SUMMER 2015 VOL 8 ISSUE 2
M AT T E R S REGISTERED MASSAGE THER APISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
MUM’S THE WORD PPGS RMT GIVE PAULA RMTSJASPAR IN BRITISH PASSIONATELY COLUMBIAPROMOTES THE OPPORTUNITY THE BENEFITS TO DEVELOP OF MASSAGE THEIRTHERAPY EXPERTISE TO WOMEN | 5 | 9 DOUBLE ETHICS DUTY: & JURISPRUDENCE: RMT JAMES LEGAL RESEARCH MATTERS: REPORT: WHO JP REALLY COLLETNEWS: NEWS: CASERE3, WEBSITE NEW UPDATES, NEW GOLDFARB THREE EXPERTS IS A MAN WEIGH ABOUT IN ON“OWNS” ON HIS THE LATEST PATIENT MASSAGEHEALTH OKANAGAN ASSOCIATION COLLEGE STAFFAFFILIATE, MEMBERS, TWO THIS TOWNS | 9 VITAL ISSUE | 5 CARE RELATED FILE? | 14 RESEARCH | 14 PAIN PAIN CONGRESS CONGRESS & MORE & MORE | 16| 16
SOMATiC ExPLORATiONS iS A UNiqUE HUMAN gROSS ANATOMY FACiLiTY PROViDiNg ACCESS FOR ALL MASSAgE THERAPiSTS TO STUDY HUMAN FUNCTiON AND STRUCTURE. Some of the offerings in the Lab: Pro-section: The viewing and study of anatomy utilizing a pre-dissected forms. • Upper Extremity (7 credits CMTBC) • Posterior Thorax (7 credits CMTBC) • Anterior Thorax and Viscera (14 credits CMTBC) • Head, Neck & Brain (7 credits CMTBC) Complete Dissection: Participant driven & performed dissection of a human form over six days of Lab time. (42 credits CMTBC)
“It felt like every treatment I gave this week was influenced by what we had done in the Lab! I’ve never experienced continuing education that contributed so much to my work as this has!” – Heidi O. “It was stunning to finally SEE what I have been touching and working on for the last 6 years. My approach to treatment has totally shifted.” – Janice M.
ALL COURSES ARE FULLY APPROVED BY THE CMTBC.
somaticexplorations.com • 604.519.0555
CONTENTS | SUMMER 2015 REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 4 CLASSIFIED 18
RMT Matters is published three times a year for Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs). This publication intends to provide a voice for B.C. RMTs and to act as a source for the latest research plus a vehicle for the general population to understand and respect the valuable work of RMTs. Funding is provided by the RMTBC and advertising revenue. Editor in Chief Noa Nichol nnichol@biv.com Managing Editor David DeWitt 604-873-4467 | dave@rmtbc.ca
5
ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE
Sales Victoria Chapman 604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com
Three experts weigh in
Sales and Marketing Coordinator Michelle Myers 604-608-5122 | mmyers@biv.com Design Randy Pearsall, Soraya Romao Editorial Contributors Goody Niosi, Abbas Virji Editorial Board Bodhi Haraldsson, Brenda Locke, Joseph Lattanzio, Michael Reoch Copyright © 2015 by BIV Media Group. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reproduced in any manner without the prior written permission of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this publication; however, the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors or omissions. BIV Media Group 303 West 5th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V5Y IJ6 Tel: 604-688-2398 | Fax: 604-688-1963 www.biv.com Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of BC Suite 180-1200 West 73rd Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V6P 6G5 Tel: 604-873-4467 | Fax: 604-873-6211 Toll-free: 1-888-413-4467 info@rmtbc.ca www.rmtbc.ca
14
RESEARCH REPORT
9
JP Collet on his latest massagerelated research
MUM’S THE WORD
Paula Jaspar is one remarkable RMT with a passion for promoting massage therapy to other women
16
RMTBC NEWS
Site updates, new staff members, events and more!
Advertising – no endorsement by the RMTBC intended or implied.
