RMTAO Blog

Ideas, resources, and inspiration for celebrating MTAW

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 14:01:00 GMT

Massage Therapy Awareness Week (MTAW) is an opportunity to celebrate the profession, educate the public about massage therapy, and highlight the many ways massage therapy can support people throughout their lives.

There’s no one right way to participate. Whether you have five minutes to share a post, an afternoon to connect with colleagues, or time to host a larger event, there’s a way to make MTAW your own.

Get Involved Your Way

Celebrating MTAW doesn’t have to mean planning a big event. Here are a few simple ways to get involved:

Share something: Post an RMTAO MTAW resource, graphic, video, or fun fact on social media. You can also share your own story about becoming an RMT or what massage therapy means to you.
Connect with colleagues: Meet fellow RMTs or massage therapy students for coffee and use our “Massage Therapy Is…” poster as a conversation starter.
Host a gathering: Invite patients, community members, colleagues, or other health professionals to learn more about massage therapy, ask questions, and connect with RMTs.
Open your doors: Host a clinic open house with tours, educational activities, refreshments, demonstrations, or opportunities to meet your team.
Celebrate all week: Share educational content, highlight different areas of massage therapy, tell your story, and encourage others to participate.

Use RMTAO Resources

The RMTAO will be sharing resources and content throughout MTAW to help you celebrate at your clinic, with colleagues, in your community, or online.

Look for educational content about the history of massage therapy in North America, fun facts, different areas of the profession, and more. Share these resources with your patients and community, use them as conversation starters, or simply post them online.

Need More Ideas?

We’ve put together a full MTAW guide with more ideas and practical suggestions for activities of all sizes — from five-minute social media activities to clinic open houses and community events.

And don’t forget to download the “Massage Therapy Is…” poster to use at your clinic, gathering, classroom, or community event.

However you choose to participate, every conversation, post, and connection helps raise awareness of massage therapy and celebrate the RMT profession.

Make MTAW your own and help spread the word!

Call for Nominations - RMTAO Board of Directors

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 21:18:00 GMT

The Board of Directors has issued a Call for Nominations for up to 3 positions on the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario's (RMTAO) Board of Directors. This call for Nominations is part of the regular annual governance process as is required under the RMTAO By-laws. To be eligible for Directorship, nominees must, at the time of election and throughout the three-year term of office, be an Active or Life member of the Association, a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), and for a period of six years has not received a finding of guilt by a CMTO Discipline Panel.

About the RMTAO

The RMTAO exists to advance the massage therapy profession in Ontario. As the only organized and recognized voice for practising Massage Therapists in Ontario, the RMTAO works to advocate on behalf of the profession and provide resources and opportunities to help RMTs improve their knowledge, navigate the latest research, and grow their practice.

Board structure

The Board operates under a policy governance model. The RMTAO values the different perspectives, knowledge, skills and interests that each Director brings to the Board. The Board is composed of up to 15 Directors as required.

Director's Role and Responsibilities

The role of the Board of Directors of the RMTAO is to provide governance and oversight to the Association, identify and monitor strategic priorities, set policies, and determine innovative ways to promote, expand and support the fulfillment of the Association's Vision and Mission.

There is an expectation that all Board Directors fulfill the following:

Attend all scheduled board meetings, including three two-day in-person meetings and one three-day meeting, which includes the Annual General Meeting. Please note that in 2027, there will be two three-day meetings, as well as a board meeting held in conjunction with the Education Conference totalling four days.
Participate in at least two Board Committees (i.e., Audit and Finance Committee, Board Policy Committee, Board Development Committee, Membership and Elections Committee, Performance Review Committee, Strategic Discussions Committee).
Attend all virtual meetings as required.
Actively participate in no more 18 hours of Board-related work per month.
Adhere to the Board's fiduciary duty at all times, act with integrity and in good faith in the best interest of the Association.
Promote the Association publicly by projecting a professional image in all aspects of their careers as Massage Therapists.

Directors will be provided with Director Liability Insurance.

2027 Meeting Dates

January 29 – 31, 2027 (Board Meeting, Orientation & AGM)
April 9 – 11, 2027 (3 Day Board Meeting)
June 26 – 27, 2027 (2 Day Board Meeting)
October 1 – 2, 2027 (Education Conference)
October 3 – 4, 2027 (2 Day Board Meeting)

Directors will be offered an honorarium and reimbursement of expenses (travel, accommodations, meals) for in-person meetings.

Candidate Qualifications

We are seeking candidates from various regions across Ontario to ensure a broad representation of perspectives and experiences that reflect the entire province. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and are actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds to enhance the breadth of perspectives within the organization. This includes individual from Indigenous communities, racialized groups, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from rural or remote areas.

Although nominations from any RMT that is a member of the RMTAO are welcome, the Board has identified the following skills and experience which it believes it will benefit from in the coming year.

Experience reviewing or conducting formal research.
Experience with public speaking.
Experience and knowledge of human resources.
Members who are new to the profession (less than 5 years in practice).
Experience working with WSIB and Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI).
Previous experience with working/volunteering with the CMTO and/ or Program Advisory Committee.

It should be reiterated that individual nominees do not need to possess all the above attributes, however they do reflect the current needs of the board. All nominations will be considered.

Additional Skills and Experience

The Board of Directors of the RMTAO are comprised of a diverse group of individuals, each with their own backgrounds and skills. We ask that Members who put forth for nomination consider the following questions;

Do you have any experience in the profession outside of clinical practice? (E.g. Educator, Research)
Do you have any education or experience outside of the profession that would be relevant to the Board?

Nomination Procedure & Process

Members interested in running for a position on the Board of Directors can initiate the process by completing the Board Nomination and Consent Form.

When submitting your nomination, please keep the following in mind:

Eligibility: The Nominee, Nominator, and Seconder must all be Active or Life members in good standing.
Requirements: A complete nomination requires consent from the Nominee and signatures from two supporting members (a Nominator and a Seconder, neither of whom is the Nominee).
Deadline: The form and all required signatures must be received by the RMTAO no later than November 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to be valid.

How the Digital Process Works:

Nominee Initiates: The nominee completes the initial form and provides the email addresses for their nominator and seconder.
Automated Signatures: Signature requests are automatically sent to the nominator and seconder to complete digitally.
Final Submission: Once all three parties have signed, the nomination is automatically submitted to the Secretary of the Board and the RMTAO.

If you require accommodations, access to a PDF form, or an alternative submission method, please contact info@rmtao.com.

In accordance with the RMTAO By-laws, nomination and election procedures are conducted in advance of the Annual General Meeting. This ensures that all members have had an equal opportunity to nominate and vote to fill vacancies.

Please be advised as follows:

IF only 3 nominations are received for 3 positions available on the Board, THEN the Bylaws stipulate that the 3 individuals will be acclaimed to the Board and no election is required;
IF more than 3 nominations are received for the 3 positions available on the Board, THEN the By-laws require that a balloting of all members be held in advance of the AGM; or
IF fewer than 3 nominations are received for the 3 vacancies on the Board, THEN the Bylaws indicate that those nominated are acclaimed and the Board of Directors may appoint individuals to fill the vacancies at its first meeting after the AGM.

For more information, please contact the Secretary of the Board:

Shannon Marshall, Secretary
secretary@rmtao.com

Welcome to the 2026–2027 RMTAO Membership Year

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Dear RMTAO Members,

As we begin a new membership year, I want to start with a simple message: thank you.

Thank you for choosing to be part of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario, for investing in the profession, and for lending your voice to the work we do together.

Your membership makes it possible for the RMTAO to be at the table, advocating for RMTs, building relationships across Ontario’s health system, providing professional resources and education, and working to create a stronger future for massage therapy.

But membership is about more than what RMTAO provides to you. It is the collective strength that allows us to work on your behalf. The more connected we are to our members, the better we can understand what is happening across Ontario, identify where change is needed, and make the case for our profession with government, health system partners and the public.

That is the standard we are working toward.

Advocacy that works for you

Advocacy remains at the heart of what we do.

This past year, we saw the power of a coordinated profession in action. Together with the Canadian Massage Therapist Association (CMTA) and our colleagues across the country, we have been making the case for the removal of GST/HST from massage therapy.

More than 10,000 letters have now been sent to elected representatives, surpassing the campaign’s original goal. What is particularly encouraging is the breadth of participation: a much larger share of campaign participants than we would typically see in a professional advocacy campaign has come from the general public.

That matters. It demonstrates that this is not simply an issue for massage therapists. It matters to the people who seek and pay for massage therapy as part of their health care. We will continue working with the CMTA and our partners to build on this momentum and make the case for tax-exempt massage therapy.

We are also rebuilding and strengthening our provincial advocacy work.

We are re-engaging with the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) and the Ministry of Finance on long-standing compensation issues affecting RMTs. We are participating in the Coalition of Ontario Regulated Health Professional Associations (CORPHA), where we can learn from other professional associations, share best practices and advance issues where our interests overlap.

We are also re-engaging in the WSIB Health Professional Forum, bringing the RMT perspective back into conversations about WSIB programs, policies, forms, fee structures and how health professionals can be better supported within the system.

These relationships matter. Effective advocacy is about being present, building credibility, understanding how decisions are made, and making sure RMTs are part of the conversation.

A stronger association, built around your needs

This year will also be about changing how we work.

Some of the most important work ahead will happen behind the scenes. We know that some of our systems and processes have not kept pace with what our members need from a modern professional association. Our operational plan therefore focuses on modernizing our infrastructure, improving our association management system, reducing manual administrative work, strengthening our use of data, and evaluating our programs and services.

Why does that matter to you?

