MTF Releases Research Agenda for the Massage Therapy Profession

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) released a 2020 Massage Therapy Research Agenda for the profession. The agenda was developed by a team of experienced researchers, massage therapists, business owners, administrators, educators, and other allied health-care providers. The agenda gives ideas on how researchers, practitioners, educators, students, and organizations can become involved in progressing the agenda and the profession.

The agenda has four key objectives, each with specific goals:

  • Objective 1: Advance Fundamental Science and Methods Development
  • Objective 2: Improve Care for Health-Related Symptoms and Conditions
  • Objective 3: Foster Health Promotion, Cultivate Well-Being, and Support Disease Prevention
  • Objective 4: Support the Establishment and Continuation of Educational Research Focused on Massage Therapy Pedagogy/Andragogy

The MTF hopes “the MTF 2020 Massage Therapy Research Agenda can serve as a guide to ensure research efforts in the area of massage therapy and bodywork benefit the massage profession. The massage community is called upon to take up this effort and participate in the expansion and sharing of the knowledge base that supports the valuable care massage clinicians provide to patients and clients.”

To read or download the full PDF, visit www.ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/article/view/595/645.

Category: 

News

Alaska Massage Board Remains Independent and Autonomous

Executive Order No. 129 sought to dissolve the Alaska Board of Massage Therapists and transfer its functions to the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED). The executive order was successfully overturned.

Gainful Employment Rules Compliance Updates

Over the past two weeks, the US Department of Education issued updates to the new “Gainful Employment” (GE) regulations for vocational programs published last fall. This web post addresses the updates to prepare school owners and educators ahead of the July 1, 2024, new GE rule effective date.

New Study Reconfirms the Benefits of Touch

A recent study found that touch interventions were effective in helping regulate cortisol levels, reducing feelings of depression in adults, and having other significant benefits.

Blog

Faces of Bodywork: Adriane Maxwell

Massage therapist Adriane Maxwell stands in front of a palm tree.

Adriane Maxwell is the owner of One Healing Touch Reiki & Massage for Women in Charleston, South Carolina. Maxwell was featured in the May/June 2024 issue of Massage & Bodywork magazine in “Faces of Bodywork.”

Benefits

Podcast: Cancer, Clots, and COVID—A Complicated Client

A client was recently treated for colon cancer—and it didn’t go well. She had surgical complications, a bout of sepsis, and more. Is massage therapy safe? We discuss on this episode of “I Have a Client Who . . .” Pathology Conversations with Ruth Werner.

Please note: We have recently updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Learn more...