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
THE DEFINITIONS THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’
A
s I set about writing my President’s Message, I received word that B.C.’s health minister, Dr. Terry Lake, changed the Massage Therapists Regulation, bringing about a huge change to the definition of massage therapy. This was something we had been asking for and eagerly awaiting. The definition of massage therapy – of what we do daily – is paramount, and with a correct definition comes all the authority, credibility and accuracy one would expect, especially in health care. I looked up the definition of “definition,” which MerriamWebster says, in part, is a statement that describes what something is; a clear or perfect example of a thing; a statement expressing the essential nature of something. And that is precisely why the definition of massage therapy needed to change, and we welcome the new definition. Until now, only RMTs could practise “massage therapy,” defined in the regulation as “the kneading, rubbing or massaging of the human body, whether with or without steam baths, vapour baths, fume baths, electric light baths or other appliances, and hydrotherapy or any similar method taught in schools of massage approved under the Physiotherapists Act, but does not include any form of medical electricity.” I’m not sure about you, but I don’t see a single word describing the health benefit of what we do as health professionals. There isn’t a link at all between “kneading, rubbing or massaging the human body” and the health benefits we bring to patients daily. Think about your education. Did you spend thousands of hours learning how to knead and rub? No. You spent
4 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
your training learning about anatomy and physiology. You learned about the musculoskeletal system, kinesiology, neurology, systemic treatments, orthopedic treatments and general pathology. You studied joint mobilization, neurological assessment, and pain and stress. You were taught about medication, surgery and nutrition, and how those affect your patient and thus your practice of massage therapy. You learned about practice management, ethical standards and professional obligations. You did exhaustive written tests and you completed practicums working on real patients with real health care issues and concerns. To describe what our patients receive as kneading, rubbing and massaging was inadequate and, frankly, not at all descriptive of our advanced education and knowledge and skill in health care. In the April 20, 2015 Ministerial Order, the entire existing definition was repealed and replaced with the following: “Massage therapy” means the health profession in which a person provides, for the purpose of developing, maintaining, rehabilitating or augmenting physical function, or relieving pain or promoting health, the services of a) assessment of soft tissue and joints of the body, and b) treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction, injury, pain and disorders of soft tissue and joints of the body by manipulation, mobilization and other manual methods. I could not be happier with this change to the regulation. In it, in a few words, we receive the acknowledgment that, by definition, we are a health profession, we do benefit physical function, we can relieve pain and promote health, and we do this by assessing and treating the soft tissues and joints of the body. We needed every word of this new definition. Our patients and the public deserve nothing less. RMT – Joseph Lattanzio, president, RMTBC
LEGAL MATTERS
ETHICS AND JURISPRUDENCE Ethics and jurisprudence may not be the first two words that come to mind when RMTs consider their profession, but they are vitally important. Simply stated, they spell out what an RMT can and cannot do. BY GOODY NIOSI
P
am Fitch, a pr actising RMT and facult y member of the massage therapy program at Ottawa’s Algonquin College, is slated to give a talk on ethics and jurisprudence at the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia’s (RMTBC) Annual General Meeting in May. The subject of her presentation is important and timely – Fitch says it’s not all that unusual for a client to behave in a way that challenges an RMT’s code of practice or view of what is appropriate. “When that happens, an RMT has to respond and, sometimes, they have to refuse treatment,” she said. “Sometimes, they have to adapt their approaches so that the client receives what they need but the therapist’s values are not compromised. And that’s a tall order.” In fact, an ethical dilemma can be as simple – and as convoluted – as a patient asking advice on an unrelated topic. And, because registered massage therapy is relaxing and intimate, conversations often flow naturally – according to Fitch, every RMT must be aware when he or she is simply not qualified to give advice. “In a regularity environment, that’s a problem,” she said. “We have a very distinct description of what we can do – that’s our scope of practice. And we also have a code of ethics that describes our values, beliefs and the right way to do things. It also describes professional misconduct.” Perhaps the most common ethical dilemma RMTs must face occurs when a client confuses them for a sex-trade worker and requests inappropriate services. It happens more often than you may think, says Fitch, particularly in the early parts of an RMT’s career. “Every teacher who has ever had to teach the professional practice piece has had to hold a class on what to do when a client behaves inappropriately,” she stated. The trickiest ethical issues, however, are often emotional ones – for example, when a client falls in love
with his or her RMT, or vice versa. Could it be so wrong to have a cup of tea with a patient? Would a friendship really be so bad? “Being a friend of a client compromises your objectivity,” Fitch cautioned. “Massage is fraught with this. Clients love us – they want to be our friends.” Although she has a lot of advice for RMTs on this subject (“I could go on for days,” she said), Fitch explains that, at the end of the day, what it all boils down to is patient-centred care – in other words, putting the needs of the client at the centre of one’s decision-making. “For me, the litmus test for clinical decision-making is, is it in the best interests of the client? Sometimes that means you have to refuse treatment and sometimes it means you have to refer, because you’re not qualified to
Because RMT is relaxing and intimate, conversations often flow naturally – and this may create a situation where an ethical dilemma can occur
Continued on page 7
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 5
Upledger
CranioSacral Therapy The most trusted, innovative, reliable source for CST training • Participate in the most diverse CST curriculum that features over 40 unique course titles • Attend a workshop in one of 400+ cities, in over 50 countries • Learn from a balanced mix of lectures, demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice; take home a comprehensive, illustrated study guide • Become certified by an organization whose programs are known, valued and respected worldwide • Let our skilled Educational Services Counselors help you chart your future
John Matthew Upledger, CEO and John E. Upledger, DO, OMM, • Earn contact hours to satisfy continuing education credits developer of CranioSacral Therapy • Join a global alumni network of 125,000 practitioners, residing in 100 countries
Upcoming Classes: Additional dates and locations in North America at Upledger.com
CranioSacral Therapy 1 (CS1) Moncton, NB Edmonton, AB Ottawa, ON Winnipeg, MB
Sep 10 - 13, 2015 Sep 17 - 20, 2015 Sep 24 - 27, 2015 Oct 15 - 18, 2015
CranioSacral Therapy 2 (CS2) Ottawa, ON
Sep 24 - 27, 2015
Ecosomatics Small Animals 1 (ESSA1)
Indian River, ON
Jun 25 - 28, 2015
Adv 1 CranioSacral Therapy (ADV1) Edmonton, AB
Nov 9 - 13, 2015
SomatoEmotional Release Technqiue: Mastering the Inner Physician (SERTIP) Calgary, AB
Oct 22 - 25, 2015
CST and the Immune Response (CSIR) Edmonton, AB
Oct 22 - 25, 2015
SomatoEmotional Release 1 (SER1)
CST for Longevity: Reversal of the Aging Process (CSLRAP)
SomatoEmotional Release 2 (SER2)
CranioSacral Applications for Conception, Pregnancy and Birthing 1 (CCPB1)
Moncton, NB Edmonton, AB
Winnipeg, MB Vancouver, BC
Sep 10 - 13, 2015 Sep 17 - 20, 2015
Oct 15 - 18, 2015 Dec 10 - 13, 2015
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
Nov 5 - 8, 2015
Nov 5 - 8, 2015
Win a Free CranioSacral Therapy 1 Workshop: Register online: Upledger.com/win
START TRAINING
100 PER MONTH
$
Ask about our Core-Pak Training and Certification Package
Save More Than 30% • Coursework Satisfaction Guaranteed!
