On The Table: A podcast presented by Massage Therapy Canada

In this episode, Editor Jannen Belbeck interviews Janet Penny (RMT) and Rebecca Sturgeon (LMT), co-authors of the book "Oncology Massage: An integrative approach to cancer care." Listen in as we talk about unique challenges to the therapeutic relationship, debunk myths about oncology massage, pertinent intake questions, confidence in treating, and much more.To buy the text and for more information, visit annexbookstore.com

Massage Therapists are struggling through an unprecedented event in their lifetime – a pandemic. This pandemic necessitates physical distancing and suspension of practice to slow the spread of the virus. As COVID19 cases decline, provincial governments are slowly re-opening the economy. Massage therapists have many questions as how to return to practice effectively and safely. In this episode we speak with Lori Green, Executive Director of the Massage Therapists Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS) about their return to work resources, PPE requirements (and associated costs, workplace alterations, how the Canadian Massage Therapist Alliance (CMTA) are coordinating their efforts for RMTs across the country, and more!

In part II of our interview with Pam Fitch we explore ethical dilemmas and what makes them complicated. Specifically, we discuss issues related to “power”. Although massage therapists hold positions of responsibility, they may not feel particularly powerful and able to manage the therapeutic relationship. When that happens, they discover the cost of “being nice” instead of professionally responsible and this often results in challenging ethical dilemmas. At the same time, when therapists exploit their positions of responsibility and power, clients are at risk.

Casey House opened its doors in 1988 as Canada’s first and only stand-alone hospital for people with HIV/AIDS. It’s a place where clients can receive holistic care in a non-judgmental, stigma-free setting. Situated on Jarvis Street in downtown Toronto, Casey House’s new 58.000 square-foot home ensures those who live with HIV/AIDS are not forgotten or overlooked.Casey House provides innovative, comprehensive health care through 1) Inpatient day health programs; 2) Community care and outreach; 3) Social community programming and; 4) Research and education.

Many patients utilize workplace benefits to pay or partially pay for their massage therapy care. Insurers agree, there are benefits to receiving massage therapy, but are concerned benefits are short-term, lower cost alternatives for the same outcomes are available, and question the exploitive business practices of some practitioners.Insurers are signalling that change is coming, and stakeholders in the massage therapy profession should double-down on efforts to improve relations, ensure accountability and demonstrate efficacy. Join veteran RMT Don Dillon and MTC editor Jannen Belbeck as they point to signs that insurance reimbursement for massage therapy is ripe for change.We also provide updates from RMTAO ED Andrew Lewarne on a follow up meeting with Greenshield Canada, and the RMT ACT campaign to de-list massage therapy as a taxable health service.

Massage therapists frequently experience strained relationships with the public and media.Associations with the sex trade, sexual abuse, alternative therapies and insurance fraud have hurt the profession. Practitioners can influence public perception by reaching out to the media while sending the right messages to the front line of their practice.In this edition of On the Table, we speak with RMT and veteran of public and media relations, Margaret Wallis-Duffy. Learn critical skills to position you in positive light, whether speaking to a referring health professional, your patients, or the media.