Because better systems should mean a better Association.

They should make it easier for you to access resources, find information, participate in your Association and tell us what matters to you. They should also give our team more capacity to focus on the work that matters most, including advocacy, member support and professional initiatives.

This is foundational work, and it will take time. But we are committed to building an Association that is more responsive, more efficient and better equipped to work for RMTs.

Professional growth, connection and support

Advocacy is only one part of our responsibility to members.

Throughout the year, we will continue to invest in practical professional development and resources that help you build your practice and career.

Our plans include expanding our professional development offering, with a strong focus on relevant, practice-ready education; strengthening opportunities for members to connect; and developing resources that are easier to navigate and more useful at different stages of an RMT’s career.

We are also looking at how we can better support members around issues that affect professional well-being, including burnout prevention, professional safety and sexual violence in the profession.

Listening to our members

The best Association is one that listens.

This year, we are putting greater emphasis on understanding what members actually need, using member feedback and better data to evaluate our programs, services and priorities. We want to ask not simply whether a program was delivered, but whether it made a meaningful difference for members.

You will have more opportunities throughout the year to tell us what matters to you, including opportunities to help shape our advocacy priorities.

Your perspective is essential to our work, and we want the Association to reflect the needs and experiences of RMTs across Ontario.

Moving forward, together

There is a great deal of work ahead of us. Some of it will be highly visible: advocacy campaigns, government relationships, professional development, events and new resources. Some of it will be less visible: modernizing systems, strengthening our processes and building the organizational capacity we need to do more of the work that matters to members.

All of it has the same purpose: to build a stronger RMTAO that works for you.

We cannot do this work alone. The profession is strongest when RMTs are engaged — when members share their experiences, participate in advocacy, join conversations, attend events and tell us where the Association should focus.

We will continue to keep you informed about what we are working on and where there is still work to do. We will celebrate progress with you, be honest about the challenges ahead, and create opportunities for you to shape the direction of your Association.

Thank you for your membership, your trust and your commitment to massage therapy in Ontario.

I am proud to be working alongside you, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the year ahead.

Warmly,

Kat Orr
Executive Director and CEO
Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario

What Your Hands Carry Home: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Mental Health for RMTs

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 14:11:00 GMT

Burnout and compassion fatigue can affect anyone in caring work, and Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) are no exception. As a RMT, you spend your days close to other people's pain, often with little time to process what you take in.

October brings Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 4 to 10) and World Mental Health Day (October 10), whose 2026 theme is "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change."

You hear patients' lived experiences every day. Your own deserves the same attention.

Why does massage therapy take an emotional toll?

Much of what makes massage therapy emotionally demanding goes unnamed. Patients may share difficult experiences or emotions during a treatment, and you remain present and supportive, often with little opportunity to absorb and reflect on what patients have shared.

Over time, this can lead to burnout, a deep emotional and physical exhaustion that builds from ongoing work stress, often with a growing detachment from the work and a sense that your efforts don't make a difference. Burnout is also linked with higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Compassion fatigue can develop from the ongoing emotional demands of caring for people who are experiencing distress or suffering. Over time, this can leave you feeling emotionally depleted and less able to access the empathy and compassion you bring to your work.

Vicarious trauma is something different. Hearing about other people's traumatic experiences again and again can gradually change how you see yourself, other people and how safe the world feels, so a patient's story can stay with you long after they've left the table.

Caregivers can often minimize what the work takes out of them, but feeling affected means you're human, and that you care.

How can you tell stress is affecting you?

For RMTs, stress often shows up in the body first, as tension that doesn't release or tiredness that lingers. It can also affect how you experience your work, making it harder to stay present and engaged during treatments.

If these signs are lasting, building, or affecting your work or relationships, it's a good time to talk with a mental health professional.

How does your nervous system shape a treatment?

A patient's nervous system can influence how they experience a treatment, while your own state can also shape the interaction. This mutual influence is known as co-regulation. When you are calm and grounded, your breath, touch and presence can help a patient feel more at ease. When a patient is distressed, you may also notice changes in your own response.

Psychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel calls the zone where we can feel emotions and still think clearly the window of tolerance. Above it, we feel on high alert or overwhelmed (sometimes called hyperarousal); below it, we feel shut down or disconnected (hypoarousal).

On the table, a patient moving outside their window of tolerance might hold their breath, brace or drift off, and you may notice the same in yourself. Some caregivers may find themselves disconnecting to get through difficult moments, while others may carry the emotional weight of a patient's experience with them after work. A helpful approach is containment: staying present and supportive while maintaining a healthy boundary between your experience and your patient's.

What helps RMTs manage stress during the workday?

Small, repeated habits can help your nervous system stay steady through the day.

1. Open and close your day with a ritual

A simple ritual tells your body when to step into the work and when to step out of it. You might light a candle or use a particular scent as you set up, play a song you love, or set an intention before your first patient.

At the end of the day, close just as clearly: blow out the candle, change your clothes, or write down what you're still holding and leave the page at work. In a scent-free clinic, a stretch you always do at the door works just as well.

2. Keep a small grounding kit within reach

Self-soothing works through the five senses, so keep a few things nearby that bring you back to the present. A smooth stone in your pocket, a calming hand cream, a mint, something sour or a cup of tea can all give your nervous system a quick reset.

3. Ground yourself during a treatment

You can come back to yourself without stepping away from your patient. Feel your feet on the floor, notice the warmth of your own hands, or tune in to a sound in the room. A slow breath with a slightly longer exhale settles your nervous system, and through co-regulation, it can help your patient settle too.

4. Reset between patients

Use something you already do, like washing your hands, as a reset. As the water runs, let the last session go. A minute of movement, such as shaking out your hands, stretching or stepping outside, releases what builds up during a treatment.

5. Plan your schedule with recovery in mind

Build in buffers where you can and pay attention to how many emotionally heavy sessions you book in a row.

How can you build self-care into your work?

Self-care works best built into your workday. In psychotherapy, regular consultation with colleagues is a common part of practice. You can build your own version: a colleague you check in with after a hard day, a small peer group or your own therapy.

How can boundaries protect you and your work?

Clear boundaries can help make a caring profession more sustainable over the course of your career while also helping patients feel safe and know what to expect.

1. Containment and scope

When a patient shares something painful, you don't need to fix it or hold it alone, and staying within your scope protects you both. You might say:

“It sounds like this is bringing up a lot for you, which makes a lot of sense. Sometimes emotions and memories can come up during treatment. If it would help to have a space to work through what’s coming up, you could talk to your doctor or another appropriate health-care professional. For now, what would feel best: taking a moment, continuing with the treatment or stopping for today?”

Offering choice helps a nervous system feel safe.

2. Relational boundaries

Many RMTs are "on" outside of work too, with friends and family asking for advice or a quick treatment. It's okay to say no and keep some of your life free of caregiving.

3. Safety

You have the right to feel safe at work. In the RMTAO's 2025 survey of 2,495 respondents, 73% reported experiencing sexual harassment from a patient during their training or practice, while 21% reported experiencing sexual assault. The survey also found that 69% had never received training on how to respond to sexual assault or harassment.

If you experience harassment or another difficult situation at work, you don't have to manage it on your own. Speaking with a trusted colleague or mental health professional can provide support and help you process the experience.

When is it time to reach out for support?

Therapy can be a place to process what you carry from work, well before things feel unmanageable. If stress, burnout, compassion fatigue or experiences at work are affecting your well-being, consider speaking with a mental health professional.

RMTAO members can also access mental health resources through the RMTAO's member benefits, including reduced rates for psychotherapy through MindSeed. For information about this benefit, visit mindseedhealth.com/rmtao.

If you have ideas for future mental health topics that would be helpful to RMTs, you can share them with MindSeed at info@mindseedhealth.com.

Sources

Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health (2026). Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 4 to 10, 2026. https://camimh.ca/miaw
World Federation for Mental Health (2026). World Mental Health Day 2026: "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change." https://wfmh.global/news/2026.26-08-11_world-mental-health-day-2026
World Health Organization (2019). Burn-out an "occupational phenomenon": International Classification of Diseases. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases
Mohd Noor, A., et al. (2025). Compassion fatigue in helping professions: A scoping literature review. BMC Psychology, 13, 349. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-024-01869-5
McCann, I. L., and Pearlman, L. A. (1990). Vicarious traumatization: A framework for understanding the psychological effects of working with victims. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 3(1), 131 to 149. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00975140
Koutsimani, P., Montgomery, A., and Georganta, K. (2019). The relationship between burnout, depression, and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 284. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00284
Palumbo, R. V., et al. (2017). Interpersonal autonomic physiology: A systematic review of the literature. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 21(2), 99 to 141. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088868316628405
Siegel, D. J. (1999). The developing mind. Guilford Press (third edition, 2020). https://www.guilford.com/books/The-Developing-Mind/Daniel-Siegel/9781462542758
Ogden, P., Minton, K., and Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy. W. W. Norton. https://wwnorton.com/books/Trauma-and-the-Body/
Brooks, A. W., et al. (2016). Don't stop believing: Rituals improve performance by decreasing anxiety. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 137, 71 to 85. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.07.004
Sonnentag, S., and Fritz, C. (2015). Recovery from job stress: The stressor-detachment model as an integrative framework. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 36(S1), S72 to S103. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/203151
Balban, M. Y., et al. (2023). Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and reduce physiological arousal. Cell Reports Medicine, 4(1), 100895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100895
Albulescu, P., et al. (2022). "Give me a break!" A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of micro-breaks for increasing well-being and performance. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0272460. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0272460
Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (2025). Sexual assault and harassment survey summary. https://rmtao.com/Media/Default/Surveys/SAH_survey_summary.pdf

About the author - MindSeed: MindSeed is a private virtual psychotherapy centre committed to excellence in clinical care and expert training. It provides evidence-based, trauma-informed psychotherapy for a broad range of mental health concerns, with a specialization in complex trauma and PTSD. MindSeed's seasoned clinicians bring an average of 15+ years of clinical experience, and every clinician takes part in mandatory weekly clinical consultation and ongoing expert-led training. RMTAO members can also access mental health resources through the RMTAO's member benefits, including reduced rates for psychotherapy through MindSeed. For information about this benefit, visit mindseedhealth.com/rmtao.

