In 2024, the Scope of Practice of Massage Therapy was a popular theme in practice advice inquiries. Massage Therapy’s Scope of Practice as defined in the Massage Therapy Act, 1991, provides the range of activities an RMT/MT is authorized to perform:

“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.”

This means your RMT/MT is trained to focus on muscles, joints, and soft tissues—using techniques like massage, stretching, and joint mobilization. Here are some of 2024’s most asked questions:

Can my RMT/MT use needling techniques in their Massage Therapy treatment?

Acupuncture is the only needling technique RMTs/MTs can perform, and only when authorized by CMTO. Other needling techniques are not within the Scope of Practice for Massage Therapy. Inserting needles into the skin is a controlled act under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, and RMTs/MTs are prohibited from performing controlled acts, except for acupuncture. You can find a definition of acupuncture in CMTO’s Standards of Practice Glossary.

How do I know if something my RMT/MT suggests is within their Scope of Practice?

Your Registered Massage Therapist (RMT/MT) is trained to provide treatments focused on addressing physical function and relieving pain in muscles, joints, and soft tissues. A technique or tool they use is within their Scope of Practice if it meets three criteria: it does not include a controlled act (except for acupuncture, if authorized by CMTO), it is used to assess or treat physical dysfunction or pain in soft tissues or joints, and it is used in a way that meets all requirements set out in CMTO’s Standards of Practice.

If you’re unsure about a suggested treatment, ask your RMT/MT to explain how it fits within Massage Therapy’s Scope of Practice. For example, while acupuncture is permitted (with CMTO authorization), other needling methods are not allowed under Massage Therapy’s Scope.

You can review CMTO’s Guide to Modalities & Techniques, which includes a step-by-step process to help you, and your RMT/MT confirm whether a technique or tool aligns with the profession’s guidelines.

How will my RMT/MT prepare receipts when a new modality/technique or tool is included into Massage Therapy treatments? Will this be covered by insurance?

When your RMT/MT uses a new modality/technique or tool that is within the Scope of Practice, it will be described as “Massage Therapy treatment” on the receipt. If you request a more detailed receipt, your RMT/MT can itemize the description of treatment with specific tools, modalities or techniques that were used. The requirements that RMTs must follow when preparing receipts can be found in CMTO’s Standard of Practice: Fees and Billing.

If you have further questions, please contact the Practice Specialist at practicespecialist@cmto.com or by phone at 1-416-489-2626/1-800-465-1933 (press 5).