RMT Jennifer

RMT Sexual Violence Resource Centre Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario

Advocacy Project Update
Over the past several weeks, information packages regarding workforce structure, workplace safety, and accountability concerns affecting BC RMTs have been shared with:
• CCHPBC
• WorkSafeBC
• labour and human rights organizations
• healthcare associations and oversight bodies
• and massage therapy associations across Canada.
Responses have started coming in.
One of the most interesting patterns so far has been the degree to which different parts of the issue are being redirected between systems:
• labour concerns redirected toward workplace safety,
• workplace safety concerns redirected toward regulation,
• regulatory concerns redirected toward complaint systems,
• and broader structural concerns redirected elsewhere again.
None of these responses have been inappropriate or hostile. In many ways, they highlight the exact issue being raised:
When healthcare workers exist in structurally ambiguous working arrangements, responsibility and accountability can become fragmented across multiple systems.
This matters because RMTs work in environments with known and documented risks involving harassment, boundary violations, and unsafe patient interactions, often while classified as independent contractors despite significant operational control within clinic settings.
The project is still in the early stages, but awareness is growing and important conversations are beginning to happen across multiple organizations and provinces.
Thank you again to everyone who has shared experiences, contracts, concerns, and support throughout this process.
If anyone has questions about the project, or would like to review the information packages and supporting materials that have been shared with organizations, feel free to reach out privately.

Could it be Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common condition caused by pressure on the median nerve at the wrist.

Symptoms can include:
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Hand weakness or dropping things
• Aching or burning in the hand, wrist, or forearm
• Symptoms often worse at night

It can develop for a number of reasons, and was once thought to be repetitive hand use, certain work demands (like vibratory tools or keyboard use), sustained wrist positions during sleep, or factors like pregnancy, diabetes, perimenopause/menopause, or arthritis. CTS predominantly affects women age 40-60.

What helps?
Treatment depends on the individual, but may include:
• Night splinting to support the wrist in a neutral position
• Activity modification to reduce irritation
• Targeted exercises (like nerve gliding)
• Manual therapy, including massage, to help manage pain and muscle tension
• In some cases, a minor surgical procedure may be recommended to relieve pressure on the nerve

In practice, massage therapy treatment typically includes a combination of these elements, blending hands-on care with movement-based strategies and practical guidance (including things like splinting options and sleep positioning) to reduce irritation of the nerve and improve tolerance to daily activities. This approach can be helpful whether you’re managing symptoms conservatively or recovering after surgery.

Many people do well with this kind of conservative approach, especially when symptoms are addressed early.

When To Seek Care
If symptoms are affecting your sleep, daily activities, or you’re noticing weakness or loss of sensation, it’s worth having it assessed.

This is something I see fairly often in practice, and many people are able to make meaningful improvements with conservative care.

If this sounds familiar, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to help.