Call or Click: 800-233-5880 Upledger.com
To register, use Priority Code RMT 5-15
The Upledger Institute International is endorsed by the International Alliance of Healthcare Educators
LEGAL | ETHICS & JURISPRUDENCE
The health care professional has to set clear boundaries – it’s both ethical and a legal requirement – Gordon MacDonald
Continued from page 5
perform the treatment,” she said. “But it also protects the therapist fundamentally. By putting the client at the centre of the care, it means you’re going to ask questions first before making any assumptions about what the client is there for. You make sure that the client is there for every decision. It takes a little more effort, but it keeps the therapist safe.” With more than 15 years of experience working directly with health care professionals in B.C., Gordon MacDonald has substantive knowledge in the area of jurisprudence. A respected instructor who, in fact, teaches the subject to RMTs, he describes jurisprudence as the study of law, especially as it relates to the profession. M acDonald explains that , because RMTs are health care professionals, they must comply with general and specific legislation, regulations and their own bylaws – just as doctors, nurses or any other professional must do. Further, every active RMT in the province is required to be a member of the College of
Massage Therapists of BC (CMTBC). “Because of that, they have to comply with legislation, vis-à-vis B.C.’s Health Professions Act, the Massage Therapist Regulation, the CMTBC’s bylaws, not to mention legislation related to protecting their clients’ personal information,” he said, adding that, further to the above, the college is responsible for addressing professional misconduct and assuring adherence to its standards of practice. “For instance, you wouldn’t see an RMT giving subcutaneous injections,” MacDonald said, adding that there have been issues in various professions where he has been asked to advise on what the professional’s responsibilities were. Recently, he and Scott Nicoll, legal counsel for the RMTBC , addressed a workshop for male therapists covering scenarios that could occur when treating female clients. “Given the number of complaints of a sexual nature that have gone to the college, I think there’s a real awareness in the profession around that, as well as the fact that RMTs want to be proactive and try
TMJ Mastery(.com) Principles, Applications & Disc Displacements
A 3-day workshop focusing on intra-oral techniques exploring TMJ Dysfunction. (18 CMTBC Cycle-10 CEC’s)
Course Fee: $485.00 ($150 deposit - PayPal, Email Trans, etc.) Register at: www.tmjmastery.com Vernon B.C. - Nov. 13, 14, 15, 2015
Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy (No lugging portable tables to this course!)
What BC RMT’s have said about TMJ Mastery: “Excellent course! Was pleasantly surprised how much better than I was expecting.” ~ Victoria April 2012
Take Your Career to the Next Level by obtaining a D.M.O. Diploma Manual Osteopathy
• Techniques used are not physically demanding • Earn a higher income per treatment • Advanced cutting edge techniques • Program qualifies for Student Loan Support
“I think it is one of, if not the best workshops I’ve taken”. ~ Vancouver, Nov. 2012 “I felt hesitant about wanting 3-days on this material. However time allowed for hands-on experience, and increased confidence that wouldn’t have been available otherwise!” ~ Kelowna, Nov. 2013
For more information contact: Instructor: John W. Corry, RMT at tmjmastery@hotmail.com
www.nmoc.ca RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 7
LEGAL | ETHICS & JURISPRUDENCE
We have a very distinct description of what we can do – that’s our scope of practice. And we also have a code of ethics that describes our values, beliefs and the right way to do things – Pam Fitch, RMT
Situations can arise where there is no malicious intent but, due to a lack of awareness or diligence, the RMT puts his or her licence at risk
to prevent these things from happening,” said MacDonald. “Situations can arise where there is no malicious intent but, unfortunately, due to a lack of awareness or not being diligent, the individual has put their licence at risk.” He says that, in the last five years, there have been a number of issues that have come to the public’s attention from various health professions – and the public’s expectations of professionalism, particularly in the health care sector, are higher than ever. As such, MacDonald tells his students that they need to become very familiar with the CMTBC bylaws and the various acts and
8 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
legislation; they also need to have a good operational understanding of their scope of practice, and they need to see themselves as professionals. “Sometimes it’s easy for that to slip,” he said. “One of the differences between RMTs and some other health professions is that no one is supervising them. They are often sole practitioners.” If MacDonald could give RMTs a single piece of advice, it would be to understand the therapeutic relationship they have with their patients and to see themselves as health care professionals. Though the public may compare
