents in this issue: Cover

Saskatchewan Regulation 7 National MT Regulation

Insurance

Classified

18 Saskatchewan Regulation

Robert Libbey, RMT by kari walker

by cathy ryan

Insurance

National MT Regulation by cathy ryan

from the MTABC

Robert Libbey, RMT. Photo Credit: DTDeWitt

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Cover

Robert Libbey, RMT

Lessons from the Road to Recovery

by Kari Walker, RMT Having endured both the suffering of debilitating injury and the grueling struggles of rehab, Robert Libbey brings a unique perspective to his patients and to our profession as a whole. Healing from the traumatic injuries he sustained in his youth not only gave him a profound sense of empathy for others, it helped shape his career path. During a gymnastics class in 1987, Robert suffered a serious spinal cord injury that centrally herniated three vertebral discs at C3, C4, and C5. He couldn’t breathe, had full body numbness, tingling, and severe headaches. As the swelling of the cord decreased, he regained normal breathing function but the altered sensation still lingers today in his left arm. Since the discs are still herniated he has permanent diminished sensation, numbness and tingling in his left fingers. A few years ago his left arm went completely numb, yet he still has motor control. Despite all of this and the post-dural headaches that continue to occur daily, he never takes a single day for granted. “To make a very long story short, I was incredibly fortunate in that the injury did not completely sever the cord, which allowed me to recover to a point where my symptoms are minimal in comparison to what others have gone through. I am truly blessed,” he says. And the spinal cord injury wasn’t his last experience with trauma. Two years later, while being “a typical teenage boy,” he shattered his left pelvis, left distal radius and ulna, and suffered a comminuted fracture to all the carpals of his left wrist. Yes, all of them. Robert’s long recovery also had an intense impact on him and left him wanting to help others during their recuperation.

Photo credit: DTDeWitt

He began examining the various professions he’d utilized during his own recoveries. Physiotherapy had taught him how to walk again after his spinal cord injury, but it didn’t address his lingering

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gait and dysfunctional alignment issues. Surgeries had positioned and set his bones, but the problems within the ligaments and membranous tissues were never adequately

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Cover

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addressed. Chiropractic treatments provided longer lasting results, but were again missing the soft tissue component. Robert was looking for something “better rounded” in the health care field. It was during an introductory course at West Coast College of Massage Therapy that he knew massage therapy was the career for him. Due to a wait list at WCCMT, he enrolled in the Canadian College of Massage & Hydrotherapy in Ontario, graduated in 1994 and began his career with a specific focus in mind. “I’ve always been concerned with my patients ‘alignment’ since it was one of my main concerns also. If I was out of alignment in some fashion, I became dysfunctional. My patients were no different. I have great empathy for how they feel and the decrease

in quality of life they suffer.” Because of all this, Robert’s main focus became alignment techniques. He read books, watched videos and took cadaver courses, but it wasn’t enough. “I felt that there was a lack of instruction in the effective treatment of the joint tissues and a lack of knowledge on how they were connected and contributing to the musculoskeletal complains of my patients. I needed something that co-operated with the tissues, allowing the tissues to dictate the pace and course of treatment.” During his research, he discovered a technique known as Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique (L.A.S.T.), an Indirect Osteopathic technique developed by William Garner Sutherland, DO, based on principals and techniques from A.T. Still, DO. Following research back to the late 1800’s, Robert then worked forwards applying current evidence-

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L.A.S.T.

based research to the technique. Now he’s spent more than twelve years investigating, updating, and practicing those techniques. “Today L.A.S.T., as I’ve structured it, is a recognized CEU course across Canada and the USA. It is also a recognized CEU course for DC’s and ND’s (Naturopathic Doctors) within BC. I continually search out new and old research that validates the technique along with continual anecdotal testimonials from patients and RMTs I’ve instructed.” Initially Robert used techniques he learned in school and from CEU courses, then began to question the effectiveness of some of them. In the cadaver lab he tested a number of manual techniques to see if they had direct or indirect influences on the tissues they were intended for. “From this experience, I removed a number of techniques from my practice, started to

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Saskatchewan Regulation

On the Road to Regulation with Saskatchewan “Without a regulatory College there is no formal body wholly representing the public interest. This is probably the tipping point for massage therapy as a profession” – Donelda Gowan-Moody.

by Cathy Ryan I began my own personal massage therapy (MT) journey in 1988 in Ontario. At that time a dedicated and diligent group of individuals was completing the arduous task of securing our profession’s regulatory status under the newly proposed RHPA- Regulated Health Professions Act which would replace its outdated predecessor the DPA- Drugless Practitioners Act. The trials and tribulations of securing regulatory status was a hot discussion topic in our classroom – making it abundantly clear that this was not an easy task on many fronts. At that time, dissension was one barrier to overcome as a group of members presented with an anti-regulation agenda: with regulation comes increased standards, rules and fees. On the ‘for’ regulation side: with regulation comes increased standards, accountability and accessibility. A common perspective amongst the collective of Health Professions is that regulation is viewed as an integral component in professional growth and credibility. MT is currently regulated in ON, BC and NFL, however regulation is still a battle to be fought and won by many of our MT brothers and sisters across the country. There are numerous challenges on the road to regulation and it takes an extraordinary amount of work to achieve regulatory status. To better appreciate why three provinces are currently regulated, why others are not, what it takes to become a regulated

