FALL 2014 VOL 7 ISSUE 3
M AT T E R S REGISTERED MASSAGE THER APISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLU M BIA
HIGHER EDUCATION For RMTs in B.C., the pursuit of higher education is a complex endeavour WITH NO CREDITS GIVEN FOR RMT DIPLOMAS, UNIVERSITY ADMISSION CAN BE A CHALLENGE | 5 RMT INCREASE: WEIGHING THE PROS & CONS OF INDUSTRY GROWTH | 4
DOCTOR’S ORDERS: NIK VIZNIAK PARTNERS WITH RMTBC | 9
GOOD COP: Q&A WITH NORTH SHORE RMT JEN QUEHL | 13
CONTENTS | FALL 2014 REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPISTS’ ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 4 CLASSIFIEDS 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 Glouberman nglouberman@biv.com Managing Editor David DeWitt 604-873-4467 | dave@rmtbc.ca Sales Victoria Chapman 604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com
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COVER STORY HIGHER EDUCATION
Why RMT diploma credits should count
Sales and Marketing Coordinator Michelle Myers 604-608-5122 | mmyers@biv.com Design Randy Pearsall, Soraya Romao Editorial Contributors Lisa DeVita, Goody Niosi Cover Image Richard Lam
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Editorial Board Bodhi Haraldsson, Brenda Locke, Joseph Lattanzio, Michael Reoch
WHAT’S UP, DOC?
Copyright © 2014 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.
Nikita Vizniak merges his expertise with the RMTBC with an aim to further elevate the RMT profession
BIV Media Group 102 East 4th Avenue Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2 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 Advertising – no endorsement by the RMTBC intended or implied.
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RMTBC NEWS
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GOOD COP
Q&A with RMT, first respondent and world adventurer Jen Quehl RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
GROWING PAINS
I
hope that you, like me, found time this summer to enjoy yourself and explore this amazing province we live in. B.C. has so much to offer, and it’s important, given the intensity of work we do, to take time to pause and refresh. Work-life balance is vital to our health and wellbeing, allowing us to better treat our patients. Recently, I’ve heard many of your concerns about the growth seen in our field. No doubt, our profession is gaining significant recognition as an integral and dynamic part of B.C.’s health-care system. Our recent survey shows that members of the public, too, recognize our ability to contribute and positively impact their health and wellness needs. While growth can be positive, we need to take a careful and hard look at this issue: can our profession sustain growth at a rate of 280 new RMTs each year in B.C? Is this kind of growth manageable or are we reaching saturation? Is it even in the public interest? What are the potential downsides of this growth? Our education and learning opportunities are primarily based in private, for-profit businesses, often owned and controlled by a few individuals whose decisions on student intake impact the rest of us. We need to ask the right questions to ensure that business objectives don’t eclipse the true RMT landscape. We need to be vigilant that we have enough practitioners to provide service to patients, but not so many that opportunities for professionals to hone their skills become limited. There needs to be an organic balance, so patients have freedom of choice in selecting an RMT and RMTs have access to a large enough patient pool to maintain skills and be available to treat patients. First, we must investigate why growth in our profession
No. B.C. RMTs registered
No. B.C. physiotherapists registered
2013
3,131 (282)
3,231 (115)
2012
2,849 (149)
3,116 (115)
2011
2,700 (203)
3,001 (56)
2010
2,497 (160)
2,945 (148)
2009
2,337
2,797 *() is the increase year-over-year.