“getting a massage” to “getting a haircut,” wherein friendly personal chatter is the norm, this is actually far from the truth. “A patient wouldn’t expect personal chats with a doctor – nor should they with an RMT,” he said. “The health care professional has to set clear boundaries – it’s both ethical and a legal requirement.” Nicoll agrees that setting such boundaries is essential – and, in order for RMTs to be aware of those boundaries and set them, they must be conversant with the bylaws of the CMTBC. “They need to have a practical understanding o f t he cod e o f co nd u c t – t hey ne e d t o underst and those inside out . That ’s not so m e t h i n g t h ey s h o u ld b e eve n a l i t t l e bit unclear about ,” Nicoll urged, adding t hat RMTs who are not cle ar about t he boundaries between themselves and a patient are most likely to be challenged, and may develop romantic, sexual or other improper relationships with their clients. As such, he has two key pieces of advice for new RMTs. First, know the bylaws; second, find a mentor within the profession. “That’s absolutely critical, in my experience,” Nicoll said. “There is no reason to make the same mistakes that others have made. Find a mentor and talk to them and get advice about how to do it – and that advice is not unique to being an RMT. You always want to benefit from the advice of more senior people.” He also notes that membership in RMTBC is likely the easiest point of access to such a mentor. “There is somebody there to get advice from, somebody who knows what they’re talking about,” Nicoll said. “Membership is important.” RMT
RMT Q&A
MUM’S THE WORD Doula, teacher, researcher, writer, wife and mother – Paula Jaspar is one remarkable RMT with a passion for promoting massage therapy to other women
A
BY NOA NICHOL
fter a year of nursing school, Paula Jaspar craved more autonomy in her career. This – and the fact she’d be able to spend meaningful one-on-one time with people – is what drew her to massage therapy. Today, Jaspar, an RMT, doula, teacher, researcher, lecturer, writer, wife and mother of four, runs Family Centre Massage Therapy in Vancouver (visit www.paularmt.com), where she works particularly tirelessly to promote the benefits of massage therapy for women in their childbearing years. RMT: Massage therapy aside for a moment, how did you become involved in birth work? PJ: Originally, I wanted to do palliative care work, and that was tough. Escort people off this mortal plane; welcome people onto this mortal plane. Birth work suits my personality better. I have attended 54 births, done the DONA International doula training and spoken at their conferences. I love to learn, and the training was the perfect way to learn more and network with the birthing community. RMT: You have actually done research around the relationship between massage therapy a n d l a b o u r o u t c o m e s – h ow a re t h e t wo connected? PJ: I am a question maker and I always hope to find an answer, so, when the opportunity to be involved with research came along, I said “yes.” (This is also why I’m doing my Master’s in Health Education and Active Living at SFU now. Continued broad education is important for the continued growth of our profession.) Massage therapy and health care are beneficial to the mama, the family unit and, ultimately, the community. When mothers are well supported, empowered, educated, heard and touched, there is a ripple effect; they do the same for their babies. When those babies grow up, the community benefits. And it all started with a massage. I do believe that touch is as basic a need as food, water and air. RMT: Are there also benefits for women with difficult pregnancies? PJ : There are always connections. In my experience, massage therapy allows for the woman’s story to be
The benefits of massage therapy during pregnancy – and beyond – are many
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 9
Q&A | PAULA JASPAR
When at last I treated one of the new dads, my hands were confused – I’d actually forgotten what male tissues felt like
|
10 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
Q&A | PAULA JASPAR
heard and observed in a gentle, supported way. If she’s having a complicated pregnancy, she’s likely been subjected to many physical assessments and may have heard frightening statistics around sur vival, disabilit y and consequences. As an RMT, I am one health care provider who does not take her blood, assess her baby or give her any “bad” news. I’m there to hold her space, hear her narrative and acknowledge her body and her personal process. I may be the first person she admits her deepest fears to, because I am there for an hour. There’s time to breathe, feel, be affirmed. I’m able to then share my findings with the rest of her health team to give her the best care possible. I am not a counsellor; I always remain f irmly within my ethical boundaries and scope of practice. That is the most important thing. RMT: What about massage therapy’s tie to postpartum care?
Paula Jaspar, RMT, is an advocate for women’s wellness
4624 - 99 St NW
PJ : Postpar tum care is neglected in our s o c i e t y. T h e r e ’s s o m e t h o u g h t t h a t women pop out a baby and go straight to
breastfeeding, baby wearing and hanging out with other mommies. But the postpartum period varies by how pregnancy, labour and delivery go. Some women move easily into motherhood, recovering in a couple of weeks; most mothers I work with need support in this transition, as do their partners. As RMTs, we may be the only health providers they see on a regular basis (if they have a midwife, they’ll be seen regularly, or it may be six weeks postpartum before they visit their doctor). I’ve found that new moms and dads don’t necessarily know what’s “normal,” and may consider an abnormal recovery as normal. I’ve referred back to primary care for concerns around postpartum bleeding, post-caesarean section infection, mastitis and mental health issues. I can’t formally diagnose, but do feel I have enough assessment skills to refer to their primary. R MT: S o , w hy m i g h t a p r e g n a n t woman decide to see an RMT? Continued on page 13
E-mail : robert@massageessentials.ca
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 11
Upgrade Your Practice with ProHealth Continuing Education
Advanced Clinical Reasoning
Instrument Assisted STM
Yoga Teacher Training
More Accurate Assessment =
Save your hands, prolong your
Connect with yourself & learn how to help others do the same
Clinically proven treatment & assessment techniques with a huge
200 hr teacher training designed
in your local healthcare network
give you an , unbiased opportunity to decide for yourself
explored through lectures, models, and lots of hand-on work-shopping.