Downtown Saskatchewan | photo: istock

profession and why fight the fight – I put some questions to Lori Green, Executive Director at MTAS (the sole MT organization in Saskatchewan currently pursing regulation) and Donelda Gowan-Moody, RMT, BS (Hon) MSc, PhD (student), Co-Author: FROMTRAC1 Report on Policy Issues Concerning the Regulation of Massage Therapy in Canada. Hello Lori and Donelda – welcome to Massage Matters. CR: How is it that some provinces have a longstanding regulatory foundation (ON – 1919, BC – 1946) but others do not? Can you provide us with a bit of historical background

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on MT in Saskatchewan and from your perspective, what are the key differing elements? Lori Green: The Saskatchewan Massage Therapist Association (SMTA) was established in 1966. In order to maintain standards to protect the public, in 1995 three associations merged to form MTAS - as we are known today (with currently over 830 members). Donelda Gowan-Moody: In 1987 when I moved to Saskatoon, MT already had largely positive regard from the public - shepherded by committed and dedicated provincial

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Saskatchewan Regulation

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leaders. However, in the late 80s, while Ontario was shoring up the position of RMTs within the RHPA, Saskatchewan was in the very early stages of some aspects of professional MT development. The comparatively smaller numbers of practitioners, and therefore significantly lesser resources upon which to draw, remain important.However, the youthful position on the professionalization trajectory and comparatively fewer resources falls short in argument when considering that Newfoundland and Labrador were able to secure legislation in 2002. While private vocational programs have been established in Saskatchewan, none exist at the community college level as in Ontario, nor is there any University bridging opportunities as there is in BC where active demonstration of quality education has secured such opportunity. MT programming at higher levels of education, degree of local activism, unity of vision, capacity of a small group to

Lori Green, Executive Director of Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS)

Donelda Gowan-Moody, RMT, BS (Hon) MSc, PhD (student)

affect big change and pure political will at the government level all appear to be significant crucial elements.

time and time again with, “If it’s not broke why fix it?” MTAS has the ability to investigate and even discipline their members if they do not act according to our standards of practice. But ultimately that just means disciplinary action can only result in the therapist no longer being a member of MTAS. However, the therapist can continue to work without association membership or become a member of another association. Without regulation, we cannot post or notify anyone as to why this therapist is no longer a member. With regulation, the public would have access to information on disciplined members and know who

CR: Are there any specific obstacles MTAS is currently facing and what has been the greatest challenge thus far? LG: Strangely one of the obstacles that we are facing on the road to regulation is the fact that our association has always conducted ourselves in the same manner as a legislated province. In our past meetings with government, they have been very impressed with our bylaws, complaints and discipline process, and with the standards of practice and ethics that we maintain. We have been met

anyone that is stating they are a regulated massage therapist, truly is! CR: In Saskatchewan – in order to be considered for regulation - are you required to obtain the support of those professions that already have regulatory status? (e.g. physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.). LG: Yes, once the government gives us the final approval, our proposal will be vetted among other health professionals in the province. I am often amazed that many of the regulated professions are surprised when they find out we are not yet regulated here. CR: When did MTAS/ Saskatchewan begin vying for regulation? LG: The initial proposal began in 1995. The amalgamation of the three provincial associations (to form MTAS) was prompted by the sole purpose of pursuing regulatory status. CR: What stage are you (MTAS) currently at in the process and when do you foresee completion?

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Saskatchewan Regulation

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LG: The Government has been meeting with us for discussion and MTAS has continued to provide any clarifications or additional information that they have requested. Although Saskatchewan has a template legislation, which makes the application process more streamlined, from time to time, it seems that we are again stalled. We have just seen the Ministry of Health appoint a new Minister which may put us in a small delay in moving forward, however, we are fairly optimistic about our proposal. CR: Are you (MTAS) being met with any opposition [by any person, group or organization] to obtaining regulatory status and if so what are the stated grounds for opposition? LG: We have not yet been met with much formal opposition. However, we are aware that opposition from therapists or people currently providing ‘massage’ MAY occur - due to the standards and education requirements that come with regulation. There are many people working (providing ‘massage’ or a similar modality) all over

Canada without the designation of RMT, earning an income for themselves and their families. We believe that massage can be of great benefit and is an important part of health care provided in Canada. MTAS has no desire to put anyone out of work; we simply want the public to have clarification of what Canada believes to be a therapeutic/ registered massage therapist and what regulation ensures. DGM: While it is true that most of the provincial/territorial professional associations require members to meet equivalent requirements to those set out by the existing regulatory bodies, not all do. Undoubtedly [across the country] there are groups and individuals working at crosspurposes.

practice and code of ethics; • Adherence to Quality Assurance measures (including continuing education requirements aimed at maintaining and developing competencies); • The ability to safe-guard the public from fraudulent, harmful and careless practices. Secondarily: ensuring the stability, protection and credibility of the profession. The reality of the situation is, as the province grows, and as massage therapy becomes more and more a mainstream and

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CR: What does MTAS feel are the primary benefits of regulation for the public and therapists? LG: First and foremost, protection of the public through: • An entrance to practice exam; • Adherence to a national standard of competency; • Adherence to standards of

