Registered Massage Therapists Lobby to Play Key Role in Hospice, Home & Long-Term Care

Last November, the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario (RMTAO) held its first-ever Queen’s Park Lobby Day.

This event provided an opportunity for registered massage therapists to meet with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) from all political parties to discuss the benefits of massage therapy and the role that massage therapists can play in health care.

Robin Martin, a Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, discussed the role of massage therapy in the treatment of chronic pain and mental health associated with the provincial opioid crisis. France Gélinas, an NDP Health Critic and physiotherapist by training, also spoke about massage therapy in the treatment of low-back pain, hospice and home care, and addressing the opioid crisis. Ms. Gélinas expressed her appreciation for the benefits of massage therapy for musculoskeletal issues in all of these areas.

During meeting with MPPs from all parties, RMTAO representatives highlighted the benefits of massage therapy to treat:

  • chronic pain
  • address the physical symptoms of mental health issues
  • and the role of massage therapy in hospice, home care, seniors’ care and long-term care.

MPPs were extremely enthusiastic and supportive and offered to:

  • attend massage therapy events in their ridings,
  • champion the inclusion of massage therapy in relevant government health initiatives,
  • and act as a liaison between the RMTAO and key policymakers and researchers.

RMTAO representatives were excited to receive multiple requests for additional meetings with MPPs, Ministers and key committee members.

In particular, the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario will be

  • approaching new partnerships with seniors’ care policy groups,
  • consulting with a member of the committee that will be examining the evolution of the Auto Insurance Benefit and the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedules (SABS),
  • and connecting with the chair of the Premier’s Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine.

Ajax registered massage therapists Jessica Raedisch and Rolf Castanheiro would like to thank the volunteer RMTAO members who gave of their time and expertise to help the RMTAO build and maintain relationships with government representatives.