RMT: SARAH THOMPSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2023

PRACTICE LOCATION: Home-based practice in Port Williams, Nova Scotia, as part of a joint venture with husband, Ian, called Herb & Feather

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

I was in two very high-stress industries! I was in local politics for over 8 years and also was in the restaurant business with my husband for 10+ years. I am also a Mom to two children, daughter 7, Hailey and son Harvey who is 5.

What made you choose massage therapy?

My life drastically shifted when we discovered some prenatal news regarding our unborn son approximately 6 years ago. After Harvey was born, he had several musculoskeletal conditions and we slowly developed a team around him comprised of; Chiro, Physio, Massage, and OT (to name a few) who inspired him and us to embrace this new journey we were on, to explore different healing options and modalities, and ultimately find a unique treatment plan that was best suited for our son. We watched the most...

Andrew has been providing massage for more than 20 years.  

In 2011, Andrew joined the faculty at CCMH, where he teaches Physiology, Anatomy, and Clinical Assessment courses. Andrew has spent a significant number of hours volunteering services to many sports teams and athletes. This experience provided him with the skills and knowledge to treat many Olympic, varsity, and professional athletes.  

He has some advice for those just starting their practice: 
“There's so much frustration in the early stages of your career because you feel like you need to be perfect and want to fix everything. The more people you get to see, the more you learn. Twenty-four years into my career, I still learn every single day from my patients.” 

Along with his teaching duties at CCMH, Andrew continues his practice at Park West Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Clinic in Halifax. 

In 2014, a group of international and domestic researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers met for a one-day summit to discuss the research needs of the growing profession of massage therapy in Canada.  

They discussed how research can inform the practice of massage therapy; how it can mitigate the concerns of the general public, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders; the changing landscape of the Canadian healthcare system; and what types of research would be of benefit. The following study types were deemed the greatest importance: 

Basic Science – physiology and psychology of Massage. 

Clinical – both subjective and objective findings to determine optimal frequency, safety, and effectiveness vs. other modalities. 

Health Services/Translational – Psychosomatic effects of massage in comparison with other treatments, primary prevention studies, and effects of access to massage therapy for under-served populations. 

About the Profession – Role of massage therapists within...

by Jana Young, Class of 2007, CCMH Admissions Coordinator 

At CCMH we train and graduate skilled massage therapists to enter the profession and make a difference in the lives of their patients. But are we missing the mark when it comes to diversity? Is there more we can do to ensure that people of color and people of various gender identities also have access to therapists who understand them and their needs on a deeper level?    

I’ve had the unique opportunity to speak with prospective students and applicants from many ethnic backgrounds and other diverse populations. Some of the common themes I hear are that folks will often choose therapists that they can relate to because of shared features/interests/backgrounds, but it can be difficult to find massage therapists who fit their criteria.     

As we learn and grow as a school, some of the questions I endeavor to answer are: How can we encourage more diversity in the ranks of our students, to ensure that there continues to be adeq...

Meghan discovered massage through the treatment of injuries she sustained playing varsity volleyball. As she noticed her older sister and friends struggling to find work post-university, she realized a career in massage therapy would be a strong choice. 

At CCMH, Meghan specializes in organizing diverse clinics for all CCMH students.  

“There are normally some ‘first treatment’ nerves from students. But once they complete that first clinic shift, it's like night and day as they immediately get a boost of confidence. And they exclaim, “I can do this!” 

Meghan believes confidence is one of the keys to success in the program. She recommends trusting in the process and ensures that it all does come together before graduation. 

Meghan continues to practice as a therapist and has her own mobile clinic, which allows her to treat people in their homes. 

For many careers, education comes in the form of lecture, readings, and book work. There is a disconnect between educator and student. 

In the field of massage, education of new massage therapists comes in a more diverse form.  

It comes from the administrative staff. The admissions staff who reach out into the world with the intention of touching the hearts of the right people. The Directors who work tirelessly to ensure the campus runs as smoothly as possible, while also keeping the compass in line with the mission and values that the school, and the profession, embody. The clinic staff who provide the support necessary to run the student clinic in an efficient manner, giving students a chance to develop confidence in their own skills through practice.  

It comes from research and lectures, but also from experienced instructors who are trained in skills transfer. Instructors who come to the table with varied backgrounds, but always with the same intention – to teach and mentor the...

Can Massage Therapy help today’s students cope with the current COVID restrictions?

by Jennifer Stuart

Junior high and high schoolers are missing out on normal & necessary experiences. This and the reduction in their face-to-face connections with friends may have a significant effect on their development and mental health.  Massage Therapy may be able to provide some relief and connection they are currently lacking.

Today’s teens are navigating their world during a global pandemic full of uncertainty, instability, constant change, tons of screen-time, and LESS CONNECTION than ever before.  I listened to an interview with 3 Canadian high-school students talking about their struggles.  These were intelligent, well-spoken young people – those who would likely be at the tops of their classes, great athletes, musicians, or academics – and they were struggling.  They spoke of depression, overwhelm, and concern for themselves and their peers.  The word CONNECTION came up more than any othe...