In July 2023, the RMTAO began funding a one-year pilot project embedding a registered massage therapist within the team at Communiticare, formally known as the West Toronto Community Health Services. The already established interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, chiropodists, dieticians, social workers and psychotherapists.
This is the first project of its kind, not only in Ontario, but across Canada. Offering accessible, free massage therapy is unique in primary care.
The team triages patients according to primary complaint: those presenting with musculoskeletal issues are assessed by the physiotherapist and, as necessary, referred to kinesiology and massage therapy for treatment and follow-up.Patients are prioritized for massage therapy according to financial need (and access to extended health benefits?) and limited to a maximum of five massage therapy treatments. This is to maximize availability to all patients at the clinic.Within the massage therapy treatment plans, emphasis is placed on suggesting self care and referrals to economical resources within the community, such as massage therapy schools.