is outstripping almost every other health-care occupation. The numbers below are telling in terms of the change, compared with physiotherapists, for the past five years (see table above) The number of RMTs increased by 794 new registrants in four years; physical therapists grew by 434 in the same period. When I first entered the profession in 2001, there were only two schools accredited and recognized by the CMTBC. Today there are seven, with more potentially on the way. Now that the CMTBC no longer accredits schools and only “recognizes” their programs, what level of scrutiny is used? Are schools teaching students to be well-rounded therapists, able to think critically, or are they simply teaching people how to pass the board exams? There are so many unanswered questions – too many. The answers, no doubt, will affect the work and responsibilities of both the RMTBC and the CMTBC. Currently, our association is undertaking a review and analysis of the situation to determine how coming challenges and opportunities may impact our profession. I’d like to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to contact the office with your thoughts. RMT – Joseph Lattanzio, president, RMTBC
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HIGHER EDUCATION For RMTs in B.C., the pursuit of higher education is a complex endeavour
F
BY GOODY NIOSI
or RMTs who want to pursue higher education after being registered, problems can quickly arise. Universities generally recognize RMT as a trade, not a profession, and it’s going to take some work to change that. Lucinda Maclulich is a graduate of the West Coast College of Massage Therapy (WCCMT) in Victoria. She works at Soma Active Health. She received her master’s degree in occupational therapy (OT) from UBC in August. She says it’s been a long road. After WCCMT (prior to which she completed two years of undergrad work at the College of New Caledonia), Maclulich began to work at Victoria’s Garth Homer Society – a day program for adults with developmental disabilities – and found she “really wanted to work in that field.” In 2010, she decided to complete her bachelor of health sciences at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) – the only university in B.C. that recognizes and gives credits for the work done to obtain an RMT diploma. This meant she only had to do five courses to get her BA, plus one additional course in anatomy. Now, she says the effort was worth it. “I’m grateful I was able to gain a bachelor of health science with my RMT diploma, which gave me a huge shortcut to being able to apply to the masters program,” she says. “OT is an emerging job in health care with good reviews in terms of job satisfaction. The program so far has been very exciting and it suits my health-care experience and passion for helping people. I see it as a job with many options and lots of security.” Jennifer Goodson got her RMT diploma from the Sutherland Chan School and Teaching Clinic in Toronto and, in 2009, applied to TRU. Like Maclulich, she had two years of post-secondary education to her credit.
“It was important to me to finish my degree,” she says. “When I found out about the TRU program, that they’d give me a credit for my [diploma], I decided to do it.” Goodson completed her TRU degree in 2011 and was accepted into UBC’s master of OT program. She says the past few years have been an “incredible and enriching experience, and an excellent education,” and that the ability to do most of her TRU coursework online helped. But the question remains: why is TRU the only university in B.C. to recognize the RMT diploma? What difference would it make if other schools gave similar credits for past work done by RMTs? Bianca Ashe, dean of the Vancouver College of Massage Therapy of Utopia Academy, says, “It’s just the way it is.” Her advice to RMTs who want to pursue higher education: talk to an admissions adviser at your school of choice first. She says, “I think part of the challenge may be public to private. But I’m not sure why the credits can’t be directly
RMTs Lucinda Maclulich (left) and Jennifer Goodson are studying occupational therapy at UBC | RICHARD LAM
Continued on page 7
RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 5
6 | RMT MATTERS FALL 2014
COVER | HIGHER EDUCATION
Continued from page 5
Lucinda Maclulich says she’s grateful she was able to gain a bachelor of health sciences with her RMT diploma
transferred for an anatomy course here versus an anatomy course at UBC or other institutions.” Rehana Frankland, UBC’s OT program manager, says in order for a student to be admitted to the program, he/she needs a four-year bachelor degree with 120 credits, 48 of them at the upper levels. Since an RMT diploma isn’t associated with credits, the best route is to do a BA at TRU first – but even that isn’t a guarantee. “That particular degree is assessed on a case-by-case basis,” she explains. “It’s not accepted as a basis of admission because it doesn’t normally have 48 upperlevel course credits. Half the degree is transferred from a non-accredited institution like a massage therapy school and … we can’t accept it on its own.” Admittance into a program at UBC is no easy process. It’s competitive. This year, 300 applicants applied for 50 spots in the OT program. That’s why Maclulich says the wisest thing to do is to speak to an admissions officer even before applying to TRU. “It’s important to know what the institution is looking for. They’re academic institutions and they’re really looking for indications of your academic ability,” she says. “While I really believe that RMTs have great potential to do well going further on in a health-care field, there’s also the academic portion to consider and you have to work hard to prove that.