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legitimate health care choice, the need for regulation grows. We have more clients every year seeking bona fide and legitimate therapeutic massage for their health care needs. We have more and more “businesses” opening up with unqualified employees posing as massage therapist. This opens up the entire profession to be looked at as suspect when fraud occurs or when someone receives a treatment and is injured or his/her injury is furthered due to unsafe

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practices. DGM: [As an interested party only]: It seems to me that there is often set a false dichotomy between the benefits for the public and the benefits for massage therapists in securing legislation for self-regulation. The two main items on the list apply equally to the users and the providers: 1) increased involvement of massage therapists in the care of the population at large, and 2) quality care assurance. It is a false line that is drawn between what is good for an individual that is practicing massage therapy and what is

good for the end-user. What is best for the health of the population is precisely what serves the best interests of massage therapists. Additionally, I will share some of my own experiences in communicating to other groups and individuals about the regulatory status of MT in Saskatchewan and elsewhere in Canada and internationally. Incredulity would be the word that most typifies the response of fellow CAM researchers and academics in learning that MT is only regulated in three provinces in Canada. Surprise would sum up the response of many others, and curiosity a good portion of the remainder.

It seems that when making plans to move forward, the movers and shakers take along the essentials and the explicit message is that the regulated CAM professions will be invited to dialogues and proposed projects. There is a pervasive sense that the mutual and equal players, decision-makers, and implementers seem to share the common ground of selfregulatory status. If we believe in the value of the work we do, isn’t it a shame that it is limited in any mutable way? CR: Is there currently any kind of coverage (e.g. health benefits, extended medical) for MT treatment in Saskatchewan? In terms of coverage, will regulation change anything? LG: Yes, MTAS has agreements with our Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB), and Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) to be the benefit providers for their clients. Additionally, all benefit providers also recognize MTAS members across the country. Unfortunately without legislation, Saskatchewan residents often find themselves going for treatment to someone who is not a member of MTAS and then having their benefit claims denied. We receive frequent calls from residents wanting to know what we will do about that and how can we help them? This is what I feel is somewhat the worst aspect of massage therapy in Saskatchewan - taking those calls and saying, “Sorry, we can’t do anything at all to help you”, except give you a list of the therapists who are MTAS members. Regulation will

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lessen the incidence of denied coverage and all residents can be assured that they will be seeking treatment from a MT who is competent and compliant with the National Massage Therapy Standards and the standards/ requirements of the other regulated health professions. DGM: Currently clients who submit massage therapy as medical claims on their income tax have those claims denied due to “no recognized status” for massage therapy in Saskatchewan – this will also change with regulation. Perhaps it is a grand vision but one can envision an environment in which MT is considered a truly important health care service. Within the Canadian context we have our exemplars. Imagine if massage therapy care in Saskatchewan was covered for low income individuals with chronic pain and disability or complex illnesses! Imagine if massage therapy was appropriately remunerated for individuals with workplace injuries and disabilities and for those who have been injured in a motor vehicle accident! Perhaps our future is limited by our imagination. In investigating this topic it is clear that the biggest stumbling block – on the road to regulation – has been and is the legislative hurdles. Typically it has taken a strong Massage Therapists’ Association (MTA) [or other professional leaders with unity of vision and strength of will] to push the [legislative] wheels in order to get us there and once there we need a strong College of Continued on page 11

Saskatchewan Regulation

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Massage Therapists (CMT) to help keep us there. Self-regulatory status is a profound undertaking and privilege that exacts substantial benefit for all stakeholders and, subsequently, with that comes, proportional measures of responsibility. To further on Donelda’s comment: “What is best for the health of the population is precisely what serves the best interests of massage therapists”. I wholeheartedly agree and, quite frankly, I have never really gotten the implied abyss

between the mandate and role of the CMT and the MTA. I have worked closely with both organizations in Ontario over many years and have begun a similar journey since moving to BC - this has afforded me a fairly good working understanding of each organization. Although one is our regulatory body ensuring the safety of the public and the other our professional association lobbying for, promoting and supporting the professional and the profession, when you really look at the big picture, the role/mandate platform and outcomes constitute a great

deal of common ground and not as much chasm as one might surmise upon casual glance. Although there are distinct differences, how much overlap do you see in each of these organizations with regard to supporting, promoting, ensuring and/or providing high educational and practice standards, research literacy and translation, continued competency, public and inter-professional education, accountability, availability and commitment to ensuring safer, more effective and cost efficient healthcare? In my perfect world - both

organizations [and the professionals there within] see clearly the common ground where work can be done together for the greater good of the population at large, the profession and the hard working professionals out in the trenches. We need a strong MTA and a strong CMT because high standards, accountability, credibility and accessibility benefit us all. And might I add your involvement is paramount to their strength and ultimately the stability of the profession! ◆ 1 http://www.cmtbc.bc.ca/documents/ fomtrac_report_06mar29_v2.pdf

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National MT Regulation

National MT Regulation – Within Reach or Fanciful Endeavor?

