2025 International Massage Therapy Research Conference

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) hosts the International Massage Therapy Research Conference (IMTRC) every three years. This conference brings together massage therapy leaders, clinicians, educators and researchers to discuss the latest science and research in massage therapy.

Taking place in Alexandria, VA from April 27-29, this conference is an amazing opportunity to earn up to 16 CE credits while learning about new research, connecting with colleagues, and gaining insight into research-informed practices.

Learn more about this year’s incredible program and register today!

Register for IMTRC

Keynote Speakers

IMTRC features two keynote speakers who both focus on the importance of research in establishing massage therapy as healthcare for whole person health. Their contributions to the healthcare field are extensive—you won’t want to miss their insights!

Jeffery A Dusek, PhD is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at University of California-Irvine (UCI) and the Director of Research Outcomes, Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. He will present on the importance of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) within broader research initiatives, exploring how PBRNs effectively bridge the gaps between researchers, practitioners and patients to achieve meaningful outcomes.

Tracy Gaudet, MD a co-founder of the Cornerstone Collaboration for Societal Change, will discuss whole person health, related research, and the role of massage therapy within this initiative. She will explore potential opportunities for the profession as healthcare transforms from being disease-based to purpose-driven, aligning with the integrated value of massage therapy. Dr. Gaudet is a leader in the development of Whole Health, with decades of experience in re-envisioning and implementing innovative approaches to improve health outcomes and reduce costs.

Read more about this year’s keynote speakers

AMTA Research Panel

IMTRC will also feature presentations from three AMTA-Funded MTF Research recipients, Geoffrey Bove, DC, PhD, Jennifer Esala, PhD, and Tracy Rupp, PhD, MAc, Lac.

Their presentations cover a variety of topics, showcasing the diverse contexts in which massage therapy can serve as an integrative healthcare option. The scope of their research is extensive with one study evaluating whether massage therapy can prevent fibrosis caused by radiation to reduce the harms for cancer patients, another examining the role of massage and somatic awareness for pain recovery for torture survivors, and the third tracking the impact of massage therapy for pain management within the military health system. The panel’s research is both comprehensive and vital, and AMTA is honored to support these research initiatives.

Learn more about the recipients and their research

CE Courses

In addition, IMTRC offers a variety of continuing education sessions to help you expand your skillset and explore innovations within the massage therapy profession. All IMTRC CE courses are NCBTMB-approved.

Specific session topics will include:

• Whole body health
• Massage therapy’s relevance in palliative care, rehabilitation, and public health
• The value of practice-based research networks
• Massage therapy to support individuals pregnant after prior stillbirth
• Interoceptive awareness as supportive care for opioid-use disorder
• Massage therapy for veterans with chronic neck pain

Explore this year’s CE Sessions

AMTA is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 2025 IMTRC and a sustaining benefactor of MTF. We encourage the massage community to explore the valuable resources and research at IMTRC and the Massage Therapy Foundation as a whole. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network with your peers and discover new ways massage therapy can transform lives.

Register TODAY!