News

The AMTA National Elections will be open Friday, November 15 through Monday, December 2. All professional members (as of October 1) are eligible to vote and should receive their ballot via email on November 15. (11/15/24)
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In celebration of National Career Development Month, AMTA is excited to share strategies and tools to support the career growth of massage therapists. Throughout November, explore our extensive resources to enhance your career and make meaningful strides in your journey as a massage therapist. (11/14/24)
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AMTA's strategic plan, shaped by dedicated volunteers, our Board of Directors, and leadership, outlines the association's key priorities and goals for the future. Explore our plan to see how your support translates into tangible benefits and resources for your practice. (11/7/24)
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In October, the Louisiana State legislature introduced HB9, a proposal that could change laws to tax certain services and may affect the massage therapy profession. (11/5/24)
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AMTA serves as the leading sponsor of the Pain Collaborative’s inaugural hybrid meeting, uniting experts to advance a biopsychosocial approach to whole-person pain care. (11/1/24)
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Discover a recent wave of research highlighting the benefits of massage therapy throughout pregnancy and labor. (10/25/24)
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In October, the 2nd Annual Black Massage Therapist Conference (BMTC) was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. AMTA proudly supported the event as the gold sponsor, reinforcing our commitment to fostering networking, education, and growth for Black massage therapists. (10/22/24)
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Join us on social this week, as we celebrate and highlight the benefits of massage therapy for specific health conditions during AMTA's National Massage Therapy Awareness Week^® (NMTAW)! (10/21/24)
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AMTA stands ready to assist the VA with resources to help develop comprehensive national standards for massage therapy practice within the veterans' healthcare system. (10/16/24)
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AMTA will be hosting a valuable educational webinar designed to deepen massage therapists’ understanding of Medicare Advantage (MA) and its growing role within the broader Medicare system. We've had an overwhelming response to this webinar, and registration is now full. It will be recorded and made available on-demand after the event.  (10/1/24)
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The AMTA Government Relations team recently attended a landmark celebration recognizing the enrollment of 1 million veterans in the Million Veteran Program (MVP), a research initiative launched by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in 2011. (10/1/24)
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AMTA celebrates the accomplishments of individuals whose dedication, enthusiasm and leadership have earned high recognition by bestowing a series of national awards. Congratulations to the 2024 national awards recipients for their outstanding service! (9/30/24)
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AMTA had the privilege to be the gold sponsor and active participant in Healwell's Homecoming Conference on September 20-21 in Arlington, VA. The event brought together leaders in the profession to discuss challenges and explore new growth opportunities for massage therapists. (9/25/24)
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In our recent Massage Therapy Journal article, explore the greater need for education and awareness around neurodiversity across most every health care profession, including massage therapy. Plus, get five quick tips for making your practice welcoming for neurodiverse clients. (9/18/24)
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During Pain Awareness Month, expand your skillset with AMTA's top-rated online CE courses that delve into the ways massage therapy can be part of the solution for pain relief. (9/9/24)
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AMTA supports greater mobility through an interstate compact and has been deeply involved in discussions to address barriers and restrictions within the current IMpact. Recently, AMTA and FSMTB met to discuss these concerns, leading to clarifications and specific intentions outlined in a joint letter. (9/6/2024)
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On July 9, Assembly Bill 4587 was enacted into law, increasing the minimum education hours for entry-level massage therapists in New Jersey from 500 to 600 hours. (8/16/24)
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Congratulations to Tammy Roecker, President of the Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness, on receiving the prestigious AMTA Dianne Polseno Lifetime Achievement Award! This honor recognizes her outstanding professionalism, integrity, and leadership in massage therapy education. (8/13/24)
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The Department of Education (DoEd) proposed new regulations, including a rule that prohibits asynchronous distance learning in clock-hour programs participating in Title IV financial aid. We encourage anyone who could be impacted to submit public comments by August 23, 2024. (8/12/24)
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MPower Career Training announced its official school and program closure on July 19, 2024. AMTA is extending our support by providing students with some valuable resources during this challenging time. (7/26/24)
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Building client loyalty and encouraging clients to rebook are crucial for massage therapists to sustain and grow their practice. Read on for five tips for getting your clients back in your practice. (7/25/24)