The crisis and mental health resources below have been provided by MindSeed

Crisis and mental health (Ontario-wide)

In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 9-8-8, available 24/7.
ConnexOntario (help finding mental health, addictions and problem gambling services): 1-866-531-2600, or text CONNEX to 247247, available 24/7.
211 Ontario (community, social and mental health services, in many languages): call or text 2-1-1, available 24/7.
Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada: 1-855-242-3310.
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 416 863-0511; Toll-free: 1 866 863-0511.
Kids Help Phone: 1 800 668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Toronto and GTA

Distress Centres of Greater Toronto: 416-408-HELP (4357), or 905-459-7777 for Mississauga and Brampton, available 24/7.
Gerstein Crisis Centre (Toronto): 416-929-5200, available 24/7.
Spectra Helpline: 416 920-0497 or 905 459-7777 (Brampton & Mississauga)

RMTAO Appoints Kat Orr as Executive Director and CEO

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 15:14:00 GMT

The Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Katherine (Kat) Orr as its new Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer.

“We were impressed by Kat’s leadership, dedication, and vision for the future of the Association,” said Board Chair Alex Kidd. “Over the past year, she has demonstrated a remarkable ability to improve operational effectiveness, foster strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensure that our organization continues to deliver exceptional service to members. We are confident she will provide strong and innovative leadership as Executive Director and CEO.”

Kat joined the Association in September 2025 as Interim Director of Operations and quickly distinguished herself through her commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement. Following the departure of the previous Executive Director in April, she stepped into the role of Acting Executive Director while continuing to fulfill her operational responsibilities, ensuring stability for the organization and a seamless experience for members.

Following an extensive search process that attracted 74 applicants, involved 148 blind application reviews, and included two rounds of interviews with an exceptionally strong field of candidates, Kat emerged as the successful candidate from a highly competitive pool. Throughout the process, she impressed the Board not only with her proven performance in the interim role, but also with her clear strategic vision, understanding of the evolving massage therapy profession, and commitment to advancing the Association’s role within Ontario’s health care system.

“I am honoured to have been selected by the Board for this role,” said Orr. “I look forward to working closely with our staff, Board, members, and stakeholders as we continue to strengthen the profession, enhance member services, and position the Association for long-term success.”

During her time with the Association, Kat has developed strong relationships with key stakeholders and has already had the opportunity to connect directly with members through RMTAO town halls and other engagement initiatives.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank Kat for her exceptional leadership during this transition period,” added Kidd. “We are excited to see her continue building on that work as Executive Director and CEO, and we look forward to the next chapter for the Association under her leadership.”

Opportunity: Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer (3-Year Contract)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 18:16:00 GMT

The Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario (RMTAO) is thrilled to announce that we are officially seeking our next Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer.

As the recognized voice of Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) across Ontario, we advance the profession through dedicated advocacy, professional development, and comprehensive member support. As we enter an exciting new chapter of growth and revitalization, we are looking for a transformational, visionary leader to steer our mission forward, partner closely with our Board of Directors, and champion the interests of our members.

If you are a strategic thinker, a disciplined financial manager, and a skilled relationship builder with a passion for healthcare and professional association leadership, we want to hear from you.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a two-stage interview process:

First-round interviews (virtual): July 27, 2026
Final interviews (in-person): August 10, 2026, at the RMTAO offices in Toronto

Review the full position overview, key responsibilities, and application details below to join our team and make a lasting impact.

Click here to download the position description.

How to Avoid an Audit from an Extended Health Insurer: A Primer for RMTs

Wed, 20 May 2026 14:43:00 GMT

An audit by an extended health benefits insurer can be an extremely invasive and stressful process for a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT). These audits also carry significant potential consequences, including demands for repayment, being de‑listed by the insurer, termination from employment (if applicable) and a complaint to the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).

In this article, I will outline the top seven triggers that lead insurers to initiate an audit into the billing practices of an RMT.

Statistically Abnormal Billing Volume

Insurers routinely use sophisticated software programs to compare an RMT’s billing patterns against those of other RMTs in similar practice settings.

Common red flags include:

Exceptionally high daily patient volumes
Large annual billings to a single insurer
Consistently billing more than 8-10 hours per day

While none of these factors necessarily indicate wrongdoing, they often prompt further scrutiny and can result in an audit being initiated.

Other Unusual Billing Patterns

In addition to overall volume, insurer algorithms are designed to detect anomalies in billing patterns, such as:

Identical billing amounts at every visit
Repeated use of the same combination of services
Very frequent treatment over extended periods (i.e. three to four visits per week for several months)
A high percentage of claims reaching policy maximums, whether for services or medical devices
Billing from multiple clinics on the same day

As artificial intelligence tools continue to evolve, the ability of insurers to analyze billing behaviour in greater depth will only increase.

Billing Errors and Inappropriate Claims

One of the fastest ways to trigger an audit is through the submission of claims that are non-compliant, incomplete or otherwise deficient. Common examples include:

Submission of claims for incorrect service types
Claims submitted outside coverage limitations
Submission of claims in the names of unauthorized service providers
Rendering of receipts that do not contain all requisite information

For this reason, it is critical that RMTs and their staff members receive thorough and ongoing training regarding compliant billing practices. Ultimately, the RMT remains responsible for what is submitted under their name, whether they are the owner/operator of the clinic or simply work there as an employee or independent contractor.

Patient Complaints

A complaint from a patient is an almost certain pathway to an insurance audit. Common complaints include allegations that:

A service was billed but not provided
Billing was excessive or inappropriate
The clinic engaged in questionable business or marketing practices, including inducements or re‑characterizing services as other services once annual maximums have been reached

Remembert, even a single credible complaint can prompt an audit from an extended health insurer.

Poor Recordkeeping Practices

Insurers have been known to initiate audits upon discovering that an RMT’s recordkeeping practices may be deficient. Examples include:

Failing to consistently prepare clinical notes
Missing patient histories, assessments or re‑assessments
Utilization of templated chart notes rather than individualized notes

Inadequate records can also significantly undermine an RMT’s ability to defend their billings during an audit.

Association With Previously Flagged Clinics

RMTs are at a substantially higher risk of audit if they are associated with a clinic that has a previous history of non-compliance with an insurer.

If inappropriate practices are occurring at a clinic, it can be exceptionally difficult for an RMT to convince an insurer that they were unaware of the conduct at issue. As such, RMTs should carefully vet their business associations, including by reviewing regulatory college public registers, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) website and lists of de-listed providers maintained by insurers.

Prior Disciplinary History With CMTO

Increasingly, insurers are initiating audits solely because an RMT has a prior disciplinary finding with the CMTO related to billing matters.

In some cases, I have seen insurers delist RMTs solely on the basis of such disciplinary history, without even commencing a formal audit.

As such, I encourage RMTs to take every CMTO complaint/investigation very seriously and ensure that all potential steps are taken to avoid a referral to a discipline proceeding.

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has provided RMTs with practical, real-world insight into the most common triggers for insurance audits and how certain conduct can raise red flags.

By understanding how extended health insurers assess risk, RMTs can take proactive steps to adjust their practices and meaningfully reduce the likelihood of an audit.

About the Author

Lad Kucis is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a specialist in health law and provides advice and representation to RMTs in respect of all types of regulatory matters, including complaints and investigations before the CMTO, and complaint reviews before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.

*Please note that this article has been prepared for information purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice.

How To Choose The Right Office Space For RMT Practices

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 14:02:00 GMT

by: Intelligent Office

Choosing an office for your RMT practice is about more than finding a treatment room. Whether you go with private office rentals or buy your own space can affect your overhead, patient experience, long-term flexibility, and ability to grow. This guide offers a simple overview of the factors RMTs may want to consider when comparing office options.

What You’ll Learn

This guide will help you determine:

How your business goals can shape the type of space you choose.
What to look for in a location, including demographics, parking, accessibility, and zoning.
What to review before negotiating a lease.
Which additional costs to plan for beyond the room iself.
The pros and cons of renting versus buying for an RMT practice.
Why starting with flexible private office space may be a practical first step.

Start with Your Business Goals

Your first consideration should be what you’re trying to achieve with your office. Are you trying to grow quickly, keep overhead low, or commit to a long-term location?

An RMT building a new practice may want low overhead and flexible access. An established practitioner with a steady patient base may need more control, branding, and storage. A growing multidisciplinary practice may need room for additional practitioners or support staff.

Those differences matter because the right space is not always the biggest or most permanent option. It is the one that fits your current stage of practice, supports your day-to-day needs, and leaves room for the way you want to grow.

BDC notes that renting can be the better fit when a business wants flexibility and wants to preserve capital, while buying can offer stability and control if the location is right for the long term.

What Should I Look for in the Space?

A treatment room can be excellent, but if the location creates friction, growth gets harder. When comparing options, look beyond the room itself.

Demographics

Think about who lives and works nearby, and whether they align with the patients you want to attract. Are you targeting office workers, athletes, prenatal patients, seniors, or residents in a high-density neighbourhood? The right demographic fit can be just as important as the rent.

