Our Mission
Committed to Elevating the Future of Manual Therapy Standards in Scotland
Welcome to the Scottish Manual Therapy Organisation (SMTO).
Established in 1992, SMTO is dedicated to serving the interests of the general public, manual therapists, and the broader professional community.
Recognised as Scotland’s foremost and longest-standing organisation for soft tissue, massage, and manual therapy practitioners, SMTO plays a pivotal role in fostering and promoting the highest levels of expertise within the field. SMTO provides unwavering support to proficient therapy professionals across the country, spanning diverse work environments such as the National Health Service (NHS), private musculoskeletal and specialised care clinics, sports performance facilities, premier league football and rugby union teams, and elite athletes participating in international sporting events such as the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
We invite you to become a member of SMTO today, as doing so will allow us to extend our support to enhance your own clinical practice.
Where Professionalism Meets Purpose: Elevating Manual Therapy Standards in Scotland
– Scottish Manual Therapists’ Organisation
Aims & Objectives
The aims of the Scottish Manual Therapists' Organisation are to:
promote the art and science of Massage Therapy in all its forms, as the very safe and effective therapy that it is
promote Massage Therapy and related techniques in the health care service
promote the Holistic Approach to Healthcare
improve and maintain standards in Massage Therapies
further the aims and objectives of its Members
provide a central body, giving a voice to and contact between Members
provide a Directory of practicing Members
promote the advancement of study of its Members
provide Continuing Professional Development opportunities for its Members
provide a strong and unified voice enabling Members to influence the advancement of Massage Therapy both here and abroad
publish a magazine ‘On the Massage Scene’ free to its Members – contact us to subscribe if you are not a member
Active Members And Growing
Join The Community
Join SMTO today and enjoy member benefits as well as a network of support that will enhance your clinical practice.
Scottish Standards
Health and education are devolved responsibilities. SMTO was a leading light for therapists during the Covid-19 pandemic helping them navigate Scotland’s guidance, policy and law. Qualifications also differ across the UK and SMTO can help you identify equivalent standards so you can work anywhere in the UK or abroad.
Annual Conference
SMTO’s annual conference helps you meet other members, network, learn and share ideas as well as gain continuing professional development to enhance your clinical skills.
Member Discounts
With one of the most affordable organisation member fees across the UK, SMTO not only provides value for money but offers a wealth of member discounts and affiliate schemes so you can continue to learn without breaking the bank.
Lorna Forrester MBA
Chair
Garry Galloway MBA
Secretary
Ruth Duncan BSc (Hons)
Vice Chair
Our Team
The Faces Behind SMTO
The SMTO Committee currently meets in Edinburgh, three times per year, and attends the AGM and Conference each year at the end of March.
Committee members serves usually 2 years, but certainly a maximum term of 3 years.