“What people in admissions have told me is that it’s not considered academically equivalent to a degree where somebody has done all their courses as university-level courses, meaning they all have grades assigned to them to determine somebody’s GPA,” she adds. “You can’t do that with a TRU degree.” So, excellent letters of academic reference are necessary, as are superb interview skills. Maclulich says, though a GPA of 80% is required, that should be seen as a minimum – only the top grades will be admitted. Plus, every department at a university is different and not all courses are held in the same regard. Check with the department, she stresses, and do your research. Goodman hopes to see RMT become a degree program: “It would be wonderful for the profession and … then all of the courses would be considered college- or university-equivalent courses and would have grades that other universities will recognize and everything will most likely transfer across the board.” Goodman points to the fact that UBC, for example, has an anatomy requirement. Despite being told her RMT anatomy courses were likely more comprehensive than those at the university level, it still came down to not having the right piece of paper. Asked why she thinks the RMT program isn’t considered a degree program, Maclulich guesses that the profession has to be nationally regulated across Canada,
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COVER | HIGHER EDUCATION
Jennifer Goodson completed her post-secondary degree at TRU – the only B.C. university that recognizes the RMT diploma
not just in B.C., Ontario and Newfoundland. RMT Sarah Swift (Bjorgen) with Equilibrium Massage Therapy believes the issue lies with the fact that an RMT diploma is hours-based. If the hours were translated into credits, perhaps more universities would recognize them. Unfortunately, she says, “They absolutely don’t operate in our ways of measuring.” “I think it’s in the public’s best interest that this be recognized and made
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mainstream – it can only help to make RMTs a profession instead of a trade and let them work in other areas of research and health care and be collaborative with other health-care professionals, but we’re not even allowed in the door,” she says. “I understand why there has to be a standard measure of education, but we need to translate what we know into credits. I think they’d be blown away. I think they’d say there’s two degrees’ worth of knowledge here.” Swift recently completed the first year of a four-year midwifery degree at UBC. But she wasn’t accepted into the program until her third application, and until the province raised admittance from 10 to 15 students. According to feedback Swift’s received, her interview was fine but her GPA, which comprises 50% of the application, wasn’t high enough. However, though her RMT diploma wasn’t factored into her eligibility for admission, it did give her a practical edge. After all, students at WCCMT spent seven semesters studying anatomy; at the online Athabasca University, students digest the same textbook in two semesters and receive six credits for it. Swift photocopied her RMT syllabus and mailed it to UBC, which granted her the six credits for anatomy and physiology. “Shockingly low credits for what I did, but they let me challenge the anatomy and physiology,” she says, adding that cramming the text into two semesters doesn’t result in indepth knowledge of the subject. RMT Ateshia Walker entered UBC’s medical program in August after obtaining a bachelor of health science from TRU and studying for extra credits over six years. Though 2,100 applicants were vying for 288 spots, Walker – with a 4.03 GPA – qualified for the interview process and was chosen in the first round. She then qualified for the program thanks to her 80 university credits (that number is set to increase to 90 in 2015). Like other RMTs, Walker had her diploma transferred as a block credit, making it more difficult for the university to judge what the block was comprised of. “They don’t see [a block credit] as specific courses; there are no grades attached to it,” she explains. “It’s like, ‘You’ve got these credits, it’s part of your degree. We have to accept it, but we don’t like it.’” WCCMT executive director Cidalia Paiva says if private colleges want credit recognition for RMTs, they are moving in the wrong direction. “We have work to do in terms of developing the profile of our profession as a profession,” Paiva says. “One of the key ways you do that is through enhancing your education. You build a degree, which is what we tried to do.” She adds that colleges have to build features into courses that align them with degree programs – courses that include comparable literature and material. But, in 2011, the College of Massage Therapists of BC lowered its accreditation hours from 3,000 to 2,200. “To quote a colleague, ‘We’re the first profession that’s looked for its future in its rear-view mirror.’” The point, says Paiva, is that it lowers the standard, which will make it harder for RMTs to gain the recognition they desire. The argument is that education isn’t about hours – it’s about competencies. But hours are also essential. In Paiva’s words, “It’s true of medical professionals and it should also be true of RMTs, too.” RMT