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Elevate your massage therapy career with AMTA’s introductory CE courses! Discover which specialization aligns best with your professional goals by exploring our popular starter courses. (7/16/24)
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The Missouri Board of Therapeutic Massage passed an emergency rule to increase the entry-level education requirement for massage therapists from 500 to 625 hours. (7/11/24)
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North Carolina recently passed SB 607 which increases the minimum education requirements for entry-level massage therapists in North Carolina from 500 to 650 hours. (7/11/24)
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The Department of Education’s new rule has been delayed due to successful lawsuits just like ours! This delay means that massage therapy schools can continue to operate under the 150% rule until further notice. (7/3/24)
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Delaware has passed SB 277, a bill to phase out Certified Massage Technicians (CMTs) to establish a single tier of licensure, aligning with standards followed by nearly all other states. (7/3/24) 
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The Florida Legislature has passed HB 197, a comprehensive bill aimed at enhancing oversight to eliminate illicit activities operating under the guise of massage therapy. This bill goes into effect on July 1, 2024. (6/26/24)
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Senate Bill 353, which will increase entry-level education hours from 500 to 625 hours in Louisiana, has been enrolled and is awaiting Governor Landry's signature. (6/18/24)
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Governor Polis recently signed Senate Bill 24-201 into law, which increases minimum education hours from 500 to 650 hours in Colorado for entry-level massage therapists. (6/18/24)
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Meet the evolving needs of your clients and enrich your skillset with three of our newest CE courses! (6/18/24)
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We are proud to share that the Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) Budget Proposal for FY 2025 spotlights how AMTA continues to support new research on the benefits of massage therapy for military and veteran populations. (6/12/24)
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AMTA has taken action and filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new Department of Education (DoEd) rule eliminating the longstanding “150% rule” for federal financial aid for massage therapy students and schools. We are committed to fighting for massage therapy schools, students and the entire profession! (6/10/24)
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Explore the latest studies in our research roundup on how massage therapy can help improve the quality of life for infants, middle-aged individuals, and older adults. (6/6/24)
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We are proud to share that AMTA has been recognized by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) with a 2024 Gold Circle Award for our Advocacy Campaign: Advancing the Integration of Massage Therapy in Healthcare. (6/6/24)
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Ohio has officially passed Senate Bill 56, the Interstate Massage Compact (IMpact). The bill, introduced on February 14, 2023, passed the Senate on September 13, 2023, and the House on May 22, 2024. (5/24/24)
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The passage of Senate Bill 137 will dissolve the Alabama Board of Massage Therapy on June 1, 2024, transferring its powers and duties to the newly established Alabama Massage Therapy Licensing Board, which will temporarily be overseen by the Board of Nursing. (5/21/24)
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Discover how massage therapists can best use AI to help improve client outcomes, streamline business tasks and reimagine marketing efforts. (5/17/24)
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Broaden your knowledge by exploring these featured hands-on CE sessions at the AMTA 2024 National Convention in Tampa, FL this September! (5/10/24)
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The Tennessee Governor recently signed a law which increases the minimum massage education hours from 500 to 650 hours. This law is in direct response to recent changes to the U.S. Department of Education regulations and will allow schools to continue to offer all of the financial support to massage students. (5/9/24)
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AMTA recently attended the Annual Coalition Meeting on Voices for Non-Opioid Choices in Washington D.C. Learn how AMTA partners with this group to help increase patient and provider access to non-opioid therapies. (5/8/24)
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AMTA continues to seek out opportunities to support research and elevate standards for the massage therapy profession. Learn more about how funding is allocated for federal research and how the findings can help drive future policy decisions. (5/7/24)
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On April 23, Senate Bill 277 was introduced to amend the current Delaware Massage Therapy Practice and cease issuing new CMT licenses after December 31, 2024. The passage of this bill will ensure that future massage therapy practitioners obtain 500 hours of education. (5/2/24)
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For massage therapists who are small business owners looking to negotiate or renegotiate their lease now or in the near future, they may be in for a big surprise. Here are 6 tips to help massage therapists get the best rate on a new lease. (5/1/24)
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Learn more about AMTA's recent efforts to aid Title IV schools in Georgia through supporting legislation that would have raised educational hours as a solution to new rules imposed by the U.S. Department of Education.