• • • ‘Prehab’, treatment & rehab. •
• • • • Join our referral network
• • • •
learn what to treat when, build your
Modules • Low Back & Pelvis • Upper Back & Neck • Hip & Lower Extremity • Shoulder & Upper Extremity
Modules • Upper Body Basics & Advanced • Lower Body Basics & Advanced www.prohealthsys.com
below for courses in your region. Kelowna - Aug. 15-16, 2015 Module 1 & 2 Nanaimo - Nov. 21, 22 2015 Module 3 & 4 Prince George - July 18, 19 2015 Module 1 & 2 Victoria - Sept. 12, 13 2015 Module 1 & 2 to register: call Mikayla at 604-873-4467 ext. 303, or email: mikayla@rmtbc.ca
Modules • • Level 2: Alignment • Level 3: Expression
Starts May 29th
www.prohealthyoga.com
‘After completing module 1 & 2, I feel re-inspired in my practice (Renne C, RMT) ... 3 hours felt more like 30 minutes (Pamela T) ... after 15 years of practice I cannot believe how many clinical pearls I learned (Dr. Amanda G. ND) ... entertaining presentation with knowledgeable TAs and a strong anatomy foundation (Fawn W, PT) ... these courses are fun, motivational and inspiring worth every penny and looking forward to more in the future (Suzy P, RMT)’
Q&A | PAULA JASPAR Continued from page 11
pain or orthopedic rehab. I have a few patients that have been with me for 15 years and I still charge them my 2000 fee. I have others that are complicated and have found their way onto my table. I treat pediatrics because many complicated pregnancies may also come with babies that need extra support. It is rewarding work. I do want to add that getting into any focused work requires taking the good and the not so good. I have been peed, pooped and puked on by baby patients. I have supported women with mental health issues, mothers whose babies died, who had to plan for both a birth and funeral. This is the reality of my work, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. RMT
PJ: Massage therapy can be helpful to affirm her body, to get the brain to feel the physical form. This form will change, and she will evolve as she moves through the process toward motherhood. It can be a scary transition. It’s not often in life that we don’t get a manual, how-to instructions or a guide. Pregnancy has too many books and not enough support. It’s a catch-22. Some education can be helpful; too much can hinder. Learning about yourself, how your body works, how it feels, why it feels, what you can do for yourself, who is your tribe that will be there for you, who can truly be there when you don’t want anyone yet need someone – these are all important. There are so many expectations, pressures and dreams. As an RMT, I give her space to be with all that – and herself. Of course, I’ll treat pain and give a woman home care and patient education, too. RMT: Have you treated a lot of pregnant patients as an RMT? PJ: There was a four-year period when I only saw pregnant and postpartum patients and, when at last I treated one of the new dads, my
hands were confused – I’d actually forgotten what male tissues felt like! So now I focus 75 to 80 per cent of my practice on women in their childbearing years (pregnancy, labour, delivery, postpartum, complicated pregnancies and complicated postpartum), and the rest is a mix of my old patients, pediatrics, chronic
I do believe that touch is as basic a need as food, water and air
Awaken Oil & Supply is a company based out of Victoria, British Columbia, creating a local distribution option for Vancouver Island, Coastal B.C., and beyond. Our focus is to provide you with high quality, ethical goods that are well priced and accessible. We offer Sacred Earth Botanicals oil, lotion and cream, as well as effective, earth-friendly laundry options and a range of patient and self-care products. Visit our website at awakenoil.com for a full product line up and ordering, or call us at 250.812.5722.
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 13
RESEARCH REPORT
THE MANY, MULTI-FACETED BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY
J
BY NOA NICHOL
ean-Paul ( JP) Collet, MD, PhD, associate head of research at the faculty of medicine’s department of pediatrics at the University of British Columbia, and director of quality and safety evaluation at BC Children’s Hospital, is conducting fascinating research into the connection between massage therapy and the autonomic nervous system (ANS). He shared details from his report at the recent RMTBC AGM, May 2, 2015, in Kamloops. Here’s a second look at the man and his work. RMT: To begin, tell us a little bit about yourself, professionally. JP Collet, MD, PhD
JPC: I was a pediatrician in France before I moved to Montreal, Quebec, to teach at McGill University.
Eventually, I decided to shift to clinical research, and I also shifted geographically. I moved to Vancouver eight years ago and am now working at BC Children’s Hospital, plus I have a research affiliation with UBC. RMT: What type of research are you working on now? JPC: I am involved in several really interesting studies at the moment, including an assessment of foot and hand massage in children in the intensive care unit (ICU) at BC Children’s Hospital. Essentially, what we have discovered is that this type of massage could decrease sympathetic predominance to a more balanced expression. You see, the autonomic nervous system in every human being is unconscious, and it regulates basic physiological functions – it is a system that is made for survival, and it is found in all kinds of animals, even dinosaurs. I am
Proven and fast results...
2015 COURSE DATES
L.A.S.T. will help you treat patients more specifically, effectively and efficiently with longer lasting results.
ence
ge Confer
n Massa
Canadia
Returns to
Ontario Burlington,
, 2015 October 1-5
D
Jenings
Ba
rr y
eedman
Dr
r ew F
L
Waslaski
Ja
mes
il on D
lon
T eslie
rotter
ly Of ir Li
Canadian Massage Conference
DAYS OF EDUCATION
L.A.S.T. is going to CMC this year! See Rob Libbey speak and register for his course.
REGISTER ONLINE!
- Burlington, Ontario ~ October 1-5, 2015
www.lastsite.ca (space is limited)
5
Pre & Post
CONFERENCE CERTIFICATE EDUCATION OVER HOURS OF 70 EDUCATION MORE TOP PRESENTERS
t L i b be y
Geo
FOR ONLY
rg e Roth
$249
Dr .
R
ielli orch
M
ober
CANADA’s largest massage education and Trade show event
Save Your Seat Register Early:
CanadianMassageConference.com Sponsors
Massage Warehouse
& S PA E S S E N T I A L S
14 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
Location Location Fort McMurray - Upper Body Burlington - Upper Body Burlington - Upper Body Winnipeg - Lower Body Winnipeg - Lower Body
Don’t miss
ALL
a Pasinato-F onic
Date Date May 22-24 Oct. 1-5 Oct. 1-5 Nov. 7-8 Nov. 7-8 TBD TBD Fall 2015 Fall 2015 Fall 2015 Fall 2015
I love these techniques for myself and for my patients... they truly are amazing!- VJ, RMT Ligament Pain Referral Pattern Posters! Order Online! www.lastsite.ca
Kelowna - Upper Body Kelowna - Upper Body MTAA Conference MTAA Conference
Contact rob at lastechnique@gmail.com if you would like a course instructed in your area.