It was important to me to finish my degree. When I found out about the TRU program, that they’d give me credit for my [diploma], I decided to do it – Jennifer Goodson, RMT
RMT PROFILE
WHAT’S UP, DOC? Nikita Vizniak is working with the RMTBC to provide education to RMTs and to further elevate the profession
D
BY LISA DEVITA
r. Nikita Vizniak knows the human body. Having just returned from hosting a cadaver dissection seminar in Portland, Oregon, you could say he knows it inside and out. A graduate of the University of Western States in Portland, Vizniak is an expert in physical medicine, exercise science, rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging. Whether it’s minor surgery, phlebotomy, acupuncture or clinical nutrition, his myriad medical proficiencies align with his holistic approach to patient care. Through his work as chair of physical medicine at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in New Westminster and director of Professional Health Systems (PHS, or Pro Health) in Burnaby, Vizniak has become a world-renowned author and educator whose continual goal is a superior level of excellence in clin-
ical efficiency and patient-centred health care. Now he’s merging his expertise with the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of BC (RMTBC) to offer four one-day modules in advanced clinical reasoning and practical integration around the province – a partnership the good doctor says is an exciting opportunity to recognize the integral role played by RMTs and a chance to further elevate the profession. “RMTs went from 2,800 certification hours down to 2,200 hours, so that means information has been cut out somewhere,” Vizniak explains. “This seminar series is something that can help bump up those hours that are missing. This is a way of getting back more evidencebased multidisciplinary integrated best practices.” Those who know him will certainly tell you – Vizniak, whose talents run the gamut of the medical field, also happens to possess an incredible knack for education. In some ways, he stumbled upon this unique ability back
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PROFILE: NIK VIZNIAK
I’m hoping to ... give recognition to RMTs’ knowledge base and expand on how they can help guide patients in a better direction – Dr. Nik Vizniak
in 2002, when he founded PHS as a student trying to save some money. “Having to buy anatomy books for $300 each – the cost was ridiculous to me,” Vizniak says, adding that he took matters into his own hands by writing his first book based on a summary of the notes he had taken in class. “My strength is that I’m good at summarizing information and creating a format which people can relate to and understand.” The demand for his services was certainly there. When Vizniak handed out his compiled notes to his fellow classmates free of charge, they urged him to try to sell them. At first, sales were kept to members of his alma mater but, at the behest of a colleague, he began circulating the publications to other campuses. The books caught on like wildfire, and PHS was born. Wit h distribution t hroughout the United States, Australia, South America and South Africa, PHS is far
more than medical manuals. Rather, it aims to create a multi-disciplinary integration of information while developing a referral network for professionals through its seminar series, thereby bridging the referral gap between RMTs. As Vizniak puts it, “If you’re an RMT in B.C. and you refer somebody to an RMT in Texas, even though their hours of education are substantially different there should be core fundamental similarities if they’re both Pro Health certified.” Vizniak was approached by RMTBC dire c t or of re se arch B odhi Haraldsson and executive director Brenda Locke about a year ago; they wanted him to develop several continuing education seminars for their members. The idea unintentionally fell on the back burner – until Vizniak was called in to do a patient consultation one day. “This person had a radiculopathy, so they had numbness and tingling down their arms,” he recalls, adding,
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“and the first person to pick this up was an RMT.” The patient had previously been referred to a chiropractor, a medical doctor and a physical therapist, each of whom had missed the initial findings. Brought in as a consult, Vizniak performed a detailed physical exam of the patient and discovered that the focus had shifted to treatment of other areas rather than the diagnosis of the actual cause of the condition. “Health-care practitioners missed the basics, like pain referral patterns,” says Vizniak, who realizes that, while a specific cause diagnosis may be out of the RMT’s scope, his or her role as a frontline health-care provider is of unequivocal value. “What I’m hoping to do in the seminar series is give recognition to RMTs’ knowledge base and expand on how they can help guide patients in a better direction.” The four-part seminar series being offered through the RMTBC is the
PROFILE: NIK VIZNIAK
