Manual Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a hands‑on, assessment‑driven approach to musculoskeletal care that uses skilled techniques, such as joint mobilization, soft‑tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and gentle traction, to address restrictions in joints, muscles, fascia, and neural tissues. It is delivered after a clinical assessment and is typically combined with individualized exercise, education, and self‑management strategies to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve function. In Ontario, manual therapy is most commonly provided by regulated clinicians working within their profession’s scope of practice.
What do an RMT as their scope of practice?
The Massage Therapy Act 1991 in Canada defines the practice of massage therapy as the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body including history, orthopaedic and neurological testing relevant to muscles, joints, and soft tissues, and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissues and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain that are commonly integrated with home exercise and self‑care advice. [Ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91m27) [CMTO](https://www.cmto.com/rmt-patients/about-massage-therapists/) [Ontario.ca](https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/91m27)