Every day I'm amazed at how much using the techniques is giving me great results. - SO, RMT
L.A.S.T. Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique
RESEARCH | JP COLLET
also right now working on a new paper that compares the efficacy of head massage and relaxation – even in healthy individuals, in a random way – in regulating the autonomic nervous system in favour of less stress and more relaxation. We are finding the technique of head massage is working very well – better, in fact, than some other simple relaxation techniques that we performed. RMT: Sounds fascinating! Can you give us a sneak peek at some of the other work you have on the go? JPC: Yes! Another subject that I am particularly passionate about is chronic stress. There is so much exciting research to be done in the area of chronic stress and positive coaching as it relates to, say, massage therapy. For example, if someone who is stressed – about their work, their family or something else – sees a massage therapist with a goal to help with the stress, they may only get the one session with the therapist and then they go back to their stress. But, by changing their mind through, say, positive coaching techniques about what massage therapy could do to decrease the stress in their life, the result could be different and more positive/powerful. With the help of some very high-tech, very expensive devices, we have a way to assess and measure precisely
the systems in the body that can give some information about the person that could become useful for RMTs, in that it could help them to assess or diagnose the stress status of a new patient or for use as a follow-up tool in order to see if stress levels improved after a session and to inform the patient of those results. For this purpose, we are developing an app on Android that could replace these very expensive devices as something that could be accessible to all RMTs within the next year. It’s very exciting.
We are finding the technique of head massage is working very well
RMT: So far, what are the findings of all of this research telling you? JPC: Basically, that massage is working. But also, importantly, it’s telling us about the future of research in the area of massage therapy. There’s no doubt that massage is doing something positive most of the time – but that might differ from individual to individual. For example, four of the children in the ICU did develop a little bit more stress during massage – so maybe not every person would benefit from the same type of massage, or, administered at a specific time, perhaps it could produce a different result or reaction. The good news is, there are many people interested in doing this research and, best of all, there is an interest in promoting this kind of research from the RMTBC. RMT
Thoracic Spine and Rib Cage Balancing Course Dates and Location Vancouver, October 24th, 25th Lumbar Spine and Sacroiliac Joints November 21st, 22nd Learn effective treatment techniques for: postural strain, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hyperkyphosis, scoliosis, winging scapula, rib injuries, dural strain, MVA seat belt injuries, disc injuries, vertebral rotations/subluxations, and more. 14 CECs, CMTBC Approved.
Join Mike Dixon for comprehensive look into these areas. 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied Early registration discount $59.00 (one month before)
Here is what people are saying about Mike’s courses!!! “Effective, EZ to learn and comprehend.” Phil Lavoie, June 2014 “Mike did a great job!” Kerry Rigaux, June 2014 “So informative with clear instructions, demos and lots of hands on” Susan Ruth, May 2015
Register online at www.arthrokinetic.com or call: 604-802-9322 Late cancellation subject to administration fee of $100.00. No refunds less than 24 hours prior to the course. RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 15
RMTBC NEWS Ninth Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain The Ninth Interdisciplinary World Congress on Low Back and Pelvic Girdle Pain will be held October 31-November 3, 2016, in Singapore, with a theme of “Progress in Evidence-Based Diagnosis and Treatment.” The RMTBC supports and endorses this congress, and members will receive a reduction on the congress registration fee. Additionally, a call for papers has begun, with a final submission date of December 20, 2015. Visit www.worldcongresslbp.com for more details.
Fourth International Fascia Research Congress Registration for the 2015 International Fascia Research Congress (FRC), which will be held near Washington, D.C., September 18-20, is now open. A proud FRC partner, the RMTBC is pleased to announce the theme for this year’s event will be “Issues in Fascia Research: A Critical Examination for the Scientist and the Clinician. What Do You Want and Need to Know – and How Do You Get It?” Visit www.fasciacongress.org for more details.
KINESIO TAPING seminars
Toronto ON - Sept 19 & 20 Calgary AB - Sept 20 Edmonton AB - Sept 26 & 27 Vancouver BC - Oct 3 London On - Oct 17 & 18
Kinesiotape.ca Visit us at www.Kinesiotape.ca 16 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
Train in MLD and Combined Decongestive Therapy in 2015 13 – 17 19 – 23 6–
6
RMTBC NEWS
RMTBC WEBSITE FOCUS GROUP
R
BY DAVE DEWITT AND ABBAS VIRJI
ecently, the RMTBC communication depar tment wanted to improve the association’s web s i t e , a t w w w. r m t b c . c a , f o r i t s members. This is the first focus group the department has done. Focus. There are three elements that stand out in website testing: usability, information architecture, and user control and freedom. When it came to our website, these items needed to be tested, so we created a focus group for the people who use it: our members. Out of a database of about 1,000 Lower Mainland RMTs, we found 14 with a particular characteristic that fit our profiles: we needed RMTs who were older and younger, and RMTs who were Luddites and experienced with technology. This approach met our intention to gather a wide spectrum of members. We hoped this approach would provide us with the best sample to extrapolate to our website. Method. We created an instruction sheet and two questionnaires. The first gathered basic information about a member’s age and computer savvy. Next, we asked members to read our instructions, which provided clues to where a particular item might be on the website. After they performed their initial tasks, they filled out a final questionnaire regarding nomenclature, structure and ease of use, plus what they’d do differently and what they liked about the RMTBC website. Outcome. In terms of ease of use, many members thought some of the clues were very easy, and others were too difficult to find on our site. These comments were just what we were looking for. To the communication department, everything was fairly easy to find. We hoped to have some items too difficult to find so we could make improvements. We determined that part of the problem was how the question was asked. The other part was where the items were located on the website. After viewing the feedback, which ranged from outstanding to incomprehensible, we found a common theme around what to change and what to keep. For example, members were all impressed with the amount of information on our website. Unanimously, they were stunned