by Cathy Ryan In order for a health care profession to apply for legislated self-regulated status (LR), there must be a legislative framework in place to support the process. Currently not all provinces/territories have such a framework (e.g. NWT and PEI). However, the NWT and PEI have proposed legislation in the works. Where such a framework does exist (providing a mechanism by which to apply), the process can be a long and arduous one taking several years to decades to complete. Many provincial associations have been working toward this objective since the early 1990s. Rally the troops! In vying for LR, it is not unusual for a provincial government to request that an application be submitted by only one association/group (often the most robust association/group – one that represents the greater majority of those practicing MT within that province) or that multiple (interested) associations/groups form a legislative committee (with representatives from each) presenting a unified front with the singular purpose of actualizing LR. And so it appears that achieving unity of vision across provincial associations, and those practicing some form of massage therapy is the crucial first step toward achieving LR. Quebec has over 30 massage therapy related associations and requirements of membership are vast and varied. With so much variation and diversity – it stands to

Winnipeg Legislative Gallery. Tourism Winnipeg | photo: Wilmardo Serrano

reason that not all MT associations or groups across the country see eye to eye when it comes to regulation of the profession. Differing views such as applying for multicategory versus single category regulation – i.e. various levels of training/education vs. adhering to a singular competency profile – differing perspectives on ‘what defines the foundation of therapeutic massage’ 1 , and reluctance to regulate at all appear to be the most common collaboration challenges. Reasons for reluctance to regulate include; discord surrounding what the change will mean (e.g. fees, exams, professional standards, accountability), questioning whether or not the benefits outweigh the cost of LR such as financial and other associated responsibilities, or whether or

not massage therapy poses the risk of harm and from a governmental perspective - risk of harm is the very crux of the matter when vying for LR. On the Road Currently in several provinces there are MT association(s) diligently engaged in pursuing LR (such as Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Saskatchewan). The stage at which they are at in their process is as varied as their respective landscapes. (See Side Bar – Mapping National MT Regulation.) The recent federal and provincial labour mobility initiatives and issues put forth by insurers2 [that provide coverage for MT] have

1 NS MTs have long been vocal about – Why is Swedish considered the carte blanche accepted norm of foundation of training for therapeutic massage? 2 Dillon, D. (2012): Insurance Coverage for Massage Therapy – Going … Going … Gone? Massage Therapy Canada Magazine, Summer 2012

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National MT Regulation

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called upon the profession to establish national standards. In essence this call and the measures taken to meet these objectives3 may help expedite the regulatory process for the currently non-regulated jurisdictions. From Applying to Actualizing and Why Bother? Once an application is put forth it must then move through the legislative process. The application must achieve approval by the provincial/ territorial Ministry of Health [or equivalent]. Once the application is approved a Bill is legally drawn up and upon completion of a Bill, the Bill is then read the specified number of times and voted on in the House of Assembly4 . Why does National LR matter? Surely we will all do the happy dance when we no longer have to collect and relinquish additional funds for the government (i.e. HST/GST) as will be the case once five or more provinces achieve LR. However, the collective value of MT being regulated in more than the current three provinces goes far beyond this. Moving toward national LR presents many benefits for both the public and the profession (e.g. professional accountability and assured educational, practice and code of ethic standards [which in turn support public protection],

enhanced credibility, credential recognition, title protection, labour mobility, inclusion in CAM discussions/projects, funding for research, greater accessibility [coverage and tax deduction options] and potentially more university educational bridging opportunities for those who have interest). In 2009 a collective of Alberta5 associations were directed by the Minister of Health and Wellness to form a Transitional Steering Committee (TSC) (consisting of representation from the MTAA, RMTA, AATM and NHPCA). The TSC began working together to create the Schedule A . The TSC is working to gain consensus on all of the particulars covered – it is proving to be a slow process. Once a draft is agreed upon by the TSC, it will be reviewed by the Alberta Government, legally drafted and then distributed to all other stakeholders in the province and within the profession for their consideration. Once consultation has concluded and the schedule moves through the legislative process, the Health Professions Act will be amended to include massage therapy. Under ideal circumstances, the view from the ‘crystal ball’ indicates that this process can take a few (2-5) years for formal regulation to be fully achieved. That said, ideal circumstances are not the case in Alberta (e.g. differing views and political climate) and therefore a specific timeline is difficult to

Quebec City | photo: istock

identify. Circumstances and Opposition Groups/organizations that were categorically opposed to the model of regulation that was put forward by the original SC are now represented on the TSC and the MTAA continues to meet with ‘the opposition’ as TSC work continues. As has been the case in other provinces, a predominant ground for opposition has been

centred around the ‘no risk of harm’ debate and therefore no need to regulate the profession. This belief was dispelled via the hearing and subsequent letter of recommendations issued by the Minister of Health and Wellness, where it is clearly stated that the then Minister “accepts the Board’s findings that therapeutic massage carries a risk of harm, both physical and psychological due to a number

Continued on page 15

3 Including the Inter-Jurisdictional Occupational Competency Profile project and also see Side Bar: Insurers Call for National MT Standards 4 For more information on the legislative process, the Nova Scotia government covers this well on their website: http://nslegislature.ca/index.php/proceedings/how-abill-becomes-law 5 Statement from: Chandra Kastern, MT Communications Coordinator - MTAA

