American Massage Therapy Association^®

Is AMTA Defining Medical Massage?

Evanston, IL (March 27, 2006) -- The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) would like to clarify for everyone in the massage therapy profession that it has no plans to define the term medical massage.  AMTA’s Board of Directors continues to be concerned about the potential for a definition of medical massage to restrict the practices of massage therapists.  AMTA believes discussion needs to continue among all stakeholders in the profession to verify definitions for a variety of massage therapy terms. 

AMTA believes all massage is therapeutic.  Clearly, medical massage may include, but not be limited to intended purpose and outcomes, massage as part of a treatment plan determined by a licensed healthcare professional and/or practice setting.  However, it’s important to point out that empirical evidence hasn’t been provided to support or refute the concept of medical massage as a distinct area of specialization within massage therapy practice.  This would be a necessary step if the profession tries to define it.

In 2005, an AMTA volunteer workgroup examined how the term medical massage is being used.  They examined published definitions of the term used by many of the groups that give certifications in medical massage; surveyed AMTA members on their views of the term (816 members participated); collected input from about 30 other massage therapists (not all AMTA members), who have a strong interest in medical massage issues, through emails, phone calls and letters; and held a hearing at AMTA’s Albuquerque convention to get more member input on the term.  The workgroup reported its research to the AMTA Board in December 2005.

AMTA will continue to gather information on use of the term medical massage and has already participated in discussions with some of the stakeholders in the profession regarding the potential for defining it. 

With more than 55,000 members, the American Massage Therapy Association works to serve its members and to advance the massage therapy profession through ethics and standards, public education, and promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all 50 states.  The association is directed by a volunteer Board of Directors, chosen through a national election and encourages members to participate through its 52 chapters.

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