first of many such courses and programs he plans to offer. With seminars running in Kamloops, Prince George and Nanaimo, the series promises to be a high-caliber experience with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and most importantly, fun. “I don’t teach anatomy, I teach ‘funatomy,’” he says with a smile. “My biggest thing for learning is that, if you’re not having fun, you should be doing something else.” While fun is a priority in his seminars, Vizniak is simultaneously serious about integration as a fundamental component for successful patient treatment. “If there truly were one best treatment, then everyone would be using it,” he says. “Every patient is unique and responds differently to treatment. What works for one person does not always work for the next. Multidisciplinary integrated medicine allows truly holistic, team-based methodology and creates a patient-centred approach where everyone is part of the solution.” Recognizing that RMTs, who often work on health care’s front lines and spend more than just time with their patients to promote optimal health, Vizniak hopes to elevate the status and recognition of RMTs’ education in his upcoming seminar series. “Integration and individualized medicine is the future,” he says. “And our highly educated RMTs in B.C. play a key role in this process.” RMT
Vizniak says he doesn’t teach anatomy, he teaches “funatomy”
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RMT Q&A
GOOD COP RMT, police officer, athlete, adventurer – for Jen Quehl, RMT is a natural and necessary part of life
A
BY NOA GLOUBERMAN
police officer and triathlete from Ontario, Jen Quehl made her way west in 2005 – and British Columbians have been benefiting ever since. The founder of Qmassage on the North Shore, Quehl’s treated every type of patient, from pro hockey players and cyclists to the terminally ill. In fact, she’s a lifelong client herself. RMT: How did you get into the field of RMT? JQ: When I was young I wanted to be a police officer. I was with my mom in Toronto one day and saw a group of police officers, including one woman. My mom encouraged me to ask her how she got into policing. Her response was, “First you need to be in shape.” I walked away with tears in my eyes because, at 13, I was considered obese. In high school I taught myself about nutrition and fitness, started teaching aerobics and became a personal trainer and competitive triathlete. My focus shifted to health and wellness and I found myself wanting to help others live an active and full life. RMT had been a part of my life throughout adolescence and I was inspired by other therapists, too. RMT: Does your work in policing tie into your role as an RMT at all? JQ: I wouldn’t say the professions necessarily tie into one another, but I kept working as an RMT because I quickly found out that my world would never be the same after what I had to see and do as a police officer. RMT keeps a balance in my life that had become more difficult to find. I love both professions and believe I’m better at each job having had the opportunity to work in two very different fields. RMT: How can RMT benefit people who do shift work, like police officers? JQ: When I was interviewing to become a police officer I was told the shift work alone would take five years off my life. After living it, I completely agree. Shift workers include nurses, bus drivers, paramedics, police officers, firefighters and others. RMT touches many issues that shift workers live through, including sleep quality, stress reduction, the physical toll the job and, often, the equipment takes on the body, plus a range of injuries from the job. RMT: How can RMT benefit those living with a
terminal disease or condition? JQ: This is something that’s quite personal to the patient – it depends on how long and what the person is battling. Comfort, touch, pain reduction and positive interaction are all benefits. RMT: How can RMT benefit a professional athlete? JQ: Athletes at any level in any sport can benefit from RMT. I have athletes see me pre- and post-event for two very different kinds of treatments: to enhance performance and then for a quicker recovery. I also see athletes of all ages in all sports during their training as a preventative measure and for maintenance. Treating injuries is one thing, but if we can help prevent them in the first place, that is ideal. RMT Jen Quehl of Qmassage
RMT: Of all the sports events you’ve worked at as an RMT, what’s been the most memorable? JQ: I’d have to say Ironman Canada. The drive in my Jeep to Penticton, staying at a winery overlooking the lake, meeting other health practitioners from all over the continent and feeling an incredible energy all made for a memorable event. This event is where I worked the hardest, with a line about 100 people deep for multiple days. Worth it! RMT: Has RMT helped you, personally, in pursuing some of your passions? JQ: RMT was a part of my life well before I entered the field. I was very active with aerobics, personal training and triathlons; my body required the work of an RMT to keep me strong and help me get on that podium. Now I have many sports and adventures on the go and was also seriously hurt on duty, which has increased the frequency of RMT in my life. I have no doubt RMT will continue to be a regular part of my life, both professionally and as a client.
