Massage Therapy in PEI
Regulation Background
Massage therapy was designated as a regulated health profession in the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada, on March 1, 2019. The provincial government established the College of Massage Therapists of Prince Edward Island (CMTPEI) to regulate the practice of massage therapy and to govern the conduct of Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) through the provisions of the Regulated Health Professions Act and its Massage Therapists Regulations.
The CMTPEI should not be confused with the PEI Massage Therapy Association – a membership-based, professional association which, prior to Regulation, held its members accountable to a code of ethics and standards of practice in order to maintain their membership with the Association. The Association was not and is not a regulatory body.
About Massage Therapy
Definition
Massage therapy is defined under the Massage Therapists Regulations as:
The assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, relieve pain or promote health.
Applying their knowledge of anatomy and physiology, massage therapists use a variety of modern and well-established massage techniques, as well as remedial exercise, hydrotherapy (use of heat or cold) and other therapies to treat their clients.
Massage Therapy Treatment
Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health.
Massage therapy treatment has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems. Physical function can be developed, maintained and improved; and physical dysfunction and pain and the effects of stress can be relieved or prevented through the use of Massage Therapy.
You and Your Massage Therapist
Your massage therapist will develop a personal treatment plan based on your case history and physical assessment. Before beginning treatment, the massage therapist will explain the treatment plan in order to obtain your consent to begin treatment. Massage will be within the client’s comfort level and clients can request changes or withdraw consent at any time. Your massage therapist must also obtain your consent to work on any part of your body, regardless of whether you are fully clothed, or fully or partially covered with sheets or blankets.
Your privacy will be respected. All information is kept strictly confidential unless required to be released by law or for medical reasons, with your consent.
Healthcare Coverage
Massage therapy is not covered by Health PEI, but many private insurance companies cover treatment from a Registered Massage Therapist as part of their extended healthcare plans. Please consult your policy. All massage therapists registered with the College are Registered Massage Therapists.
Quality Care
A member of the public who has a concern about the care received from a massage therapist should contact the Registrar of the College. Strict confidence is maintained in answering all concerns.
If you feel that a massage therapist practicing in PEI has conducted himself or herself improperly, you may consider filing a complaint.