about the 3-D images of the human body in our research section. “If I had known this was on our website, I would have used these images to better inform my patients,” was a comment we heard from several people. H owever, they said because there was so much information, it was indeed a challenge to organize it properly. Some thought we should “make the presentation more consistent”; one person said, “Yes, it is consistent” (it appears we were inconsistent with consistency). We were also asked to “please ‘fix’ the news and events section” by placing “time and date on every article.” Another member said, “I like the organization … there isn’t too many sections … there is so much info on the website, fantastic resources that I am excited to begin using.” R egarding the structure : “Great , easy to navigate for therapists and patients.” We think this person’s had experience with websites; other comments suggest there’s room for improvement. O ther pertinent observations: “Fee schedule is listed under the Medical/Legal heading and that doesn’t make sense”; you “should have more tutorials on how to use your website”; and “You should have an FAQ section.” We’re a l so c h a n g i n g o u r we b s i t e co n t e nt m an a ge me nt sys t e m from Dr up al 6 to 7, for two reasons: we didn’t want to be left behind in the process of upgrading; and we thought a new system would make our upgrades easier and less time consuming. I m p l e m e n t a t i o n : We f o c u s e d o u r improvements to the Drupal 7 system test site, but also changed some aspects of the current 6 site so we could do it without too much effort. Here are most of the changes to the website that have been or will be implemented: 1. Highlight the login text to allow members to more easily identify where they can log in, saving them time, on both the public page and the member page. 2. Create a Forum page to allow members to discuss RMT issues in a more controlled environment. 3. Make the visual cues more consistent. We followed this format throughout the website to ease navigation on long pages. 4. Create a clickable scrolling text. We can place many different news items at the same time. If we want to highlight an item on our website that’s important or not easily found, we
add it. This is for the members’ section for now. 5. We added an FAQ page with links in two places (at the bottom of every page and under the main banner, “About”) to help reduce confusion among more inexperienced users. 6. We added a PDF icon to our internal links, so members are clear when a PDF opens that takes them away from the page they were on. We also added icons with an external link, so members know why or how they’re being taken away from the site. 7. We created new main categories on our top banner: Information, Issues and Research. We also reorganized some of the subheadings. Library was a main heading and we moved it under Research. 8. We’ll add Instagram – the social media site for photos – to our site so we can post images of our RMTBC trade-show experiences and anything else we want to share with our members. 9. We can also place a photo from a trade show on the front page of our website and have it link to our Instagram site. 10. We also plan to enhance our member profile page. We intend to create a new, static page for each member that can include, if desired, a photo, website and contact number for each clinic. This is close to what we have now, but given the page is now static, it will be possible for Google crawl to find each member and incorporate each member into the Google search engine. If members do not want to be online in this way, they can click on a link to remove themselves. Visit www.rmtbc.ca to check out these many exciting changes (and lots of great content, to boot)! RMT RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 17
CLASSIFIED | SUMMER 2015
ADVERTISEMENT ONLY. NO ENDORSEMENT BY THE RMTBC INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® Workshops
New workshop approved by CMTBC for Cycle 10: 7 PE/A2 CECs
(Systemic Deep Tissue Therapy® should not be confused with high pressure treatments)
Person-Centered Approach To Manual Therapy
(also known as SDTT)
O
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 burn-out, 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. Please NOTE: The Introductory part teaches the concept, assessment basics of the therapy. The Intermediate level is an integral part of the whole; it completes the course with therapeutic procedures and treatments. It is not an optional course.
Fall 2015: Introductory: 12-13th September, 2015 Cost: $399 Intermediate: 10-11th October, 2015, Cost: $399 For more info and to register, phone: 604.984.2611 • web: systemicdeeptissuetherapycenter.com
M AT T E R S REGISTERED MASSAGE THER APISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLU M BIA
If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at:
1-604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com 18 | RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015
Deepen manual skills to effectively treat myofascial restrictions, explore the clinical importance of personal boundaries, empathy, self-regulation and intention. Strengthen the therapeutic relationship, deactivate patients' stress response and empower positive changes for improved outcomes.
Location: WCCMT, New Westminster Date: July 18, 2015 9:00am - 5:30pm Cost: $195.00 www.tuningtree.com email: anthony.mcmorran@gmail.com
RMTBC
Profesional Education Series
ANATOMY & YOGASANA I & II:
Maui Retreat
December 1st to 7th, 2015 24 PE/A2 CEC APPROVED
Learn and earn credit while studying remex via the yoga body. Program combines applied anatomy, assessment, yoga practice and research into yoga therapy for the treatment of pain conditions. You will be able to apply what you learn directly in your massage therapy client care and self-care. Combine 24 direct study hours with vacation time. Fabulous vegetarian meals and six night’s accommodation included. You will be doing plenty of yoga. Previous yoga experience helpful but not essential. Leigh Milne RMT, E-RYT500 is an experienced RMT, Iyengar certified yoga teacher, E-RYT500 and educator. Early registration discount. For course and instructor details and registration information visit www.thesadhanacentre.com leigh@thesadhanacentre.com
LARRY STEINBECK / CHERYL MEGALOS Fascial Manipulation (Stecco) Vancouver Nov. 13, 14, 15 and Dec. 11, 12, 13, 2015 24PE/A2
Registration at RMTBC, 604-873-4467, or info@ rmtbc.ca, or mail to 180-1200 West 73rd Ave., Vancouver, B.C., V6P 6G5. Provide name, phone, email. Cancellation within three weeks of a course results in 20% penalty; within two weeks 40%; within five days or “no show,” no refund. Prices in Canadian dollars.