Parking and Location

Parking availability and the convenience of the office location are also important. Nearby parking can influence whether a patient books once or comes back regularly. Being easy to reach by public transit or on foot is also important for patients who do not drive or prefer not to. If you want to attract new patients, being in a visible, easy-to-find location can support word of mouth and local search.

Accessibility

Accessibility matters too. In Ontario, businesses have accessibility obligations under the AODA. When evaluating a space, consider whether it meets those requirements and whether it is easy for patients to enter, move through, and use comfortably.

Zoning

Before signing anything, confirm that zoning allows the space to be used for massage therapy. This can help you avoid issues with how the property is permitted to operate.

How Can I Negotiate My Lease?

You may feel like lease terms are fixed, but there is often room to ask questions, compare options, and negotiate details. A good lease discussion goes beyond monthly prices and makes sure that the space, terms, and costs match how your practice operates.

Before the conversation, make sure you understand:

the base rent and any additional rent.
who pays for utilities, cleaning, internet, and maintenance.
what leasehold improvements are included.
what business signage is allowed.
cancellation terms if your plans change.
renewal options and rent increases.

It also helps to go in with a clear sense of what you want from the space. Think about:

whether you want exclusivity, if you do not want direct competitors nearby.
how much flexibility you need as your schedule or patient volume changes.
whether you need short-term access, a longer commitment, or room to grow.
what kind of visibility, privacy, or storage matters most to your practice.

A lease is easier to evaluate when you know both what is included and what matters most to your business.

What Costs Should I Consider Before Committing to a Private Office?

It’s a common mistake to budget for the room and forget the additional costs. Depending on the setup, you may also need to factor in:

treatment table and equipment
linens and laundry
insurance
utilities and internet
payment processing
cleaning and supplies
reception or admin support
signage and branding
leasehold improvements
property taxes, condo fees, and maintenance if buying

Planning for these costs early can help you build a more realistic budget and avoid unexpected expenses later.

Should I Rent or Buy for My RMT Practice?

There are pros and cons to renting and buying. The right decision will vary from practice to practice and depends on your business goals, budget, and long-term plans.

Renting Pros	Renting Cons
Flexible and lower commitment	Less control over the space
Lower upfront costs	Rent can increase over time
Easier to test a market or schedule	Branding and renovations may be limited
Good fit for newer or growing practices

Buying Pros	Buying Cons
More control over layout and long-term use	Higher upfront costs
Potential stability in a strong location	Less flexibility if your needs change
Can become a long-term business asset	You take on more responsibility for maintenance, taxes, and financing

It helps to weigh not just the monthly cost, but also how much flexibility, control, and long-term stability you want from your space.

A Practical Starting Point for Private Office Space

Many RMTs do not need to choose between working from home and buying a clinic unit right away. Starting with private office rentals can give you a way to test a location, manage overhead, and build your patient base before making a larger commitment.

Intelligent Office offers flexible professional offices with short-term and long-term options. RMTs have used these offices as treatment rooms for their practices, offering privacy, a professional environment, and spaces that support hands-on care. This can help create a more professional client experience, separate work from home life, and support growth without as much upfront risk. There is no long-term lease, so you are not locked into a space before you know it works for your practice.

Intelligent Office offers RMTAO members 10-15% off their rates for office rentals. Learn more about Intelligent Office deals through the RMTAO.

Test the Right Space for Your Practice

If you are weighing your next move and are not sure whether to rent or buy, a flexible private office space option can help you stay professional while keeping your overhead easier to manage.

Find your Intelligent Office location and ask about current office options to see whether a flexible setup fits your practice.

Important Leadership Update from the RMTAO Board of Directors

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 18:06:00 GMT

The Board of Directors of the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) would like to inform you of a change in leadership. Michael Feraday is no longer Executive Director and CEO of the RMTAO.

The Board would like to express our sincere gratitude to Michael for his significant impact on the association. As our longest-serving Executive Director and CEO, Michael’s dedication has been instrumental in our growth.

We are particularly grateful for his leadership in navigating the RMTAO through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and his success in introducing the Pilot Project. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours.

To ensure the continued smooth operation of the association and uninterrupted support for our members, the Board has appointed Kat Orr as Acting Executive Director and CEO, effective immediately.

We have full confidence in Kat’s leadership and the expertise of our existing staff to maintain the high standard of advocacy and service you expect from the RMTAO. The Board of Directors will be initiating a formal search for a permanent Executive Director and CEO in the near future.

We are committed to finding a leader who will build upon our current successes and maintain the RMTAO’s position as the leading advocate for RMTs across the province. Our focus remains steadfast on supporting our members and providing the high-quality advocacy you expect from your professional association.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to strengthen the massage therapy profession in Ontario.

Sincerely,

The RMTAO Board of Directors

Combining Massage Therapy and Kinesiology in Your Care

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:28:14 GMT

Kinesiologists and Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) often help patients achieve similar goals. Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals in Ontario (governed by the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario) who focus on human movement, using an evidence-based approach to improving physical performance, preventing injury and managing chronic conditions. RMTs can help people with similar concerns. RMTs and Registered Kinesiologists (R.Kins) are often both treating the same patient, which makes it even more important for both professionals to understand how to work effectively together.

We interviewed three dual-registered Kinesiologists and RMTs to explore how their unique backgrounds can improve patient outcomes. Drawing on their experiences, we’ve compiled actionable advice to help you collaborate effectively with Kinesiologists in any practice setting.

Understanding When to Collaborate

There can be a lot of similarities in the scopes of practice and treatment approaches between RMTs and Kinesiologists. David Bedford, an RMT and former R.Kin, continues to collaborate with Kinesiologists by leveraging their complementary expertise to treat shared patients.

Many Kinesiologists are trained in bodywork, and RMTs are trained in remedial exercise, which he has found can lead to similar approaches. David notes that they differ primarily in their clinical focus rather than their techniques.

“No one expects to start lifting weights or do 10 minutes on a stationary bike when getting a massage. Exercise therapy is a huge part of kinesiology, but is often a smaller part of massage therapy,” David said.

Jessica Johnston, who is both an RMT and a Kinesiologist, sees close collaboration between RMTs and Kinesiologists in her clinic every day, especially when treating first responders. She recognized the overlap between professions. She found that the biggest overlap was the goals each profession has for its patients.

“Both disciplines aim to help patients move more comfortably and reduce physical strain,” Jessica said.

Drawing on her dual education, Jessica notes that Kinesiologists offer deeper training in exercise progression and neuromuscular activation. For example, kinesiologists are specifically trained to help patients reactivate underperforming muscles neurologically, progress exercise programs safely, and combine movement patterns to build strength and functional challenge over time.

Ivan Gadzic (RMT and R.Kin) has several years of experience working in a hospital-based outpatient clinic serving both referred patients and members of the public. This practice setting has allowed him the opportunity to treat patients under both professions and experience the high level of collaboration possible between the two professions.

Although remedial exercise is often a part of massage therapy practices, he’s found that working with a Kinesiologist helps RMTs focus on other areas.

“While the patient is being seen by both disciplines, the massage therapist can forgo assigning exercises and can spend more time doing the manual or hands-on parts of their role as the patient is certainly doing a lot of exercises with the Kinesiologist,” Ivan said.

When to Work Together

There are a lot of different situations in which working closely with a Kinesiologist would be beneficial for patient outcomes. It’s important to work together regularly, especially when you observe areas that can be more effectively treated by the other practitioner, and vice versa.

When a patient needs to prioritize exercise, close collaboration between RMTs and R.Kins is essential. David shares an example from his practice that highlights the impact of this joint approach. “I had a patient that I shared with an RMT while I was a Kinesiologist. I noted the patient had weakness in their obliques and hip flexors and recommended to the RMT (after asking if it was ok with the patient that I do so) to treat those areas,” David said. “In turn, my RMT colleague often did the same thing and made recommendations of body parts to train with the patient.”

Jessica highlighted the importance of combining manual therapy with guided movement and has found that it is most beneficial for RMTs to collaborate closely with Kinesiologists when patients struggle to follow through with remedial exercise programs on their own.

“Massage therapy can reduce symptoms and improve tissue quality, but long-term change typically requires movement and habit changes,” Jessica said. “When a patient works with a Kinesiologist, either through individualized exercise rehabilitation or structured group programming, it can significantly improve adherence and long-term outcomes.”

Ivan notes that for post-surgical patients, the combination of manual therapy and expert exercise guidance is particularly effective, making it a key area for RMT and R.Kin collaboration. “The active portion with the Kinesiologist helps with regaining strength, mobility and coordination, while the passive portion with the RMT reduces swelling, pain, and also helps with mobility,” Ivan said.

How to Collaborate Effectively

Collaboration between RMTs and Kinesiologists has a variety of benefits, including potentially improved patient outcomes such as reduced pain and improved range of motion. These dual registrants, in addition to identifying situations where this collaboration is most beneficial, have provided insights into how RMTs can make this collaboration as successful as possible.

Effective communication is essential for successful collaboration. David has found that within a patient’s circle of care, a simple exchange of clinical observations and treatment recommendations is often all that's required to align care.

Jessica found that the communication between professionals often happens indirectly through the patient rather than through direct professional dialogue. She recommends strengthening direct communication between providers in order to improve continuity of care and allow exercise programs to more precisely address what is being identified during treatment sessions. She also found that communication is most effective when focused on specific areas.

“Effective communication between an RMT and a Kinesiologist should focus on identifying postural patterns, mobility restrictions, and movement limitations that can be addressed through both treatment and exercise,” Jessica said. “Ideally, the RMT can share observations about areas of tension, compensation, or restricted movement, while the Kinesiologist integrates that information into targeted exercise programming.”