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Cover From page 6

redefine others and attempted to create alternative techniques to what I had been utilizing.” Research continues to be a key part of his work, though he cautions relying on it too heavily. “We must never forget that massage therapy is also an art. As much as I feel research should play a larger part in our profession, I’m also aware that we are incredibly sensitive beings. When a manual therapist is truly present in the treatment,

they can develop an alert observational type of awareness to sense the function and dysfunction within the tissues of patients. This Perceptive Palpation allows us to sense subtleties within tissues that standard orthopedic tests miss.” Robert loves teaching and believes that RMTs have a duty to inform patients about their pathology/condition and the reasons for the course of treatment decided, since part of our job is to assist patients

in making an informed choice when it comes to managing their care. Sometimes that might mean massage therapy is not the right course of treatment for patients. “We should recognize when the patient should see someone else and make the appropriate referral to those other health care professionals,” Robert says. “Therapists should not look at this as if they are losing a patient, but that they are positively contributing to the

management of that patient’s pathology, condition or injury.” Now in his 18th year as an RMT, Robert Libbey continues to teach what he loves, spreading the word about L.A.S.T and its benefits. To learn more about L.A.S.T. or the continuing education courses Robert teaches, you can find more information at the following websites: http://www.robertlibbeyrmt. com/ http://www.lastsite.ca/ ◆

Plan your Continuing Education for the coming Fall/Winter Stretching Canada presents AIS master trainer, Paul John Elliott – Canada’s Authority on Active Isolated Stretching. Fall and Winter 2012-13, Stretching Canada will be offering the following courses:

AIS Foundations in Vancouver : October 19-21, 2012 Advanced AIS: November 23-25, 2012 Tuxedo Park Community Hall 202-29th Avenue AIS Foundations in Calgary: Calgary - April 12-14, 2013 Calgary - September 27-29, 2013 IF yOu WANT TO bE THE bEST, lEArN FrOm THE bEST. Advanced AIS Prerequisite - Foundations or any level 1 training in Canada or USA. For more information and to register: www.stretchingcanada.com (514) 792-5595 CHANGING THE WOrlD ONE STrETCH AT A TImE.

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National MT Regulation

From page 13

of factors such as insufficient competencies, lack of educational standards and inadequate disciplinary enforcement abilities by massage therapy associations”. CR: It is important to note that arrival at this conclusion (yet again) affirms that perhaps this debate should no longer even enter into the mix when vying for MT regulation. The other predominant opposing point was the multi vs. single category issue. (The original SC applied under the single category model). A Multi-Category Model for Massage Therapy Regulation (favoured by other groups/organizations) was presented to the Health Professions Advisory Board in 2008. With consideration being given to the requirements of a profession wishing to regulate in the circumstance of said profession already being regulated in another jurisdiction (outlined in the Agreement on Internal Trade - to which Alberta is a signatory) the Minister who made recommendations regarding the regulation of massage therapy in Alberta noted that the government is “not prepared to recommend a multi-category entry to practice model to Cabinet”. While this does not directly address the core sentiment of a single tier model being less “inclusive” it does clarify that such a model will not be put into place in the province of Alberta. Instead, the government, along with every professional association in the province, is committed to formulating a reasonable transition plan for the existing profession whereby opportunity to demonstrate substantial equivalence and/ or upgrade skills and or education to the regulatory requirements within a reasonable amount of time and under the supervision of the regulatory authority in the province will

be provided. Such a transition plan is intended to alleviate some of the concerns expressed by oppositional organizations and/or current practitioners of massage in Alberta whose training/education is not on par with the current national standards (outlined in the Occupational Competency Profile document). The MTAA continues to demonstrate transparency and support the notion that any and all information pertaining to regulation of the profession in the province be made openly available by dedicating a page full of information and relevant documentation that outlines the history and current status of regulation in the province of Alberta. It can be found here: http://www.mtaalberta. com/?page=174 and is accessible for anyone with the internet. The thought is that by remaining open, transparent and forthcoming with as much information as possible, that opposition has the opportunity to become informed and, hopefully, less opposed. It is the MTAAs position that regulation of the profession in Alberta primarily serves to protect the public’s best interest but also will have positive influence on the profession at large. Manitoba: MTAM has been working toward legislation since 1973. On May 2, 2012 MTAM submitted an application for review by the Health Minister. On September 7, 2012 the MTAM was informed that its application for the regulation of massage therapy in the province under the “Regulated Health Professions Act” has completed its first review process within the Minister’s office. MTAM’s application is consistent with the goals of Canada and its provinces to obtain full ‘Labour Mobility’ for the profession. The MTAM looks forward, with optimism, to the completion of the application process and the transition toward the establishment of a new ‘Regulatory College’ for Massage Therapists’

New Brunswick | photo: Tourism New Brunswick

in Manitoba6. The MTAM regularly posts [regulation] updates on their website. New Brunswick: The NBMA-AMNB began regulatory pursuit efforts in 1994. In 2004 the NBMA-AMNB and ANBMT created a Joint Legislation Committee for the sole purpose of pursuing regulation. The process to bring the Bill to the Legislation is currently active7. Northwest Territories: The territorial government is considering developing umbrella legislation for a number of health and social services professions. Massage therapy would not be one of the first professions addressed under the legislation; however, the proposed act would be expected to contain a mechanism for other professions to apply to become regulated in the future. The NWTMTA supports the development of this legislation and is participating in the process as opportunities become available8. More information about the development of this legislation is available on the GNWT Health and Social Services website: http://www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca/english/ services/professional_licensing/hss_ profession_legislation.htm Continued on page 16

6 http://www.mtam.mb.ca 7 Statement from the Joint Legislation Committee 8 Statement from: Lindsey Cymbalisty, RMT President, NWTMTA