NIK VIZNIAK: Vancouver Aug. 8, 2015: Module 3 - Shdr & Upr Extrem – 7 PE/A2 Aug. 9, 2015: Module 4 Hip & Lwr Extrem – 7 PE/A2 Oct. 17, 2015: Module 7 IASTM Lwr Body – 7 PE/A2 Oct. 18, 2015: Module 8 IASTM Upr Body – 7 PE/A2
CEC 2015 ANN SLEEPER: Victoria, Oct. 24, 25, 2015: Treating Legs and Arms for Back Pain. 14 PE/A2 Vancouver, Nov. 7, 8, 9, 2015: Muscle energy Technique for the Neck. 17 PE/A2
Prince George July 18, 2015: Module 1 Low Back SI – 7 PE/A2 July 19, 2015: Module 2 Upr Back & Neck – 7 PE/A2
NEIL PEARSON Kelowna Nov. 6, 2015 Pain Neurophysiology Education 7PE/A2 Dr. ANDRY VLEEMING Vancouver Oct. 23, 24, 25, 2015, Lumbopelvic Function and Pain: Understanding the Mechanisms of Evidence Based Treatments 24PE/A2 credits SHERRI LEIGH IWASCHUK Vancouver Nov. 14, 15, 2015 Anatomy Trains 14PE/A2
Kelowna Aug. 15, 2015: Module 1 Low Back SI – 7 PE/A2 Aug. 16, 2015: Module 2 Upr Back & Neck – 7 PE/A2 Victoria Sept. 12, 2015: Module 1 Low Back SI – 7 PE/A2 Sept. 13, 2015: Module 2 Upr Back & Neck – 7 PE/A2 Nanaimo Nov. 21, 2015: Module 3 Shdr & Upr Extrem - 7 PE/A2 Nov. 22, 2015: Module 4 Hip & Lwr Extrem - 7 PE/A2 For more course details, visit www.rmtbc.ca.
RMTBC NEWS Welcome new employees The RMTBC recently welcomed two new staff members. Scantone Jones has joined us as general manager, and Dereck Kankam is our new administrative assistant. Welcome aboard, both!
CLASSIFIED | SUMMER 2015
ADVERTISEMENT ONLY. NO ENDORSEMENT BY THE RMTBC INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
ONE DAY WONDERS with
Heather Gittens RMT.
Update your skill level and/or review material in a new and integrative format. Visceral Manipulation & CST focused One Day Courses for the busy RMT.
Continuing EduCation on LinE
Sept 13th - Liver & Biliary System Nov 15th - Sphenoid Gateway Feb 21, 2016 - Female Pelvis, Female Issues
2 hours per course for 2 CEU’s Courses are $50 (incl g.S.t). Easy and efficient way to accrue your CEU’s. ~ no traveling, no time away from work ~ www.cepd.ca • email info@cepd.ca for details
$175 including tax, $150 if registering for 2 or more courses, 7 credits Contact 778-574-1174 or info@bodhitreewellness.ca
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 and Victoria. These classes or review sessions can also be organized privately for 2-5 people at her home in central Vancouver. E-mail Ann at sleeplow@telus.net or call or text 604-671-9172.
Dynamic Therapies 2015 courses
Simply TMJ - 14 CEC, $420 Vancouver: October 3 and 4th Vernon: October 17 and 18th Cranial Hot Spots - Unlocking the Pivots. Vancouver: September 19 and 20, $420 Fascial Facet Release Vancouver: November 8th, $175
Please visit website for dates and details DynamicTherapies.com Robert Hackwood, RMT 604-418-8071
Applied SomAticS clinicAl SomAtic educAtion Yoga Self-Care Retreat on Salt Spring Island Sept 11th – 13th, 2015
Yoga poses and sequencing to target relevant muscle groups and systems. Includes partner work/patient care applications. Handouts will aid your ongoing commitment to self-care. No previous yoga experience necessary
Level III-CASE-Certified Applied Somatics Educator July TBA - Duncan Call toll-free: 1-866-748-6600
Cost: $580 includes course, all meals and two nights shared accommodations. 14 hours, 14 CMTBC PE/A2
Level I Applied Somatics for Arching Bodies October 23-25 Call OVCMT: 1-800-701-8863
leigh@thesadhanacentre.com 902.299.9642 www.thesadhanacentre.com
All courses $485 early registration, $585 less than 1 month. $100 non-refundable deposit.
If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at:
M AT T E R S
Level I Applied Somatics for Titling Bodies June 26-28 Call OVCMT: 1-800-701-8863
To register, please contact the 800 phone # that is listed with the desired course. Prerequisites not necessary for Level I courses.
1-604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com
M A SSAG E TH E R A PIST S’ A SSOC IATIO N O F B RITISH CO LU M BIA
RMT MATTERS SUMMER 2015 | 19
An
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.
éopathiques
Osteopathy provides the necessary therapeutic reasoning skills and manual treatment CEO Collège d’Étudesresults. approaches to achieve optimal Ostéopathiques
Osteopathy views the body as a whole. Osteopathic manual CEO treatment focuses on detecting areas of restrictions at any Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques des Ostéopathiques tissue level. Osteopathy functions by assisting the body’s Montréal – 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
6 Canadian campuses: Montréal | Halifax | Vancouver | Québec | Toronto | Winnipeg
For information / registration 1-800-263-2816 | info@ceo.qc.com | www.ceo.qc.com
des Ostéopathiques
Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques – CEO