Maximizing the Value of Massage Therapy in Your Facility

If you're fortunate enough to have massage therapy available in your facility, congratulations! The benefits of having a skilled massage therapist on staff are immense. Massage therapists excel in assessing and treating soft tissue dysfunction, alleviating pain and stress, and providing focused, personalized care during every session. A healthcare clinic without a qualified Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) is missing out on enhancing its treatment offerings. But there's one significant challenge: finding and retaining these valuable professionals.

The demand for massage therapists is exceptionally high. Nearly every facility is hiring, but there are not enough qualified practitioners to meet the demand. As the owner of a school offering a world-class massage therapy diploma program, I frequently receive inquiries from employers eager to know when our next group of graduates will be ready or if they can speak with our students...

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT - Richard Ramcharan (Class of 2022)

WHAT IS YOUR NAME & PREFERRED PRONOUNS?

Richard Ramcharan (he/him)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE FROM CCMH?

2022

WHERE DO YOU CURRENTLY PRACTICE?

STIL SPACE WELLNESS & PELVICO HEALTH CENTER

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR PRACTICE? TYPES OF MODALITIES? CONDITIONS? PATIENT POPULATIONS?

Removing blockages throughout the body allowing for fluids and joints to move better.

I blend myofascial release, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and pelvic treatments to allow patients' bodies to heal themselves.

I work with athletes, pre and post natal populations as well as chronic pain patients.

WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE YOU CAME TO CCMH?

I was (and still am) a yoga teacher and personal trainer.

WHAT MADE YOU A) CHOOSE MASSAGE THERAPY? B) CHOOSE CCMH?

I wanted to be more hands on with clients to provide higher quality care. The fast track program at CCMH was suitable to my needs plus the Hydrotherapy component added value that other s...

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...

RMT: KEISHA WATSON

GRADUATING YEAR: 2022

PRACTICE LOCATIONS: Home-based practice in Greenfield, plus seasonal practice at Fox Harbour Resort in Wallace, both in Nova Scotia

What were you doing prior to attending CCMH?

"Life before CCMH for me was working in a Human Resource department for eleven years, never truly loving what I was doing but scared to make a change. Upon some mental health struggles, I found myself in the middle of the pandemic as a stay-at-home mom wanting more in my life. I love helping others and being my own boss was always a dream, but something I never thought would happen."

What made you choose massage therapy?

"My best friend had asked me to attend an intro to massage weekend with her as she had interest in the course. I thought why not! Little did I know I was about to walk through those doors and completely fall in love with massage. I walked away on Sunday knowing this was what I needed my next step to be in life while my friend decided to go another p...

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...

What Darya enjoyed most about her time at CCMH was the teachers' dedication and compassion and the high standard of education. 

“It was important to me to get the best possible education for my future. I met so many wonderful people, both staff and students, and keep in touch with many of them regularly, many years later.”

One of the highest honours she achieved was being welcomed back as a teacher. She loved being able to share her experiences as a student with those currently going through the process. 

“Training at CCMH completely changed my life. I found my purpose and my passion, and I’m so grateful I got a chance to discover it in such an open and welcoming environment.”

She currently owns and practices at New Scotland Health Centre as a registered massage therapist, registered acupuncturist, and Reiki Master/Teacher.

Karen feels the high standards expected of CCMH students prepare them for real life and ensure they excel when they begin working.

 “Being a massage therapist is a career and way of life. It is a part of who you are. This career also allows you to attain skills you can transfer into other professions such as nursing, kinesiology, research, and more.”

Karen took the credits from her program at CCMH and obtained a Bachelor of General Studies - at age 51!

She is now completing a Bachelor of Health Sciences and has a goal of obtaining a social work degree to specialize her practice in working with those with post-traumatic stress disorder.

For Karen, the best thing about being a massage therapist is that she controls her future. She has her own clinic in Upper Tantallon, Nova Scotia, and is building a practice that fits her talents and skills.

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT – Alicia Doucette, BSC, RMT

Alicia attended CCMH as a student from 2016-2018 after deciding she was in need of a career change.

No longer enjoying the stress of being a structural engineer, she wondered how she could transform her interest in health and wellness into a job helping others.

With a hiring rate upon graduation from CCMH of almost 100%, she decided to embark on a new career in massage therapy.

She continues to find the work extremely gratifying.

“People come in, sometimes they're in a lot of pain, or they're just really stressed out, and you can actually do a lot for somebody in an hour. I find people are really appreciative and grateful when they come to you, because you really make them feel better. And that's a nice feeling.”

Along with being CCMH faculty member, Alicia practices at St. Margaret’s Bay Massage Therapy where she has worked since graduation.