Working With Other Professions: How Massage Therapy Fits In The Health Care System

Have you ever woke up one day or had some sort of injury and thought "I need a massage ASAP!"?  It is a common occurrence in my practice.  While a massage treatment and/or treatment plan may be great, there are some instances where the source of the symptoms are caused by something other than the soft tissues.  In instances when a massage therapist cannot treat your symptoms or a massage is not indicated, we can refer you to another health care provider that can.  For this article, I want to outline other health professions that we refer clients to.

All health professions in Ontario that are regulated have a collective body (usually termed a "College").  If you have been reviewing my blog for a while now, you will be familiar with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO).  A College is responsible for setting the standard of care for its registered members so that the public can be assured they are receiving a high quality of care.  Along with setting Standards of Practice, Colleges are also responsible for defining the profession.  This is called the Scope of Practice.

 You've heard me talk a lot about how massage treatment can help with multiple conditions and injuries.  But there are times when another health profession would be more helpful.  The CMTO defines massage therapy 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 tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain."

Law Document English View. (2015, April 14). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91m27?search=massage

Massage Therapists work very closely  with other professionals:

Chiropractors:

Scope of Practice: "the assessment of conditions related to the spine, nervous system and joints and the diagnosis, prevention and treatment, primarily by adjustment [of the spine and joints]".

When we suspect there is a subluxation of a joint of the body or if your nervous system isn't functioning as it should, a referral to a chiropractor may be necessary.  It can be done separately or in conjunction with so that you recover quickly.  The high grade joint mobilizations that are required are not under the Massage Therapy Scope of Practice, therefore massage therapists cannot perform them and a referral will be indicated.

Law Document English View. (2015, April 14). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91c21

Physiotherapists:

Scope of Practice: "the assessment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and cardio respiratory systems, the diagnosis of diseases or disorders associated with physical dysfunction, injury or pain and the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention or relief of physical dysfunction, injury or pain to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment function and promote mobility."

With more specific injuries, being treated by a physiotherapist can be helpful to condition the soft tissues.  By strengthening weak structures and breaking down adhesions (among other things) your tissues will have better performance.  This is very similar to what massage therapy does for the body.  You as a patient will be more active in the recovery whereas massage therapy is more passive and address mental and emotional stress as well as physical.

Law Document English View. (2015, April 14). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91p37

Osteopaths:

Scope of Practice: "It is drug-free and non-invasive, focusing on treating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework, which includes the joints, muscles and spine. Osteopathy's aim is to positively affect the body's nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems."

Osteopathy is another branch of health care that helps to alleviate your symptoms.  Using similar techniques, this approach can be a useful tool in helping you recover.

(n.d.). Retrieved April 13, 2018, from http://www.o-c-o.ca/whatis.php

Naturopathic Doctors:

Scope of Practice: "The practice of naturopathy is the assessment of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions and the naturopathic diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and dysfunctions using naturopathic techniques to promote, maintain or restore health."

Sometimes symptoms may be related to internal pathologies.  If this is the case, a naturopathic doctor may be able to diagnose and treat these conditions with lifestyle changes, supplements or other remedies which may not be treatable with massage therapy.

Law Document English View. (2015, April 14). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/07n10

Medical Doctors:

Scope of Practice: "The practice of medicine is the assessment of the physical or mental condition of an individual and the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of any disease, disorder or dysfunction."

Similar to naturopathic doctors, physicians can also diagnose and treat pathologies that may not be treated with massage therapy.

Law Document English View. (2015, April 14). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91m30/v4

We all have the same goals but different approaches - to help figure out what is causing your symptoms and provide solutions to help.  We work well together because there are times when one therapy may not be appropriate or safe for your condition.  So having alternatives at your disposal is a great asset to have for your health care.  

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and I hope you have a great day!