Hanmer Massage Therapy Clinic

12/15/2025

Rounded shoulders is where your shoulders are rotated forward, pulling the shoulder girdle forward, which shortens your chest muscles and stretches your upper back and trapezius muscles. It is often a result of upper cross syndrome, which includes a forward head posture and kyphosis. Upper cross syn...

12/12/2025

Merci France Gêlinas❤️ please sign the petition

This week, a Private Member's Bill supporting HST exemption for Ontario RMTs was introduced, a direct result of RMTAO advocacy and member efforts this past year, notably at our October 2025 Queen's Park Day.

MPP France Gélinas, the NDP Health Critic, introduced the Massage Therapy Tax Act, 2025. Under this Act, the Minister of Health is mandated to take every necessary measure, including introducing legislation, to bring the tax treatment of massage therapy services provided by Ontario RMTs into alignment with the tax treatment of services provided by other practitioners.

The Bill has already passed its first reading, marking an exciting first step. While additional readings are required for it to proceed, this early success is an important step forward, thanks to our advocacy efforts.

To increase support for the Bill as it goes through the legislative process, MPP Gélinas has created a petition to support the removal of HST from massage therapy services. We encourage you to sign this petition and share it widely with your networks to support the Bill's success.

Sign the petition: https://francegelinas.ca/remove-the-hst-from-massage-therapy-services-retirez-la-tvh-des-services-de-massotherapeutes/

MPP Gélinas also shared a press release today to increase awareness of and support for this issue. This would be a great resource to share to help spread the word.

Share the press release: https://www.ontariondp.ca/news/mpp-g-linas-calls-hst-be-removed-treatments-delivered-registered-massage-therapists

This is an important and encouraging step in our efforts towards HST exemption. This was made possible due to the support of members who have continued to bring this issue forward, as well as the culmination of continuous advocacy efforts by the RMTAO.

We will provide you with updates as soon as they become available.

12/12/2025

It's getting snowier out, which could end up as a pain in the back when it comes time to clean your driveway. ❄️ Back pain is a fairly common snow shoveling injury. Massage therapy is a great option to help relieve your back pain.

12/06/2025

Sciatica?? Try this

12/03/2025

RMTs can assess and treat musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in most circumstances. However, when treating patients injured in an automobile accident RMTs are required to get another health professional to sign their OCF-18 form.

This an unnecessary barrier to care, which is why we're asking the Minister of Finance to allow RMTs to sign their OCF-18 forms. This will ensure that patients have access to the regulated health professional they need, when they need them.

Remove barriers to improve care.

11/28/2025

Knee osteoarthritis is a major cause of pain and disability, but routine X-rays often do more harm than good. New research shows that being shown an X-ray can increase anxiety, make people fear exercise, and lead them to believe surgery is the only option, even when less invasive treatments could he...

11/28/2025

Happy Friday!

11/26/2025

The struggle is real …

The requirement for a third-party health professional to sign an OCF-18 form causes delayed patient care, with 85% of RMTs surveyed reporting delays at least some of the time. Delays lead to halted progress, emotional distress and increased pain.

That’s why we're asking the Minister of Finance to make a change to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.

We need to remove barriers to Ontarians receiving the healthcare they need, when they need it. Remove barriers to improve care.

11/26/2025

Many people experience pain and tightness after surgery. Massage therapy can lead to reduced pain and increased mobility in the area of a surgical scar.

11/22/2025

RMTAO member Pamela Renneberg wrote an article for Long-Term Care Today, the magazine of the Ontario Long Term Care Association focusing on the benefits of massage therapy for long-term care home residents, staff, and the home as a whole.

Read the article here on page 57: https://www.mediaedgemagazines.com/the-ontario-long-term-care-association-oltca/ol252/