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.” 

It guides treatment planning decisions and informs clients’ expectations for treatment. Understanding how to ensure Massage Therapy care fits into the Scope is an important part of fulfilling expectations in the Standards of Practice.

Here are some examples of the more popular questions and answers about Scope of Practice from Registered Massage Therapists/Massage Therapists (RMTs/MTs):

How can I figure out if a new modality/technique or tool is within the Scope of Practice for Massage Therapy?

The use of a modality/technique, or tool, is within the Scope of Practice for Massage Therapy if it does not include a controlled act, and if it is used to treat physical function and pain in soft tissues and joints of the body. It must also be used in a way that meets the requirements set out in CMTO’s Standards of Practice.

It may help to refer to CMTO’s Guide to Modalities, Techniques and Treatment Planning. The guide’s second page has a step-by-step process to help you make decisions about whether to include a modality, technique, or tool into your Massage Therapy care.

Can I use a needling technique in my Massage Therapy treatments?

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

How do I prepare receipts when a new modality/technique or tool is included into Massage Therapy treatments?

When you use a new modality/technique or tool that is within the Scope of Practice, it can be described as “Massage Therapy treatment” on the receipt. If you receive a request for a more detailed receipt, you can itemize the description of specific treatment, as well. You may also refer to the expectations for preparing receipts in the 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).