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Learn more about Rep. Lloyd Smucker's bill H.R. 7810 and why it's important to reach out to your U.S. House Rep today to help safeguard the future of massage therapy students! 
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Learn about assisted stretch and if this technique could benefit your clients as part of your massage therapy practice.
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AMTA has heard from many massage therapists who contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the Community Care Network (CCN), regarding recent cuts to reimbursement rates. Here is an update on why massage therapy fee schedules may fluctuate.
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Do you still need to complete your taxes? Check out our tax tips for massage therapists! The deadline for most taxpayers to file federal and state income taxes is April 15th.
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Thanks to the grassroots efforts of the AMTA-AK Chapter and volunteers, Executive Order 127 was overturned during a joint session, allowing the Alaska Board of Massage Therapy to continue in the state.
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Explore the latest research on how massage therapy can help improve sleep for various populations including pregnant women, infants and women going through menopause.
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AMTA is pleased to share that HB 2169, a bill to merge the Board of Massage Therapy with the Board of Cosmetology, will not move forward this year in Arizona.
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AMTA is keeping a pulse on how AI continues to impact the massage profession. Learn about a newly-launched AI-powered massage table that uses advanced AI technology for a personalized experience.
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Congratulations to the AMTA 2024-25 Board of Directors who were sworn into office on March 8th.
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As consumer prices continue to rise, small businesses are feeling the financial strain. Explore four tips to help massage therapists navigate rising costs while taking the pressure off of their finances.
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Discover how to integrate cupping techniques into your massage therapy practice with our Cupping CE series, featuring our advanced CE: Cupping with Movement. 
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New research continues to support evidence that massage therapy benefits the health and well-being of our U.S. veterans. Find out more about the Veteran Administration's latest evidence map of massage therapy.
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Minnesota is one of four states that remain unlicensed and establishing statewide licensure continues to be a priority for AMTA. Learn why massage therapy regulation in Minnesota is so important.
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Learn why AMTA opposes the Interstate Compact as it's currently written and find out how you can support a more inclusive IMpact.
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Recently, the U.S. Department of Education released its final ruling that is set to go into effect on July 2024, if not amended or postponed. This will eliminate the 150% rule, which could impact federal funding for massage therapy schools.
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Military veterans often face a host of health concerns upon returning from service, including chronic pain and PTSD. Take a look at recent research that explores how massage therapy supports the health and well-being of our U.S. veterans.
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Explore our cancer CE series and discover the crucial role massage therapists can play as part of a client’s oncology care team.
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From pain management to relieving lymphedema, explore recent research that supports the benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients.
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With an active legislative season coming to a close, explore how AMTA was involved in advocating for state licensure, massage therapy for pain management, the Interstate Compact and fighting the reduction of standards in the profession.
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Our AMTA community is now 100,000 members strong! We have reached this historic milestone because of our members, and we thank you for being a part of the AMTA family.
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AMTA is excited to share that Congress passed the NOPAIN Act in late December! Thank you to our massage community for your support in helping pass this crucial legislation, which aims to expand access to massage therapy for pain and help stem the opioid epidemic across the nation. 
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Explore recent research that supports the benefits of massage therapy for stress, anxiety and depression.
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AMTA is pleased that the omnibus bill includes many provisions that support integrative healthcare including massage therapy.
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Recent studies demonstrate the efficacy of massage therapy for relief of chronic pain and show its value in reducing the need for opioids.
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With input from the massage community, a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encouraging the distribution of the HHS Pain Management Report to the medical community.
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With AMTA input, the NAICS 2022 update includes changing the term "massage parlors" to "massage wellness centers."
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AMTA is pleased to announce that Massage Envy will be purchasing AMTA memberships, on behalf of massage therapists employed across the country at their franchised locations.
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AMTA provides comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) about Medicare's Inclusion of Massage in 2022.
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Learn how the HHS FY 2022 bill and draft report supports education, public awareness, and research on massage therapy for pain management.
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AMTA Advocacy: Moving Massage Forward

AMTA’s advocacy efforts are continuing to move the massage therapy profession forward. We are working to increase public and policymaker awareness of the efficacy of massage therapy. 
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Discover how massage therapy can help support clients during all phases of pregnancy.
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New legislation addressing comprehensive approaches to pain care introduced in Congress.
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