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National MT Regulation

P.E.I. | photo: istock

Parliament Buildings in Edmonton, Alberta | photo: istock

From page 15

Nova Scotia: Currently one of the provinces where unity across associations has not been realized (citing possible differing views of the need for, or path to regulation). MTANS has made some attempts to legislate, however, set-backs have been experienced (e.g. gaps, or missing information). More recently the Legislation Committee and the MTANS Board have been working to create the documents that are needed to meet the requirements of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and they intend to reapply once the necessary documentation is gathered and paperwork completed9. Prince Edward Island: The PEIMTA has been asking the government since the late

90s to look into regulating the profession of massage therapy. The umbrella legislation project within the Health Professions Act is currently under development. It has been indicated that a bill will be put forward in the provincial legislature, hopefully this fall. After the bill passes, health care professions not currently regulated (e.g. MT, Naturopaths, Dental Hygienists) will be invited to submit our application to the provincial government. The PEIMTA will be submitting an application when the opportunity becomes available10. Quebec: This is also one of the provinces where unity across associations has not been realized. It appears that part of the barrier to provincial recognition and accreditation is a lack of a clear identity for the profession and fragmentation (differing views and

education/training differences). In 2010, Massothérapie Québec was launched by a group of massage therapists. The organization was created to raise the standards of the profession throughout the large number of schools and professional associations that represent massage therapists across the province and to initiate a certification process that will lead to provincial recognition11. The FQM (Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes) began regulatory inquiry in 1992. More recently (Feb 2012) the FQM submitted an application for legislation and stated that they are currently the only association in Quebec vying for MT regulation. During the most recent election campaign the FQM sent letters to all the different parties to ask their position on the MT regulation issue. They received very interesting answers, especially from the winning party (the Parti Québécois) who is open to exploring the case again - because they acknowledge that the profession has evolved and changed. The FQM will be initiating discussions with this new government and they are firmly committed to professionalizing the practice of MT in Quebec12. Currently FQM membership is

Continued on page 19

9 http://mtans.com/ 10 Jennifer White, President PEIMTA & Marilyn Sparling PEIMTA Board Member 11 Martine Frigon: Massage Therapy in Quebec. Massage Therapy Canada Magazine – Summer 2011. http://www.massagetherapycanada.com/content/view/1929/38/ 12 Statement from: Sonia Zennaf, , Analyste et coordonnatrice de projets spéciaux Fédération québécoise des massothérapeutes (FQM)

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Insurance

Important Insurance Reminder Once again it is time to ensure you have renewed your membership in order to take advantage of the Associations’ Malpractice and General Liability program. For over 25 years, our broker, Shaw Sabey & Associates has been proactive in obtaining competitive pricing while also maintaining the highest quality of protection for you, the RMT member. Policy The policy arranged by Shaw Sabey is an Occurrence based policy meaning that you are covered for the time that the alleged incident occurred. Occurrence is a superior and comprehensive coverage that every RMT should have. Other policies, such as “claims made” policies do not cover you if you lapsed or cancelled your policy and the claim against you is subsequently filed - even if you were insured when the

alleged incident occurred. To be protected from this situation, you need to have purchased an extended discovery period, to your expired Claims Made policy! This is why Occurrence is preferred. Also, you should know that some policies require you to list all modalities you use in your practice, and then may deny a claim if you do something outside this list, even if it is allowed by the CMTBC. The MTABC Occurrence policy covers all modalities that a BC RMT utilizes, as long as the RMT acts within the CMTBC’s scope of practice. Modalities  With our Occurence policy you can add a modality, outside the scope of practice of the CMTBC, and Shaw Sabey can offer you competitive terms for these additions. Recently, Shaw Sabey announced that other professional modalities, such

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as acupuncture and TCM can be approved and added to the RMT insurance policy. MTABC Insurance Package: Malpractice Insurance Members receive $5 million professional liability (malpractice) and $5 million Commercial General Liability. This is the comprehensive Liability occurrence policy versus the claims made policy.    Travel Insurance You don’t have to let anyone know you are going away and it is good for 35 days or less, on any one trip. Just print off the card we supply, and keep it in your wallet. Spouse and children can be added to the plan by contacting the broker.

benefit, which includes expense reimbursement up to $25,000 per covered person (including your spouse) to restore financial health and credit history as a result of an identity fraud.    Life Insurance The MTABC has partnered with insurance carrier Great-West Life to provide members with a basic life insurance package, available as of October 1/12, which includes: $10,000 coverage; no medical underwriting; coverage until your 71st birthday; and a tax-free benefit to your beneficiary. The MTABC takes pride in offering top level insurance products and services, and that is why we continue to work in partnership with Shaw Sabey.

Identity Theft MTABC insurance includes an identity theft insurance

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classified Fall 2012 Advertisement only. No endorsement by the MTABC intended or implied.

MENTORING & CONSULTING battling burnout? feeling uninspired? looking for answers? Address your issues Now! Anthony McMorran, RMT twitter: BWithin www.kandahealing.com

Re-energize Your Practice!

