The FQM has been working for the professionalization of massage therapy in Quebec since 1979. However, its activities seem to be unknown or even misunderstood by many massage therapists and even by public authorities.

Indeed, one could reduce the FQM’s activities to an association that provides insurance receipts and offers certain services to its members. Although these actions are part of the daily life of our team, they are only one link in our strategy.

A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESSION

The FQM is the only association of massage therapists in Quebec that is unequivocally committed to raising the profession’s standards and integrating it into the health care continuum.

This commitment on our part is not limited to demanding a College of Massage Therapists through media appearances or by sending correspondence to public authorities.

The FQM’s vision is comprehensive and dynamic. It includes education, which is a strategic focus for us, as well as the creation of meaningful interdisciplinary projects with specialists from different fields. Social commitment is also a pillar of our mission.

Here is an overview of the achievements we are most proud of.

THE REAL QUESTION

Creating a College of Massage Therapists is not an end in itself, but a means to professionalize massage therapy in Quebec. In 2019 these were the words of our lawyer, Pierre Gauthier, during a presentation at the annual general meeting. The real question is: how can massage therapists become true health professionals in Quebec? If the College is a way to get there, we must also talk about education, interdisciplinary work with the health system, professional recognition at a higher level, ethical standards, etc. And this is what we are already doing.

THE FQM’S FOOTPRINT IN EDUCATION

The long-term objective in education is a harmonious coexistence between private and public educational institutions. Private schools are supported by the pioneers in Quebec, those who developed the profession and trained generations of massage therapists. As for public training, it is the college level (cégep) that would prepare future graduates for a profession comparable to those already existing in the health system. In addition, the government framework will permit to ensure the quality of education throughout the province.

Concrete actions for the professionalization of massage therapy education

  • One of the FQM’s major achievements has been to structure massage therapy  of accrediteeducation in the networkd schools. Initially, there was no way to ensure equal quality of teaching in the various regions, since the levels of training were so disparate among the hundred or so existing schools in Quebec. This may seem trivial today, but the development of training profiles in massage therapy was revolutionary and required a colossal amount of work in the 2000s.
  • The FQM played a role that the Ministry of Education would normally play if the profession were regulated. The creation of training profiles, which determines the subject matter to be taught in order to develop the targeted competencies, and the analysis of the trainers’ curriculum vitae (validating their expertise, teaching experience, etc.) was a major step forward. As a result, the Federation and its network of school partnerships were able to establish themselves as leaders in quality education in Quebec. No other association has attempted to undertake such work to date.
  • In order to innovate, the FQM has initiated new advanced training programs that meet the varied needs of the Quebec population. For example, the quality training in masso-oncology (300 hours), which several schools have been offering for several years, was set up by the FQM in collaboration with experts.
  • More recent training courses on chronic pain and the elderly have also been designed by the Federation and partner experts. The FQM therefore plays an active role in the evolution of quality training and helps massage therapists position themselves on the job market, particularly by safely meeting the needs of more vulnerable clients.
  • Thanks to our strong involvement with various contacts, we have been able to maintain the course towards a college level (cégep) training that would open the door to our recognition by the professionals of the health system. We will keep our members informed of the progress of the file.

 

THE MASSAGE THERAPY FOUNDATION

  • More than 35,000 massage therapy sessions have been offered to seniors in the CHSLDs (residential and long-term care centres), as well as individuals suffering from cancer, chronic pain, mental health problems, women victims of violence and their children, etc.
  • Our Foundation has allowed certified massage therapists to be part of a pilot project with prestigious institutions such as the Montreal Heart Institute.
  • Partnerships co-funded by CHSLDs as well as the integration of massage therapists within the CHUM, the Hospital of Lévis and a growing number of institutions in Quebec, in addition to renowned associations (Arthritis Society of Canada, Quebec Chronic Pain Association).
  • We have succeeded in having a massage therapist become a member of a working group on opioids at the University of Montreal.
  • Involvement of high-level scientists, such as Professor Serge Marchand, PhD, who has agreed to give unpaid lectures at our symposia.

The dynamic development of the Fondation de la massothérapie since 2010 has opened multiple doors for massage therapists in the healthcare system. That’s where the difference lies: for the FQM, it’s not enough to demand recognition for massage therapy. We must take concrete action by demonstrating its benefits in the field.

 

The FQM’s social commitment is being noticed even in the highest political spheres, and the confidence of health institutions in certified massage therapists is therefore much stronger.

Managed by the FQM team, the Foundation raises funds and is able to provide 100% of donations for massages, which are offered in partnership with a number of important health institutions.

The Foundation’s accomplishments are nothing short of a tour de force, made possible by the FQM’s visionary and committed community, which includes:

  • the Board of Directors of the Fondation de la massothérapie, which is mainly composed of volunteer business people
  • the FQM Board of Directors, made up of highly experienced certified massage therapists
  • the FQM’s rigorous permanent team, which maintains its ISO 9001:2015 certification year after year, certifying its sound management (and credibility), in addition to cash transfers from the FQM to the Foundation
  • the massage therapists paid by the Foundation who demonstrate every day in the field that their adapted gesture is professional, safe and highly beneficial

As a member of the FQM, you not only benefit from our services, but you also contribute in a very concrete way to a large-scale social commitment that promotes your professional recognition in the world of health, and advances the entire profession.

YOU ARE THE STRENGTH OF THE FQM!

If you have read this far, you understand that the FQM is much more than a membership association. You understand that we have contributed greatly to shaping the provision of quality education across the province. This obviously includes education in scientific notions and massage techniques, but also in ethical and deontological standards. You will also understand that the FQM’s social commitment is an integral part of its history and its Massage Therapy Foundation has provided tens of thousands of treatments. We can be very proud of these accomplishments!

The FQM is a large team with a proactive board of directors that looks to the future by taking concrete action. You feel part of a community of pioneers and leaders. You will understand that being a member means lending a hand to a large, coherent and transformative project – massage therapy as health care – that has never stopped moving forward, despite the challenges of recognizing the profession.

That said, the FQM’s adventure is possible thanks to our greatest strength: you! It is our members who give us the energy and resources to move forward. The FQM’s DNA is this win-win synergy that we have been nurturing for over 40 years.

 

LET’S STAY THE COURSE

Re-acting to professionalize massage therapy in Quebec is part of our raison d’être. While we are proud of the progress made to date, we are aware that there are still obstacles to overcome and perceptions to change. At the FQM, we believe that the challenge is worth it.

Imagine for a moment that massage therapy is recognized as a health care service like any other. This would make it possible to offer safe and appropriate care to clients with changing needs, but it would also allow massage therapists to earn a better living and have more dignified working conditions.

In order for this project to become a reality, we must continue the work, for you… with you!

Thank you for being with us.

The FQM team