Treating injuries is one thing, but if we can help prevent them in the first place, that is ideal – Jen Quehl, RMT
RMT: What was trekking to Everest Base Camp like? Did RMT help you? JQ: I’ve been fascinated with Everest since elementary school and finally doing the trek, which is definitely about the journey, not the destination, was a dream come true. Along the way you see the peak of Everest lit up by the rising or setting sun, and there’s something inside you that won’t let you take your eyes off it. It feels surreal, Continued on page 15
RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 13
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)
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Q&A: JEN QUEHL
Continued from page 13
having this mammoth mountain before you. I’ll never forget arriving in one Buddhist village and partaking in a prayer ceremony. The deep tone of the monks’ voices filled the air as I stood beneath the most star-filled sky I’ve ever seen … RMT definitely helped me in preparing for the trek, but it was the practice of massage therapy in Nepal that really took me by surprise. In that part of the world blind people are considered cursed. Years ago, a man from the U.K. travelled to Nepal and trained people in the blind community in Swedish massage. The first clinic was opened in Pokhara, Nepal, and then another in Kathmandu. After my trek I attended the clinic and, even though I didn’t find the trek physically challenging – other than the altitude and lack of oxygen – wow, that hurt! I encourage everyone to go to www.seeinghandsnepal.org to learn about the Seeing Hands Project, which provides training and job opportunities in massage therapy to young, blind people in Nepal. RMT: What’s your next adventure going to be? JQ: Peru has been on my list of places to see; this September I will finally go. RMT Learn more at www.qmassage.ca.
RMT Jen Quehl says her Everest trek was “a dream come true”
KINESIO TAPING seminars Edmonton, AB – Sept 27/28, 2014 Vancouver, BC – Oct 25/26, 2014 Calgary, AB – December 6/7, 2014
Kinesiotape.ca Visit us at www.Kinesiotape.ca
RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 15
M AT T E R S M A SSAG E TH E R A PIST S’ A SSOC IATIO N O F B RITISH CO LU M BIA
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
Proven and ffast results... L.A.S.T. T will help you trea treat patients more specifically, effectively and efficiently with longer lasting results.
NEW ONE DAY COURSES! Postural Correction Techniques Techniques for the Thorax Techniques for the Shoulder - and coming soon -
Techniques for the Hip & Pelvis Techniques for the Foot Leg & Knee
Date Sep. 5-7 Sep. 8 Sep. 14 Sep. 26-28 Oct. 3-5 Oct. 26
Location Prince George - Lower Body Prince George - Postural Vancouver - Thorax Red Deer - Lower Body Kelowna - Lower Body Vancouver - Shoulder
REGISTER ONLINE! www.lastsite.ca (space is limited) Contact rob@lastsite.ca if you would like a course instructed in your area.
I love these techniques for myself and for my patients... they truly are amazing! - VJ, RMT
Every day I'm amazed at how much using the techniques is giving me great results. - SO, RMT
Ligam Ligament Pain Referral Pattern Posters! P Order Online!
L.A.S.T.