MTABC CEC CoursEs 2012 RegistRation at MtaBC 604.873.4467 oR mta@massagetherapy.bc.ca. oR Mail to MTABC 180-1200, WesT 73rd Ave, vAnCouver, BC, v6P 6G5. PRovide naMe, Phone and eMail. CanCellation within 3 weeks of a CouRse Results in 20% Penalty; within 2 weeks, 40%; and within 5 days oR “no shows”, no Refund. all PRiCes in Can. dollaRs

The complete schedule of Ann Sleeper classes can only be found at www.annsleeper. com. Muscle Energy, Introduction to Osteopathic Technique, and Treating Legs and Arms courses are offered in Vancouver, Victoria and Vernon. These classes or review sessions can also be organized privately for 2-5 people at her home in central Vancouver.

Dr. VODDEr MLD COUrSES Basic, Therapy I, Therapy II & III October/November 2012 and April/May 2013

E-mail Ann at sleeplow@telus.net or call or text 604-671-9172.

800-522-9862

WWW.VODDErSCHOOL.COM

Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia

FAsCiA: iTs sTruCTurE & FunCTion ThE shouldEr wiTh MArk FinCh, rMT 14 CrEdiTs holidAy inn 711 wEsT BroAdwAy VAnCouVEr aPRil 13-14, 2013 sat and sun 9aM to 5 PM FAsCiA: iTs sTruCTurE & FunCTion wiTh MArk FinCh, rMT 14 CrEdiTs holidAy inn 711 wEsT BroAdwAy VAnCouVEr May 18-19, 2013 sat. and sun 9aM to 5 PM PriCes: Mta one Month eaRly $322 RegulaR $350 non-Mta one Month eaRly $450 RegulaR $495

2 hours per course for 2 CEU’s Courses are $50 (incl H.S.t). Easy and efficient way to accrue your CEU’s. ~ no traveling, no time away from work ~ www.cepd.ca • call 1-866-733-9017 for details

INSTRUCTOR: LOCATION: DATE: FEE:

Ann slEEpEr ’s CoursEs For MorE CoursEs, sEE Ann’s wEB pAgE www.AnnslEEpEr.CoM inTroduCTion To osTEopAThiC TEChniquEs 12 CrEdiTs VAnCouVEr – holidAy inn sat and sun MaRCh 2-3, 2013 sat and sun 10 aM – 5 PM eaCh day vAnCouver PriCes: Mta one Month eaRly $275 RegulaR $300 non-Mta one Month eaRly $385 RegulaR $425

NATALE RAO RMT BUCERIAS, MEXICO (fly into Puerto Vallarta ) FEB. 17th - 23rd ,2013 Early-bird rate as low as $950 register by Nov.15th , 2012; cost includes shared accommodation.

24 hours – 24 Continuing Education Credits. The workshop will take place over 6 days – with one full day off mid week. This workshop is designed for the RMT wishing to improve their knowledge and skill level through the application of Myofascial Release and its principles. Its specific intention is to help the RMT identify “densified fascia” and myofascial restrictions. Visual and Manual assessment techniques will be used. Some examples of structures that will be examined include: In the Lumbo-Sacral area: abdominals, gluteals, thoracolumbar fascia, iliopsoas, latissimus dorsi and lower trapezius. Some ligaments; sacrotuberous, inguinal and iliolumbar. In the Shoulder complex region: biceps, pectoralis major & minor, subscapularis, lats & teres major, corocobrachalis, middle trapezius; the corococlavicular ligaments. Within the Cervical complex: the deep fascial layer of the cervical region, SCM, upper trapezius; levator scapula; scalenes. Lower extremity complex: adductors, quadriceps, hamstrings: influencing I.T.B. presentation. For more information, email: raomail@telus.net OR call: 250.838.9884 Natale brings 32 years of clinical practice and 22 years of instructional experience which includes 16 years of Fascial experience, to each of his workshops.

For more course details, see MTABC weB siTe www.massagetherapy.bc.ca 18

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A teaching affiliate with the famous “ITM School” of Chiang Mai, Thailand • Traditional Thai Massage: iTM Chiang Mai Level 1, 24 CeU’s (3-days) Victoria: Fri. Nov. 16 – Sun. Nov. 18, 2012 9:30AM – 4:30PM ea. day Vancouver: Fri. March 22 – Sun. March 24, 2013 9:30AM – 4:30PM ea. day • Thai Foot Reflexology Massage: 7 CeU’s (1-day course) Victoria: 1- Monday, Nov. 19, 2012 / 9:30 – 4:30PM Vancouver: 1-Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013 9:30AM – 4:30PM Visit us on-line to see our complete 2013 Courses listings. Paypal registration available at www.BanyanThaiMassage.com More information / contact: Sharon Brown-Horton, Instructor at 604.773.2645 Interested in hosting a course at your own location? With a minimum of 6 participants, travel may be arranged for ANYWHERE in BC and ALBERTA!!

