About Camino Health & Wellness

Massage therapy is certainly not a new concept. Literature exists dating back thousands of years that describes various forms of massage techniques employed by our ancient ancestors to reduce pain, increase circulation or encourage well-being. From the ancient Greeks to the Chinese dynasty period, evidence can be found showing human touch as a healing modality (Basmajian, 1985).  

While most places around the world practice some form of massage, in Canada, specifically in British Columbia (BC), it is a regulated healthcare profession that has a rigorous educational curriculum.  Massage therapy today is often used in conjuncture with other modalities in treatment of injuries, illnesses and chronic pain management.   

For those that see a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) regularly, they will know that there are many different styles and techniques that can be used to treat.  While each specific RMT treatment may look or feel different from the next, all registered massage therapists operate within the scope of practice set out by the governing body.  The practice of massage therapy in BC includes assessments and treatment of soft tissue and joints of the body through manipulation, mobilization & other manual methods for the purpose of maintaining, rehabilitating, relieving pain or promoting health.  

There are specific activities that an RMT may NOT perform, those include:

   ›Prescribe or administer drugs or anaesthetics

   ›Treat a recent fracture of a bone

   ›Apply any form of medical electricity,

   ›Move a joint of the spine beyond the limits the body can voluntarily achieve using a high velocity, low amplitude thrust.

Regulation of the massage therapy profession differs across Canada.  In British Columbia, the massage profession is regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) . The CMTBC is one of several colleges in BC that acts as a health regulator under the Health Care Act.  Registered Massage Therapists are required to complete a 2200-3000hr educational program by an accredited institution as well as successful completion of the CMTBC entry to practice requirements and exams.  

Furthermore,  RMTs must follow the industry's Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.  Each year, a minimum number of professional development and continuing education credits to maintain his or her RMT status. 

The following are protected titles in BC and may only be legally used by current registrants of the College:

• Massage Therapist 
• Registered Massage Therapist 
• Massage Practitioner
• Registered Massage Practitioner