In addition to regular opportunities for communication, Ivan emphasized that it’s important for both practitioners to re-assess the patient prior to changing their treatment and accurately document their findings and changes to the treatment plan to allow the other practitioner to be up-to-date in between in-person discussions.

“Early discussions help establish shared understanding of the patient’s goals and limitations, while ongoing updates ensure both the Kinesiologists and RMT are aligned as the patient progresses,” Ivan said. “Dedicating time for these discussions (such as during weekly clinic rounds) is very helpful in facilitating effective communication, as busy schedules can make it very challenging to find time.”

Collaboration thrives on mutual input. David suggests focusing on how each professional’s unique skills support the other, noting: “Focus on the positive contributions from each profession and how they are complementary.”

Jessica finds the biggest barrier to collaboration is a lack of access. Since Kinesiologists are less widely recognized by insurers in Ontario, they can sometimes be harder to find than other regulated health professionals in clinical settings. She recommends that RMTs interested in collaborating more closely with Kinesiologists look for Kinesiologists working in multidisciplinary clinics or fitness facilities.

“Open conversations about shared patient goals, mutual referrals, and collaborative care approaches can help build those professional relationships over time,” Jessica said.

Once you’ve identified potential partners, Ivan suggests meeting to align on patient care. “Discuss the specific services each practitioner provides and map out progressions for your shared patients,” he advises. By communicating openly and focusing on the contributions that can be made by each practitioner, you can build strong relationships between RMTs and Kinesiologists for the benefit of your mutual patients.

Conclusion

A collaborative relationship between RMTs and Kinesiologists is a natural fit for musculoskeletal recovery. Although geographic or institutional barriers can make connecting a challenge, the effort to bridge that gap is well worth it. Using the advice from these dual-registrants, you can begin to foster strong professional relationships that go beyond simple referrals. Ultimately, a unified approach between manual therapy and movement science is what helps patients return to their regular function and stay there.

Discipline Tribunal Sets Aside Allegations Deemed Outside of Scope of Investigation

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 16:33:21 GMT

In a recent case[1] that has application to RMTs, the Discipline Tribunal allowed a motion to set aside allegations of professional misconduct against a chiropodist because they fell outside the scope of the investigation authorized by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC), and the chiropodist was not provided with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

This case is significant because health professional colleges, including the CMTO, have typically taken a broad view of the scope of a Registrar-initiated investigation (i.e., an investigation commenced without a complaint), which has always generated great concern from health professionals.

The facts of the case are that the ICRC authorized a Registrar’s investigation regarding concerns that the chiropodist:

may be practicing pursuant to a conflict of interest by virtue of his position as a medical director of an orthotics lab;
may have failed to report a practice site to the College of Chiropodists of Ontario (CCO) in relation to his involvement with the orthotics lab; and
may have prescribed orthotics manufactured with the use of foam box, which is a process that is noncompliant with CCO standards.

The ICRC investigated these concerns and prepared an investigation report, which was provided to the chiropodist for comment.

Subsequently, the ICRC conducted further investigations into whether the chiropodist was working at multiple practice locations on the same dates and times. An addendum report addressing this scheduling issue was also provided to the chiropodist for comment.

The ICRC ultimately issued a Notice of Hearing referring various allegations of professional misconduct to the Discipline Tribunal. In addition to the allegations that were investigated and set out in the reports that had been provided to the chiropodist, the Notice of Hearing also included new allegations concerning the chiropodist’s “prescribing practices” relating to orthotics, including among other items, over-prescribing, failing to perform assessments to determine medical necessity and recordkeeping. To confirm, these concerns about “prescribing practices” had not been identified nor analyzed in the reports that had been provided to the chiropodist.

The Discipline Panel concluded that these new allegations constituted a different type of issue that was factually unrelated to the reasonable and probable grounds that authorized the Registrar’s investigation. To elaborate, the Discipline Tribunal held that the reasonable and probable grounds to believe the chiropodist had an improper relationship with an orthotics lab was unconnected to the chiropodist’s prescribing practices. As a result, the Discipline Tribunal did not believe that the new allegations were within the scope of the investigation initiated by the Registrar.

The Discipline Tribunal further held that the new allegations were not “related to the report,” as the report did not identify any such concerns and the chiropodist had no opportunity to respond to them. The Discipline Tribunal rejected the argument that the inclusion of patient charts in the investigation report permitted the ICRC to refer any allegation arising from its review of those charts. Rather, it stated that any concern must be expressly identified in the report and must relate to the issues that formed the basis of the reasonable and probable grounds for the investigation.

The Discipline Tribunal also summarized the applicable procedural requirements for Registrar investigations as follows:

An investigation can commence where the Registrar has reasonable and probable grounds to believe the registrant committed professional misconduct and authorization for the investigation is obtained from the ICRC;
The investigation must have a defined scope, limited to the issues that formed the basis of the reasonable and probable grounds, interpreted generously. Investigative powers can only be exercised in matters relating to that scope;
The findings of the investigation must be set out in a report and provided to the registrant for comment; and
Any allegations referred to the Discipline Tribunal must be based on the concerns identified in the report provided to the registrant.

This decision has application to all types of health professionals, including RMTs, and confirms that Registrar investigations are not unfettered and must be confined to the issues that gave rise to the investigation. As such, if the CMTO were to identify a new issue during the course of an investigation, it must obtain authorization from the ICRC to investigate the issue, which must be supported by reasonable and probable grounds. The decision also reinforces the requirement that RMTs must be informed of investigative findings and given a meaningful opportunity to respond.

As there have been very few, if any, cases that have explored the jurisdictional ambit of Registrar investigations, I would expect that this decision will be relied upon in future cases where the CMTO is alleged to have exceeded the scope of the authorized investigation.

About the Author

Lad Kucis is certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a specialist in health law and provides advice and representation to registered massage therapists in respect of all types of regulatory matters, including complaint and disciplinary matters before the CMTO, and complaint reviews before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board.

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

[1] College of Chiropodists of Ontario (CCO) v. Ku (December 9, 2025)

How to Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse Complaints

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 17:05:00 GMT

As a lawyer who regularly represents registered massage therapists in CMTO matters, I have seen far too many cases in which an RMT faces false allegations of sexual abuse. Unfortunately, the very nature of massage therapy places RMTs at a higher risk of such complaints compared to other health professions.

Being the subject of a sexual abuse complaint is extremely distressing and can carry serious professional consequences, including the potential revocation of one’s certificate of registration.

In my experience, most sexual abuse complaints are preventable and arise from misunderstandings, shortcomings in communications, or lapses in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

To help address this, I have prepared 12 key tips aimed at reducing the risk of a sexual abuse complaint being filed against an RMT:

Do not treat a sensitive area without having the patient complete the Consent for Assessment and Treatment of Sensitive Areas Treatment Form (the “Sensitive Areas Form”)
- It is a legal requirement to have a patient complete this form before treating a sensitive area (i.e. gluteals, upper inner thigh, breasts, chest wall)
- A failure to have this form in place could make someone question whether you followed other standards and your professionalism in general

Ensure that you carefully explain the Sensitive Areas Treatment Form
- It is insufficient to merely have a patient sign the form. Rather, you must ensure that you carefully explain all aspects of the form

Be very careful in respect of draping
- Discussing draping before commencing treatment
- Always keep patients properly draped except for the area being worked on
- Ask for verbal confirmation before adjusting or moving sheets/towels
- Ensure proper draping when a patient turns over

Be very explicit about treating a sensitive area
- Advise a patient before treating a sensitive area
- Obtain a further verbal consent before treating a sensitive area

Communicate continuously and transparently
- Ensure that you clearly communicate the areas to be treated at the outset of the appointment
- Advise the patient before proceeding to a new body part
- Consistently check in with the patient regarding pressure and comfort
- If a patient expresses any concerns about treatment - stop and discuss
- Open communication reduces misunderstandings

Maintain professional boundaries
- Keep conversations professional and neutral
- Avoid any discussions of a personal nature, especially relating to relationships, dating, sexuality, etc.
- Avoid accepting or sharing inappropriate disclosures
- Avoid flirting or complements

Be especially vigilant in the way you interact with new patients
- In my experience, the vast majority of sexual abuse complaints involve new patients, often first-time patients
- New patients have no history with you and are much more likely to jump to incorrect conclusions

Control the environment
- Be careful to ensure that the treatment room remains professional
- Avoid using romantic music or overly dim lighting
- Dress professionally

Mandate parental attendance while treating a minor
- Treating a minor, including a teenager, without parent attendance is a very risky practice, and exposes RMTs to a heightened risk of complaint
- Accusations from minors often come across as more believable and carry a heightened level of stigma

Look for cues
- If a patient does not appear to understand what you are saying, it is imperative that you repeat/revisit the issue involved
- If a patient appears uncomfortable, ensure that you immediately check in to see what is going on
- Minimize discussions with a patient who is not engaging in two-way discussion

Be careful with documentation
- Avoid any commentary of a personal nature in the clinical note
- Ensure that clinical notes are detailed and that any issues/concerns are clearly documented

Avoid “surprises”
- Do not say or do anything that could surprise the patient (i.e. treating body parts not requested/discussed, utilizing techniques not discussed, unanticipated draping practices, disclosing highly personal information)
- Surprising a patient often makes them question your professionalism – and can make them re-assess the appropriateness of your other conduct

I hope the above guidance proves useful and motivates RMTs to consider further strategies for reducing the risk of such complaints.

