MTAM Scope of Practice

The term “scope of practice” refers to the specific practices that are permitted in a particular profession. In the case of massage therapy, this involves the manipulation of a person’s soft tissues for therapeutic purposes. This includes maintaining, rehabilitating, and improving physical function, as well as relieving pain and promoting overall health. In Canada, the scope of practice for massage therapy is typically defined in provincial Acts, which apply to regulated provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

In jurisdictions such as Manitoba where there is no regulation, the MTAM association, which is a member of the Canadian Massage Therapy Association (CMTA), adheres to the scope of practice outlined by the Federation of Massage Therapy Regulatory Authorities (FOMTRAC) practice competencies.

These competencies were established by the profession in 2012 and updated in 2016: http://www.fomtrac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/FOMTRAC-PCs-PIs-September-2016.pdf.

MTAM members will use a number of in-scope modalities to help their clients. Some of the most commonly used modalities are:

• Swedish massage techniques
• More focused or “Deep tissue” techniques
• Joint mobilization
• Myofascial release
• Instrument-assisted techniques (suction cupping, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization/scraping, etc.)