American Massage Therapy Association

American Massage Therapy Association. The American Massage Therapy Association is a professional organization that was established in New York City in 1943 by a group of massage therapy practitioners, including Shirley Price, a renowned massage therapist and instructor at the New York Institute of Massage. The organization has since grown to become one of the largest and most respected professional associations for massage therapists in the United States, with members from all 50 states and a strong presence in major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The association has worked closely with other organizations, such as the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation, to promote the profession and advance the field of massage therapy.

● History

The American Massage Therapy Association has a rich and diverse history that spans over seven decades, with roots in the early 20th-century massage therapy movement, which was influenced by pioneers like Ida P. Rolf and Milton Trager. The association was founded by a group of visionary massage therapists who recognized the need for a professional organization to promote the art and science of massage therapy and to establish standards for the profession. Over the years, the association has undergone significant changes and developments, including the establishment of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork in 1992, which has certified thousands of massage therapists across the United States, including those practicing in hospitals like Johns Hopkins Hospital and Cleveland Clinic. The association has also worked closely with other organizations, such as the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health, to promote research and education in the field of massage therapy and to advance the profession.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The American Massage Therapy Association's mission is to promote the profession of massage therapy and to advance the field through education, research, and advocacy, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The association's objectives include promoting the highest standards of practice and ethics among massage therapists, supporting research and education in the field, and advocating for the interests of massage therapists and their clients, including those receiving massage therapy at spas like Cal-a-Vie Health Spa and Miraval Resort & Spa. The association also works to promote public awareness and understanding of the benefits of massage therapy, which has been recognized by organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation as a valuable tool for promoting health and wellness. The association has partnered with other organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, to promote the use of massage therapy in the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

● Membership_and_Certification

The American Massage Therapy Association has a diverse membership that includes massage therapists from all 50 states and a range of professional backgrounds, including those practicing in hospitals like Massachusetts General Hospital and University of California, Los Angeles. The association offers various levels of membership, including professional, associate, and student membership, and provides a range of benefits and services to its members, including access to continuing education opportunities, professional liability insurance, and advocacy support. The association also offers certification programs for massage therapists, including the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork certification, which is recognized by organizations like the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health. The association has certified thousands of massage therapists across the United States, including those practicing in cities like New York City and San Francisco.

● Conferences_and_Events

The American Massage Therapy Association hosts a range of conferences and events throughout the year, including the annual American Massage Therapy Association National Convention, which attracts thousands of massage therapists and industry professionals from across the United States and around the world, including Canada and Australia. The association also hosts regional conferences and workshops, which provide opportunities for massage therapists to network, learn about new techniques and research, and advance their skills and knowledge, with presentations from experts like James Oschman and Robert Schleip. The association has partnered with other organizations, such as the International Massage Therapy Association and the World Massage Council, to host international conferences and events, including the World Massage Conference, which has been held in cities like Tokyo and London.

● Advocacy_and_Outreach

The American Massage Therapy Association is a strong advocate for the profession of massage therapy and works to promote the interests of massage therapists and their clients, including those receiving massage therapy at hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Duke University Hospital. The association has worked closely with other organizations, such as the American Medical Association and the National Institutes of Health, to promote research and education in the field of massage therapy and to advance the profession. The association also works to promote public awareness and understanding of the benefits of massage therapy, which has been recognized by organizations like the American Cancer Society and the Arthritis Foundation as a valuable tool for promoting health and wellness. The association has partnered with other organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the American Diabetes Association, to promote the use of massage therapy in the prevention and management of chronic diseases, and has worked with legislators like Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative Nancy Pelosi to promote legislation supporting the profession.

● Education_and_Research

The American Massage Therapy Association is committed to promoting education and research in the field of massage therapy, in collaboration with organizations like the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization. The association offers a range of educational resources and programs, including continuing education courses, workshops, and conferences, which provide opportunities for massage therapists to advance their skills and knowledge, with presentations from experts like James Oschman and Robert Schleip. The association also supports research in the field of massage therapy, including studies on the effects of massage therapy on pain management, anxiety, and depression, which have been published in journals like the Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. The association has partnered with other organizations, such as the American Medical Association and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, to promote research and education in the field of massage therapy and to advance the profession, including those practicing in cities like Boston and Seattle.

Category:Massage therapy organizations