About the Author

Lad can be reached by telephone at 416.864.3114 or by email at lkucis@grllp.com.

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:56:00 GMT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual General Meeting of the Registered Massage Therapists' Association of Ontario will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 9:00am at the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel & Conference Centre, Toronto, located at 801 Dixon Rd. Toronto, ON

At the Annual General Meeting, members and stakeholders will receive important information about the activities of the RMTAO over the past year.

The following matters constitute the agenda:

Call to Order, Welcome and Introductions
Approval of the Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on February 1, 2025 Download the 2025 AGM Draft Minutes
Board Chair's Report on behalf of the Board of Directors
Executive Director's Report on Operations
Auditor's Report & Audited Financial Statements for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2025
Appointment of the Auditor
Report on the Election of Directors
Presentation of RMTAO Awards
Such other business as may properly come before the meeting.

By order of the Board of Directors dated at Toronto, Ontario, the 24th day of November 2025.

Important Notes

Vote by Proxy

If you are unable to attend the Annual General Meeting in person at the date and time stated above, please complete the Proxy Form that is available for download below and return it to the RMTAO by mail, fax or other electronic version prior to 4:00 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026. In order for the AGM to proceed, 1% of the members must be present in person/virtually or by proxy, which means a large number of proxies will be required.

Download the AGM Proxy Form

Live Stream the Event

The RMTAO will be live-streaming the Annual General Meeting for those unable to attend in person. Please note that those streaming the meeting will not be able to vote but are welcome to submit a proxy form. The link to stream the meeting will be provided prior to the meeting, and you must register in advance.

Awards Presentation

During the AGM, we will also be presenting the annual RMTAO awards to RMTs who have made outstanding contributions to the massage therapy profession and to the Association. This is a great opportunity to honour and thank your peers for their contributions.

Guest Speaker Presentation: Consent Comes First: Cultivating a Culture of Care in Massage Therapy by Farrah Khan

From the #MeToo movement to healthcare settings, there's an unprecedented conversation about sexual harassment happening across North America. For massage therapists, this conversation is long overdue: 73% of Ontario RMTs have been subjected to sexual harassment by patients, according to a new study by the RMTAO.

Drawing from two decades of experience as a social worker, educator and policy advisor, Farrah Khan delivers a trauma-informed, interactive keynote that addresses sexual harassment by patients. This keynote is grounded in three critical truths: it's never your fault when someone harms you, you are not alone, and we believe you. Together, we will explore practical strategies to enhance safety through policy, procedures, and best practices. Using real scenarios, the ABCs of Intervention model, and the CARE framework, participants will learn harm reduction strategies, exit planning techniques, how to support colleagues, and their rights under OHSA.

You will leave with concrete tools to help build the profession we all deserve, one where safety, support, and well-being are non-negotiable.

Read more about Farrah Khan

Farrah Khan is a global leader in preventing and responding to workplace sexual harassment. With over two decades of experience as a trauma counsellor, educator, and policy advisor, she works with organizations to build trauma-informed systems that protect workers and centre survivors. As CEO of Possibility Seeds, Farrah led Courage to Act, the first national collaborative project addressing gender-based violence in Canadian post-secondary institutions, engaging 3,500 stakeholders and producing 82 accessible resources.

She established Consent Comes First, one of Canada's first stand-alone campus sexual violence support offices at Toronto Metropolitan University. Farrah has shaped policy at all levels of government, including serving on the inaugural Gender Equality Advisory Council for the 2018 G7 Summit and co-chairing Ontario's first permanent provincial roundtable on Violence Against Women. Her work has earned national recognition, including the Governor General's Award for Excellence in the Arts (2022) and the YWCA Toronto Woman of Distinction Award (2025). Farrah is the creator of the BRAVE Model© and CARE Model©, trauma-informed disclosure frameworks. The BRAVE Model is globally recognized and has trained over 100,000 people to support survivors with care, clarity, and accountability. Farrah's work bridges lived experience with bold, practical solutions to help organizations build more compassionate and equitable futures.

You must register in advance to attend the event in person or stream the event online.

Sample Social Media Posts - OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:23:00 GMT

Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) treating people injured under Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) are required to have another health professional sign their OCF-18 treatment and assessment form. This is an unnecessary administrative burden to both RMTs and other health professionals that causes delays to patient care. RMTs are able to independently assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in every other circumstance, and many RMTs do not treat people under HCAI due to this administrative burden.

Changing this would require a change in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABs), to include RMTs as one of the listed Health Practitioners able to sign the OCF-18 form. This change would ultimately need to be made by the Ontario Ministry of Finance. The RMTAO met with a variety of MPPs advocating for this change, as well as with key decision makers within the Ministry of Finance. This was also one of our key asks of the Ontario government during our Queen’s Park Day on October 22, 2025.

Many government officials have expressed interest in this issue and have agreed that this is an unnecessary barrier to the delivery of effective and important healthcare. However, there is still work to do to ensure that this change is made.

We have created a series of five ready-to-share posts that you can use to tag your MPP, and increase their awareness of why this requirement is an unnecessary barrier to healthcare as well as garner their support for allowing RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms.

If you're not sure who your MPP is, you can click here to search by postal code.

This follows our recent letter-writing campaign which encouraged members to write directly to their MPPs requesting support for RMTs to independently sign OCF-18 forms. If you haven’t yet written to your MPP, click here for a template letter that you can send.

We encourage all Ontario RMTs to share these social media posts and send letters to their MPP as a way to show their support for this initiative.

Letter to MPPs – OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:54:00 GMT

As you may know, RMTs can’t sign the OCF-18 Treatment and Assessment Plan forms for individuals who have been in a motor vehicle accident, as they are not explicitly listed in the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. This results in barriers to care, worsened patient outcomes, administrative headaches for RMTs and patients, among other issues.

Building on our past advocacy efforts to address this issue, which include meetings with the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Red-Tape Reduction and other MPPs, you can help by sending a letter to your MPP requesting that they contact the Minister of Finance, asking for his support in changing this legislation so that RMTs are able to independently sign the OCF-18 form.

The time to act is now! The government is currently determining their budget for the next fiscal year, and we can bring about this change by getting it included in the next budget.

We’ve made it easy for you. You can use our quick and easy template to send a letter to your MPP to put the pressure on. If you’re unsure of who your MPP is, you can find their contact info here.

If you contact your MPP, we encourage you to let us know at info@rmtao.com so we can help support future advocacy efforts with your MPP.

MPPs are more likely to support something that is important to their constituents, so by sending a letter to your MPP, you are helping this change to the OCF-18 form become a reality.

Download our template letter to send to your MPP now

Sample Social Media Posts - Primary Care Demonstration Project

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:57:10 GMT

The RMTAO has submitted a proposal for an expanded version of our recent pilot project that embedded RMTs into a team-based, integrated primary care setting. The results of this pilot project were outstanding, with participants experiencing reduced pain, improved treatment outcomes, and improved quality of life.

The objective of this new demonstration project is to expand Ontario’s capacity to manage both acute and chronic pain using a non-pharmaceutical approach in primary care, through the integration of Registered Massage Therapists as part of comprehensive rehabilitative team-based care.

Through this project, we aim to provide policymakers and healthcare administrators with strong evidence to support the broader integration of massage therapy into Ontario's primary care system. To help secure funding and ensure the success of this initiative, we are seeking support from MPPs across the province.

We met with a wide range of MPPs about this issue during our Queen’s Park Day on October 22, but we also need the support of RMTs across Ontario to help spread the word.

We have created a series of five ready-to-share posts that you can use to tag your MPP, and increase their awareness of why they should support this project and help make massage therapy more accessible to Ontarians across the province.

If you're not sure who your MPP is, you can click here to search by postal code

Call for Nominations - RMTAO Board of Directors

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:08:00 GMT

The Board of Directors has issued a Call for Nominations for up to 4 positions of Director on the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario's (RMTAO) Board of Directors. This call for Nominations is part of the regular annual governance process as is required under the RMTAO By-laws. To be eligible for Directorship, nominees must, at the time of election and throughout the three-year term of office, be an active or life member of the Association, a member in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO), and for a period of six years have not received a finding of guilt by a CMTO Discipline Panel.

About the RMTAO

Board structure

Director's Role and Responsibilities

There is an expectation that all Board Directors fulfill the following:

Attend all scheduled board meetings including; three two-day in-person meetings, and one three-day meeting (including the Annual General Meeting).
Participate in at least two Board Committees (i.e., Audit and Finance Committee, Board Policy Committee, Board Development Committee, Membership and Elections Committee, Strategic Discussions Committee).
Attend all teleconferences as required.
Actively participate in no more 18 hours of Board-related work per month.
Adhere to the Board's fiduciary duty at all times, act with integrity and in good faith in the best interest of the Association.
Promote the Association publicly by projecting a professional image in all aspects of their careers as Massage Therapists.

Directors will be provided with Director Liability Insurance.

2026 Meeting Dates

January 30 – February 1, 2026 (Board Meeting, Orientation & AGM)
March 28 – 29, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)
June 13 – 14, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)
September 26 – 27, 2026 (2 Day Board Meeting)

Directors will be offered an honorarium and reimbursement of expenses for in-person meetings.

Candidate Qualifications

Although nominations from any RMT that is a member of the RMTAO are welcome, the Board has identified the following skills and experience which it believes it will benefit from in the coming year.

Experience reviewing or conducting formal research.
Experience with public speaking.
Experience and knowledge of human resources.
Members who are new to the profession (less than 5 years in practice).
Experience working with WSIB and Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI).
Previous experience with working/volunteering with the CMTO and/ or Program Advisory Committee.