Continuing EduCation on LinE

Manual Myofascial Modelling Technique

End-rAngE loAding - gEnErAl wiTh dr. dAVid dECAMillis, d.C. 13 CrEdiTs nEw wEsTMinsTEr aPRil 13-14, 2013 - sat. 10:00 – 4:30 and sunday 9:00 – 3:30 PriCes: Mta one Month eaRly $280 RegulaR $310 non-Mta one Month eaRly $390 RegulaR $430

Banyan Thai Massage CMTBC

CeU approved Courses

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ANATOMY & YOGASANA I & II: Maui, HI Retreat February 17th to 24th, 2013 CEU Approved Relax on the island of Maui, learn and earn credit while studying the yoga body. Program combines yoga practice, anatomy, kinesiology and yoga research. Apply what you learn in your massage therapy or yoga practice, do plenty of yoga, swim with the turtles. Fabulous meals and accommodation included. Leigh Milne RMT, E-RYT500 is an experienced RMT, Iyengar certified yoga instructor and educator. For course and instructor details and registration information visit www.thesadhanacentre.com leigh@thesadhanacentre.com Leigh 902-273-9642

Massage Matters Classified Advertising

Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia

If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at:

1-604-741-4189 vchapman@biv.com

classified Fall 2012

National MT Regulation

Advertisement only. No endorsement by the MTABC intended or implied.

From page 16

available as a multi-category option [i.e. various levels of education/training]. In vying for regulation FQM indicated that a single-category model will be put forth using the National Occupational Competency Profile Document as a guide. Saskatchewan: see On the Road to Regulation with Saskatchewan appearing in this issue of Massage Matters Canada. Canadian Massage Therapy Alliance (CMTA): The CMTA is a nationwide alliance composed

of provincial professional associations from both legislated and non-legislated jurisdictions (MTABC, MTAS, NBMA-AMNB, MTANS, PEIMTA, NLMT and NWTMTA). The CTMA provides a forum for collaboration to advance massage therapy as a health care profession in Canada. One of the mandates of the CMTA is to encourage the [legislated] regulation of massage mherapy in every province and territory and to assist non-regulated jurisdictions in their quest to become regulated13. ◆ 13 http://www.crmta.ca/?page=10

classified Fall 2012 Advertisement only. No endorsement by the MTABC intended or implied.

“It’s all my favourite techniques from over 30 years of practising eastern and western modalities.”

“Fusion Works" for 24 CEUs October 26-28 Salt Spring Island, BC

Vancouver/Kelowna/Vernon/Salt Spring Island

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Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® Workshops (also known as SDTT)

(Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® should not be confused with high pressure treatments)

riginated and developed by Armand Ayaltin DNM, RHT, RMT, and taught by him since the late 1980’s. It consists of its own scientifically-based philosophy, therapist-friendly assessment and treatment. To reduce burnout, body and hand postures are ergonomically designed. Therapy takes its cue directly from the assessment. This innovative procedure is designed to minimize the mental and physical stress of the Tx room. In these Workshops we will teach: • Philosophy and background • How to treat the underlying cause of pain, often realizing quick and lasting results • How to Structurally Realign the body by collapsing the compensatorymatrix, using specific SDTT techniques at the physical and energetic levels which are: • recognizing the compensatory-matrix • engaging the SNS • manipulating the Fascial-muscle-joint systems • therapeutic intent • treating the relevant meridians • stimulating the patient’s quantum field of healing If as a Therapist, gaining self-confidence, self-sufficiency and effectiveness with reduced chances of self-injury is important, taking these workshops and adopting the Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® is for you. Testimonials: “Thank you so much for this amazing workshop. It will change my life!” W.M. RMT. “This course surpassed my expectations...” B.C. RMT. “Thank goodness there is a way to read the body and respond to its core needs.” J.W. RMT. “Great coverage of biomechanics and application. I like these instructors, cool guys” J.L. RMT. “With 16 years of massage therapy experience I was still expecting to learn something new- those expectations were exceedingly met. The assessment approach alone was enough of a refreshing perspective- with the addition of completely new hands on techniques, this course was thoroughly worth my time and would recommend it to any seasoned therapist. Excellent course, nothing but praise for these innovative and effective techniques that match a thoroughly progressive treatment philosophy, this is truly Massage THERAPY!” Brad Dow RMT. Winter 2013: Introductory: February 2-3, Intermediate: March 2-3 (CEC 28 for both courses combined) Cost: $399. Autumn 2013: Introductory: September 28-29, Intermediate: October 26-27 Cost: $399. For more info and to register, phone: 604.984.2611 • web: systemicdeeptissuetherapycenter.com

Massage Matters If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at: 1-604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com t h e r a p i s t s ’

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efficient solution for your patients

Manual Practice Osteopathic studies “Osteopathy is a natural medicine which restores function to the organism by treating the causes of pain and imbalance…” Philippe Druelle, D.O.

Osteopathy provides the necessary therapeutic reasoning skills and manual treatment approaches to achieve optimal results. Osteopathy views the body as a whole. Osteopathic manual treatment focuses on detecting areas of restrictions at any tissue level. Osteopathy functions by assisting the body’s natural healing ability, allowing restricted areas to regain as much of their former mobility as the body will comfortably allow. The College offers complete training including myofascial, visceral, cranial techniques, specific osteoarticular adjustments and clinical methodology. Courses are geared towards guided palpation and practice in order for practionners to be able to integrate their new knowledge to the treatment of patients. The educational program is designed with busy health-care practitioners in mind. The 6 yearly seminars are held over weekends to minimize time lost from current employment, with a low instructor/student ratio.

itional The reference in Trad Practice Osteopathy Manual teaching since 1981

College of Osteopathic Studies

Canadian College of Osteopathy — CCO Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques — CEO

For information / registration 1-800-263-2816 | info@ceo.qc.com | www.ceo.qc.com