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Trends in the RMT field.

I started my career as an RMT (registered massage therapist) back in 2012. Many changes have occurred since then, and this article I found on the RMTBC online magazine does a great job of outlining some exciting new trends. 

Here is the link to the article from the RMTBC Review. Massage Therapy in BC. (Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia)

The first trend in our field is the integration of technology. The article talks about the use of online booking systems, using virtual reality to enhance the massage experience for the client or patient, and also mentions the use of advanced equipment to target specific areas. 

For me the most useful trend by far is the online booking system, specifically JaneApp (a locally based company) which is a super user-friendly booking system that saves me time when charting, booking, and taking payments. 

Focus on holistic wellness is the second trend mentioned in the article. At the start of my career, my treatment approach would lean towards the orthopedic issues, such as injuries, chronic pain and postural improvement. Over the years we have learned that it’s not only the physical health that matters, but that focusing on mental health by using stress reducing techniques and approaches are the best way to ensure overall wellness.

The third trend is specialization in the field. RMT’s in BC are trained to be able to treat a variety of conditions, populations such as athletes, pregnancy or patients with special needs. 

Many RMT’s are choosing to focus on a specific area that they are passionate about. I was a little surprised that the article uses the word “specialization”, as there is a bylaw from our governing body that clearly states that “registrants are not permitted to advertise any special accreditation or competency”. 

There are four more trends listed and they are pretty self explanatory. 

 Increased research and evidence-based practice, growing acceptance in healthcare, continued education and professional development and emphasis on self-care. Each of these trends represent a change in the right direction for our profession. 

As a part time RMT instructor with the hopes of one day teaching full time, these trends make me hopeful that my teaching career will be an ever evolving, exciting path. I will need to keep up with technology in the classroom, with current bylaws,  new evidence, our relationship with other health care practitioners and most of all to take care of my own physical and mental health.

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VCC PIDP Blog

My Registered Massage Therapy career started in 2011 after graduating from WCCMT in New Westminster. I practiced full time at Electra Health Floor for almost 7 years and am currently at The Workshop Performance Clinic in Chinatown. I have enjoyed the manual aspect of being an RMT for all these years but have found that being a part time outreach instructor is very fulfilling and now my favourite days of the week. 

 I was offered the outreach instructor opportunity by one of my former instructors through Vancouver Career College back in 2015. I was nervous but excited to be working in a hospital setting at UBC hospital where the students massaged staff members. Unfortunately the staff were often too busy to find time for themselves so the program was terminated in 2017. Fortunately the school was able to acquire Emerge, a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation program where I have had the privilege of supervising for the last six years. 

 At the start of this year I was hired by VCMT as an Outreach instructor at Friends for Life Society, one of my favourite outreaches when I was a student.  I have helped out at VCMT during final exams, at the student clinic and twice as a T.A. Being in front of a full classroom was nerve-wracking at first but I had a lot of fun and can see myself in this role in the near future. 

A few months ago I was awarded a Scholarship for the PIDP course by the RMTBC association. I am very grateful for their support.

Being a full time instructor at an RMT school is part of my five year plan. Either here in Vancouver where there are lots of opportunities, or closer to my family in the Kootenays; either Vernon or Nelson. 

Once this course is complete, I will decrease my days at the clinic to one or two and hopefully be able to be hired as a T.A. for a manual skills class where I know I would be a great fit. 

I am hoping that this course will prepare me for my long-term goal of being the main instructor in the classroom and/or virtually.