It should be reiterated that individual nominees do not need to possess all the above attributes, however they do reflect the current needs of the board. All nominations will be considered.

Additional Skills and Experience

Do you have any experience in the profession outside of clinical practice? (E.g. Educator, Research)
Do you have any education or experience outside of the profession that would be relevant to the Board?

Nomination Procedure

Members are invited to nominate another member for a position on the Board by completing the Nomination and Consent form below.

When submitting a form, please keep the following in mind:

The nomination form must be signed by two Active or Life members in good standing, neither of which is the Nominee;
The Nominee, who must also be an Active or Life member, must complete the bottom half of the form which indicates that they consent to the nomination and will serve if elected; and
The form must be received in the RMTAO Office no later than November 7, 2025 at 5 p.m. to be valid.

Please note: All signatures do not necessarily need to be on the same form although the name of the nominee is needed on each form. The nominee must sign at least one copy. This allows nominations to be coordinated across the province.

Please be advised as follows:

IF only 4 nominations are received for 4 positions available on the Board, THEN the Bylaws stipulate that the 4 individuals will be acclaimed to the Board and no election is required;
IF more than 4 nominations are received for the 4 positions available on the Board, THEN the By-laws require that a balloting of all members be held in advance of the AGM; or
IF fewer than 4 nominations are received for the 4 vacancies on the Board, THEN the Bylaws indicate that those nominated are acclaimed and the Board of Directors may appoint individuals to fill the vacancies at its first meeting after the AGM.

For more information, please contact the Secretary of the Board:

Shannon Marshall, Secretary
secretary@rmtao.com

Download the 2025 Nomination and Consent Form

Submission Deadline: November 7, 2025, 5:00pm

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 14:00:00 GMT

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

Your Practice. Our Priority. We DARE you to join the RMTAO!

We’ve launched the DARE Refer-a-Friend campaign to encourage you to spread the word and invite your friends to join the RMTAO. Referrals help grow our community, strengthen our advocacy, raise public awareness, and build better support for RMTs. It’s a great way to give back to your professional association, and as a bonus, both you and your referred new member will be entered to win one of several great prizes!

Prizes include:

Prize pack worth $200 from OrthoCanada, including:
- 1L Sukha Massage Lotion
- Sukha Digital Heating Pad
- Sukha Full Round Bolster
- Sukha 3 Piece Microfiber Sheet Set
2 - 3-month GoodLife Fitness membership
Apple AirPods from Noterro
$100 Canadian Tire gift card provided by Robertson Hall
2 - $50 Tim Hortons gift cards provided by Alliance
6 months of ClinicSense
6 months free with Intelligent Office worth over $800 and $250 service credit. Service Credit can be used to pay for room bookings (Including RMT rooms or for live phone answering service).
Goodie bag from Perkopolis
One free RMTAO webinar
Free RMTAO membership for one year

How do you enter the contest? It’s simple! Refer someone to join the RMTAO who wasn’t a member during the 2024-2025 membership year (a brand new member, or a former member!). You will receive one contest draw entry for every new RMTAO member you refer.

You can use the sample social media posts and graphics, email template to send to non-members, member testimonials and a shareable Top 10 reasons to join the RMTAO graphic below to encourage someone to join.

Download the email template to send to non-members

Click here to share member testimonials

Click the image to download the shareable graphic - Benefits of RMTAO membership - Top 10 Reasons to Join

Click on the images below to download the high-resolution images. You can also copy and paste the sample social media text to use with the images on your own social media. Feel free to get creative by mixing and matching images and text to create multiple social media posts!
	I DARE you to join the RMTAO, a community that supports your growth, your career, and the future of massage therapy. If you’re ready to take your practice to the next level, the RMTAO is where you want to be! Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport
	Thinking of joining RMTAO? Now’s the perfect time! You’ll get: Advocacy for your profession Career-building resources Practice support Member-only perks and discounts A community of like-minded RMTs That’s why I’m a member—and why I think you should be too! DARE to Join the RMTAO today! Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport
	We’re stronger when we stand together. The RMTAO supports our profession, advocates for our future, and helps us grow. If you’re an RMT in Ontario, DARE to Join the RMTAO. Right now, the RMTAO is running a referral contest from August 15 - October 1. If you put my name as a referral when you join, we’re both entered to win! Click here to join the RMTAO https://www.rmtao.com/join-now #DAREtoJoin #RMTAO #RMTsupport

Ways to Celebrate Massage Therapy Awareness Week - 2025

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 13:28:27 GMT

This Massage Therapy Awareness Week, from October 19-25, we invite all RMTs to help promote the value that massage therapy brings to healthcare in their local communities. We’ve provided several different resources that can help you connect with a variety of people in your local community, and promote the diverse ways that massage therapy can help people reduce pain and improve their physical function.

Our first resource can help you connect with businesses in your neighbourhood, developing mutually beneficial partnerships with local businesses that can include gyms, dance studios, midwife practices, health-focused cafes, retirement homes and more. We offer you a step-by-step guide to determining which partners would be a good fit for your business, approaching those potential partners for the first time, and developing a solid, mutually beneficial relationship.

Access our resource to help you connect with local businesses.

We’ve also developed a resource that can help you bring your community to you, by hosting an open house in your clinic space. An open house is a great way to attract new patients as well as spread the word about massage therapy and about your practice. This resource will help you figure out the goals for your open house event, which will be unique to your practice, and will also help you promote the event and set up your space.

Access the open house resource

Our final initiative during Massage Therapy Awareness Week is a great way you can get involved in spreading the word about massage therapy during Massage Therapy Awareness Week. We have created a fill-in-the-blank poster, which you can print out and fill out what massage therapy means to you. We encourage you to take a photo of yourself holding this poster filled out, and share it during Massage Therapy Awareness week between October 19-25 using the hashtag #MTAW2025 to spread the word widely about how massage therapy can benefit people.

Download our poster

We will also be sharing a lot of content on our social media channels on Facebook and Instagram during Massage Therapy Awareness Week to spread awareness of the great benefits of massage therapy. Follow along on our channels @RMTAO, and consider sharing the content on your own channels using the hashtag #MTAW2025

Managing Last-Minute Cancellations: Policies That Work and Feel Fair

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 14:16:00 GMT

by Beth Abney, Massage Therapist & Health Coach

Let’s be real—last-minute cancellations are frustrating. They throw off your flow, mess with your income, and sometimes leave you scrambling. A solid cancellation policy can make all the difference, but it only works if it’s clear, fair, and something you’ll actually enforce. In this article, I’m sharing what’s worked in my own practice, from how to write a great cancellation policy to using waitlists and booking tools that make things easier on you and your patients.

Why Cancellations Happen—And Why Boundaries Matter

Life happens. We all have days when plans fall apart—patients forget, schedules shift, kids get sick. As RMTs, we know these things come up. But when you’re running a practice, especially on your own or in a small clinic, those no-shows and last-minute cancellations can really affect your day, your income, and your ability to care for others.

That’s where boundaries come in.

Some RMTs feel uncomfortable setting or enforcing policies because they don’t want to come off as rigid or unsupportive. But clear boundaries aren’t about being strict—they’re about being consistent. And consistency is one of the best ways to build a loyal patient base. Patients want to know what’s expected of them. They look to you to create the structure that supports the therapeutic relationship.

When you communicate your cancellation policy clearly and kindly, you’re not just protecting your time—you’re also removing confusion for your patients and reinforcing mutual respect. That’s the foundation of any long-term therapeutic relationship. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, check out 8 Tips to Build a Loyal Patient Base.

How to Write a Great Cancellation Policy

Now that you know why you need a cancellation policy, let’s talk about how to create one that actually works for you.

Start by asking yourself:

How much notice do I realistically need to fill a cancelled spot or adjust my day?
Is my schedule fully booked with a waitlist, or am I still building my practice?
Am I seeing mostly repeat patients, or do I have lots of new bookings?

These answers will help you decide on a reasonable notice period and whether a cancellation fee makes sense. But don’t stop there—check in with how your policy feels. If your gut reaction is, “This feels a bit harsh,” it’s okay to soften it. If it makes you feel protected and respected, you’re probably on the right track. The key is to create something you’ll actually follow through on.

Once you’ve figured that out, here’s how to write a great cancellation policy that’s clear and fair:

Set a defined notice window—24 or 48 hours are common.

Clearly state your fee for missed appointments or late cancellations.

Use kind, professional language (e.g., “to ensure access to care for all patients…”).

Keep it brief—2–3 sentences is plenty.

Make sure patients see it: include it on your website, booking page, email confirmations, and appointment reminders. Most booking software allows you to require agreement to your policy before confirming an appointment.

Example Cancellation Policy:

Please provide at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or changes. Missed appointments or late cancellations may be subject to a fee of 50% of the treatment cost. This helps ensure we can continue to offer timely care to all patients.

Enforcing Your Policy Without Losing Patients

Worried that enforcing a cancellation fee might scare patients away? Don’t be.

The truth is, the patients who consistently cancel last minute or don’t show up aren’t helping you build a sustainable practice. Respect goes both ways, and setting boundaries around your time doesn’t make you unfriendly—it makes you professional.

And here's the good news: enforcing your policy doesn’t have to feel personal. In fact, it shouldn’t.

One of the easiest ways to take yourself out of the awkward equation is to use your systems. Use massage booking software to help manage your patient bookings by implementing a required cancellation policy acceptance upon booking! When patients see and agree to the policy upfront, there’s no surprise, no negotiation, and no uncomfortable conversations. It becomes a simple matter of logistics—not a personal conflict.

This small step reinforces that your time is valuable and sets the tone for a professional relationship from the very beginning.