www.lastsite.ca
16 | RMT MATTERS FALL 2014
2014 COURSE DATES
Ligamentous Articular Strain Technique
Massage Therapists’ Association of British Columbia
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 shows,” no refund. Prices in Canadian dollars. ANN SLEEPER: Oct. 4-5, 2014: Intro to Osteo Tech. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 11 PE/A2 credits Oct. 18-19, 2014: Osteo Tech. Holiday Inn Oak & Pine; 11 PE/A2 credits MARK FINCH: Sept. 13-14, 2014: Shoulder. Holiday Inn Cypress; 14 PE/A2 credits Oct. 25-26, 2014: Spine. Holiday Inn Cypress; 14 PE/A2 credits
DAVE DECAMILLIS: Sept. 27-28, 2014: Mech. Reduction-General. New Westminster; 14 PE/A2 credits Oct. 25-26, 2014: Mech. Reduction-Bones. New Westminster; 14 PE/A2 credits SHERRI IWASCHUK: Sept. 27-28, 2014: Anatomy Trains. Holiday Inn Cypress; 14 PE/A2 credits HEATHER GITTENS (INGLIS) Sept. 20-21, 2014: Visceral Manipulation for the RMT 2 (VM2). WCCMT New Westminster; 14 PE/A2 credits DR. NIK VIZNIAK AND PROHEALTH: Advanced Clinical Reasoning & Practical Integration Sept. 6, 2014: Shoulder & Upper Extremity. Vancouver; 2 PE/A2 credits Sept. 7, 2014: Hip & Lower Extremity. Vancouver; 7 PE/A2 credits Sept. or Oct. Low Back/SI and Upper courses in Kamloops or Kelowna TBA; please indicate city of interest. All three seminars: 14 hours credit, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.on both Saturday and Sunday. For more course details, visit www.rmtbc.ca
APPLIED SOMATICS CLINICAL SOMATIC EDUCATION Applied Somatics for the Extremities and TMJ, Level II Duncan, October 3-5, 2014 Call toll-free: 1-866-748-6600 Applied Somatics for Stooping Bodies Duncan, April 24-26, 2015. 18 CEUs Call toll-free: 1-866-748-6600 Applied Somatics for Tilting Bodies June 2015. 18 CEUs Call OVCMT: 1-800-701-8863 Applied Somatics for Arching Bodies Early October 2015. 19 CEUs Call OVCMT: 1-800-701-8863 All courses $485 early registration, $585 less than 1 month. $100 non-refundable deposit. To reserve your spot in one of our workshops please email info@appliedsomatics.com and send a cheque, post-dated for the beginning of the workshop, to Applied Somatics, 303-80 Station St., Duncan, BC V9L 1M4
E-mail : robert@massageessentials.ca
RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 17
RMTBC NEWS 2015 Canada Winter Games RMT recruitment
Social media The Canada Winter Games, taking place in Prince George from February 13 to March 1, 2015, is recruiting volunteer RMTs to a medical services group that will service 3,500 athletes and participants over 18 days. All athletic therapists and physiotherapists require good manual skills for myofascial work for patients who need specialized treatment. Email Brian Farrance at 2015chieftherapist@gmail.com.
Telus Health eClaims adds Manulife Financial Telus Health eClaims has added Manulife Financial,
previously only available to chiropractors and physiotherapists. Telus Health eClaims is a great option for RMTs looking for easy online submissions to many different insurance companies: Great West Life, Standard Life, Johnson, Johnston, Chamber of Commerce, Desjardins, Maximum Benefit, Industrial Alliance, Sun Life and Manulife Financial. To register, visit www.telushealth.com/eclaims.
CLASSIFIED | FALL 2014
Dr. VODDEr MLD COUrSES All levels in Victoria, BC October/November 2014 April/May 2015
WWW.VODDErSCHOOL.COM
800-522-9862
The Heart & Art of Myofascial Therapy with Linda Sangwine, RMT Learn how to integrate the myofascial courses you’ve taken into a one hour full body treatment. Gentle hands-on class. 2 consecutive Sundays in Mission, BC Yes... it can be both therapeutic & relaxing! Details & Dates: www.lindasangwine.ca Linda Sangwine, RMT brings over 2 decades of experience to your class. Simply rest.
Social media is an amazing communication tool for RMTs to use professiona l l y, t o e xchange ideas and information and to market their small businesses in a cost-effective manner. But there is a “caution” about how it’s used. Over the past years RMTBC has observed how RMTs are using and, at times, misusing social media. To assist, the association has consulted with communications experts to develop a guideline/policy for individuals and clinics to adopt as well as a series of workbooks to help RMTs engage in social media responsibly. There are three different workbooks in the series: Personal Use of Social Media; Your Clinic’s Use of Social Media; and Patient-Therapist Interaction and Social Media. View them on the RMTBC website or contact the office for hard copies.