Use Waitlist Management to Fill Cancellations

Having a strong cancellation policy—and actually enforcing it—will reduce the number of no-shows you deal with. But there will still be times when someone cancels last-minute or doesn’t show up at all. Charging a fee is one way to protect your income. But you know what’s even better? Filling the spot.

That’s why you need a waitlist.

When you’ve got patients eager to get in, a cancellation becomes an opportunity instead of a loss. You get to make someone’s day with a quick call or message: “Hey! A spot just opened up for you.”

Waitlist management is simple if you use booking software with that feature built in. Patients can sign up to be notified automatically when a time becomes available, and you don’t have to lift a finger. Personally, I love anything that can be automated. Managing a practice is already enough work.

If you don’t use a system with waitlist functionality, you can still manage it manually. In my practice, I sometimes prefer the flexibility of choosing whether to fill a gap or enjoy a longer break. Either way, having a list of people ready to go makes the choice yours.

Here are a few tips on how to build a waitlist:

Ask patients about their ideal days/times when they book.
If you don’t have a perfect fit, offer what you do have—and get something on the books.
Then let them know you’ll reach out if something opens up sooner.
Keep a simple list with names, preferences, and notes. Use your software if it’s available—or go old school with a notebook or whiteboard.

Whether you automate it or DIY, a waitlist is a great tool to keep your schedule full and your patients happy.

How Online Booking Permissions Can Save You

So, you’ve got a clear cancellation policy and a system in place to fill last-minute openings. But what about collecting fees—or dealing with repeat offenders? That’s often the part RMTs dread most.

If that makes your stomach turn, don’t worry. There’s a way to handle this without uncomfortable conversations—and that’s by using your software to do the hard work for you.

In my own practice, I use booking software to take care of these situations so I don’t have to get personally involved. You can customize online booking to support your boundaries, protect your time, and enforce your policies—automatically.

Here’s how:

Most booking software allows you to require a credit card to book. Set your system to collect cards only for new patients, or for all patients if you prefer. That card on file becomes your built-in No Show Guard, helping deter people from booking if they’re not fully committed.

Once you’ve communicated your cancellation policy and have a credit card on file, enforcing your policy becomes a click—not a confrontation.

You deserve to feel safe, respected, and in control of your schedule. Don’t be afraid to use the tools available to make that happen.

Tools That Help: Automating Communication & Rebooking

Let’s do a quick recap. Throughout this article, we’ve talked about tools and strategies that can make cancellations less stressful and your schedule more predictable.

Use appointment reminders to reduce no-shows, and booking software that allows you to communicate your policy clearly, collect consent at the time of booking, and—if needed—require a deposit or store a card on file to enforce your policy without confrontation.

If you’re introducing a new cancellation policy, send a friendly email to your patient list explaining what’s changing, why it matters, and how it helps you provide better care. Most people will appreciate the clarity and professionalism.

And don’t forget your waitlist! Whether automated through your booking system or manually managed, it’s a smart way to help patients get the times they want while also reinforcing the value of your time and the demand for your services.

When it’s all working together, these systems save you time, reduce stress, and help you create a great cancellation policy that actually works—for both you and your patients.

	The requirement for a third-party health professional to sign an OCF-18 form causes delayed patient care, with 85% of RMTs surveyed reporting delays at least some of the time. Delays lead to halted progress, emotional distress and increased pain. That’s why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support RMTs signing their own OCF-18 form by asking the Minister of Finance to make a change to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule. We need to remove barriers to Ontarians receiving the healthcare they need, when they need it. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #patientcentred #patientaccess
	Unnecessary administrative burdens take away time that health professionals could spend on patient care. The requirement for a third-party health professional to sign an RMT’s OCF-18 form takes away time from both RMTs and other health professionals, time that could be better used providing healthcare to their patients. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to connect with the Minister of Finance to request that he change legislation to allow RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #PatientsBeforePaperwork #RedTape #AdministrativeBurden
	Patients should be able to chose the healthcare option that works best for them. RMTs often limit the number of patients they treat under HCAI due to the administrative burden of the third-party signature requirement for the OCF-18 form. This is why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support patient choice in healthcare by asking the Minister of Finance to allow RMTs to sign their own OCF-18 forms. Changing this requirement will increase patients’ treatment options. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #PatientEmpowerment #PatientCentredCare #PatientExperience
	RMTs can assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in most circumstances. However, when treating patients injured in an automobile accident RMTs are required to get another health professional to sign their OCF-18 form. This an unnecessary barrier to care, which is why I’m asking (YourMPPHandle) to ask the Minister of Finance to allow RMTs to sign their OCF-18 forms. This will ensure that patients have access to the regulated health professional they need, when they need them. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #OntarioHealthcare #healthprofessional #RegulatedHealthProfessional #RegisteredMassageTherapist
	Many Ontarians can’t access the healthcare they need simply because of cost. Many health professionals will charge to sign an RMT’s OCF-18 form, ultimately increasing the healthcare cost to patients. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to ask the Minister of Finance to support RMTs signing their OCF-18 forms. This will decrease healthcare costs and ensure that more patients have access to care. Remove barriers to improve care. @RMTAO @ONgov #onpoli #onthealth #HealthcareCosts #HealthcareForAll

	Access to massage therapy is out of reach for many people who need it to manage pain simply because they can’t afford it. That’s why I’m calling on (@YourMPPHandle) to support the RMTAO’s proposal to integrate massage therapy into primary care teams across Ontario. Everyone deserves access to the care they need, when and where they need it. Massage therapy in primary care would improve pain management and wellbeing for people in our community. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #teambasedcare #primarycareteam #healthcareteam #OntarioHealth
	RMTs already work alongside other healthcare professionals to reduce pain, improve movement, and support better quality of life. But not everyone can access this care. That’s why I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support the integration of RMTs into more primary care teams so people across Ontario can benefit. Everyone deserves access to a diverse and complete healthcare team. Let’s make care more comprehensive and more equitable. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #OntarioHealth #healthcare #primarycare #teambasedcare
	Massage therapy helps people recover from injury, manage chronic conditions, and reach their health goals, but not everyone can access it. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into primary care teams across Ontario. Let’s build stronger, more complete healthcare teams that work for everyone. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #primarycareteam #OntarioHealth #healthcareaccess #teambasedcare
	Massage therapy can help people take less pain medication and see their doctor less often, but access is still limited to those who can afford it. RMTs in primary care will support pain management, improve access to care, and reduce the burden on our healthcare system. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into more primary care teams across Ontario. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #teambasedcare #healthcareteam #OntarioHealth #primarycare #healthcareaccess
	Over 3 million Ontarians live with chronic pain, but access to effective care like massage therapy is still limited by income. RMTs in primary care can help people manage chronic pain, improve function, and access the care they need, close to home. I’m asking (@YourMPPHandle) to support integrating RMTs into more primary care teams across Ontario. Support healthcare for all. @RMTAO #primarycare #teambasedcare #OntarioHealth #healthcareaccess

RMTAO Blog

Ideas, resources, and inspiration for celebrating MTAW

Call for Nominations - RMTAO Board of Directors

Welcome to the 2026–2027 RMTAO Membership Year

Advocacy that works for you

A stronger association, built around your needs

Professional growth, connection and support

Listening to our members

Moving forward, together

What Your Hands Carry Home: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue and Mental Health for RMTs

Why does massage therapy take an emotional toll?

How can you tell stress is affecting you?

How does your nervous system shape a treatment?

What helps RMTs manage stress during the workday?

1. Open and close your day with a ritual

2. Keep a small grounding kit within reach

3. Ground yourself during a treatment

4. Reset between patients

5. Plan your schedule with recovery in mind

How can you build self-care into your work?

How can boundaries protect you and your work?

1. Containment and scope

2. Relational boundaries

3. Safety

When is it time to reach out for support?

Sources

RMTAO Appoints Kat Orr as Executive Director and CEO

Opportunity: Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer (3-Year Contract)

How to Avoid an Audit from an Extended Health Insurer: A Primer for RMTs

How To Choose The Right Office Space For RMT Practices

What You’ll Learn

Start with Your Business Goals

What Should I Look for in the Space?

Demographics

Parking and Location

Accessibility

Zoning

How Can I Negotiate My Lease?

What Costs Should I Consider Before Committing to a Private Office?

Should I Rent or Buy for My RMT Practice?

A Practical Starting Point for Private Office Space

Test the Right Space for Your Practice

Important Leadership Update from the RMTAO Board of Directors

Combining Massage Therapy and Kinesiology in Your Care

Discipline Tribunal Sets Aside Allegations Deemed Outside of Scope of Investigation

How to Reduce the Risk of Sexual Abuse Complaints

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Important Notes

Vote by Proxy

Live Stream the Event

Awards Presentation

Guest Speaker Presentation: Consent Comes First: Cultivating a Culture of Care in Massage Therapy by Farrah Khan

Sample Social Media Posts - OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Suggested posts and captions:

Letter to MPPs – OCF-18 Signature Requirement

Sample Social Media Posts - Primary Care Demonstration Project

Suggested posts and captions:

Call for Nominations - RMTAO Board of Directors

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

DARE Refer-A-Friend Toolkit

Ways to Celebrate Massage Therapy Awareness Week - 2025

Managing Last-Minute Cancellations: Policies That Work and Feel Fair

Why Cancellations Happen—And Why Boundaries Matter

How to Write a Great Cancellation Policy

Enforcing Your Policy Without Losing Patients

Use Waitlist Management to Fill Cancellations

How Online Booking Permissions Can Save You

Tools That Help: Automating Communication & Rebooking