ADVERTISMENT ONLY. NO ENDORSEMENT BY THE RMTBC INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
Simply TMJ - Vancouver October 4th & 5th, 14 CEC, $420 Mastering Cranial through Mentorship Let me lead you to success using craniopathy. Vancouver 2015, 20 days, 120 hours 24 CEC
Please visit website for dates and details DynamicTherapies.com Lead instructor: Robert Hackwood, RMT 604-418-8071
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.
Make a difference in people’s lives while working in BC Interior’s largest ski destination resort! Sun Peaks Spa is currently looking for a full time RMT. Must display leadership skills, enjoy working with the public, be friendly, dependable and reliable, have a positive attitude, enjoy athletics and sports massage. Please email cover letter and résumé to jill@sunpeaksspa.com. No phone calls please.
18 | RMT MATTERS FALL 2014
Playa Grande, Costa Rica February 2-5, 2015 (half days)
With Anthony McMorran, RMT 18 CMTBC Credits $545 USD anthony.mcmorran@gmail.com www.tuningtree.com
M AT T E R S M A SSAG E TH E R A PIST S’ A SSOC IATIO N O F B RITISH CO LU M BIA
If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at: 1-604-741-4189 vchapman@biv.com
CLASSIFIED | FALL 2014
ADVERTISMENT ONLY. NO ENDORSEMENT BY THE RMTBC INTENDED OR IMPLIED.
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, O 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.
Autumn 2014: Introductory: September 6-7, Cost $399 Intermediate: September 27-28, Cost: $399 Winter 2015: Introductory: January 31-Feb 1, 2015, Cost: $399 Intermediate: March 7-8, 2015, Cost: $399 For more info and to register, phone: 604.984.2611 • web: systemicdeeptissuetherapycenter.com
M AT T E R S M A SSAG E TH E R A PIST S’ A SSOC IATIO N O F B RITISH CO LU M BIA
If you have a product, service or course to advertise call Victoria Chapman at:
1-604-741-4189 | vchapman@biv.com
Discover how skeletal muscle shortens... Education and up-to-date research Presented by Professor Gerald H. Pollack Ph.D Bioengineering Approved for CEU’s www.mdsseminar.com
Continuing EduCation on LinE 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
ANATOMY & YOGASANA I & II: Maui Retreat: Jan. 11th to 18th Cuba Retreat: Feb 15th to 22nd, 2015 CEU 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 yoga practice. Combine 24 direct study hours with vacation time. Fabulous vegetarian meals and seven night’s accommodation included. You will be doing plenty of yoga. Previous yoga experience an asset but not essential. 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 at 902-273-9642
Banyan Thai Massage
CMTBC CeU approved Courses A teaching affiliate with the famous “ITM School” of Chiang Mai, Thailand • Thai Massage for the Table: 2-days / 8.O CMTBC CeC’s - Vancouver Saturday Nov. 15 & Sunday Nov. 16, 2014 9:00am – 5:00pm each day • Thai Foot Reflexology Massage: 1-day / nO CMTBC CeC’s - Vancouver Friday Nov. 28, 2014 / 9:00am – 5:00pm Visit us on-line to see our complete 2014 courses listings. Paypal registration available at www.BanyanThaiMassage.com More information / contact: sharon Brown-horton, Instructor 604.773.2645
Human Kinetics makes it easy for Canadian Massage Therapists to earn CEUs online!
$70.95 • CMTBC - 6 PD/4A
$104.95 • CMTBC - 6 PD/4A
$80.95 • CMTBC - 6 PD/4A
Visit the Canadian Massage Therapy online store for a list of available courses and the organizations that offer continuing education credit through successful completion. www.HumanKinetics.com/CMT or call 1-800-465-7301 for more information.
HUMAN KINETICS
The Information Leader in Physical Activity & Health
RMT MATTERS FALL 2014 | 19
An
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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.
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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.
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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