AMTA to Commit $2.5 Million in Funding to the MTF for Massage Therapy Research

Since its inception 35 years ago, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) has been deeply committed to the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). As the MTF’s sustaining benefactor, AMTA has played a critical role in advancing research and the programmatic activities that benefit the entire massage therapy profession.   

Over the last decade, challenges within the massage profession and the charitable nonprofit sector have resulted in reduced corporate support and individual donations for the MTF. Those challenges were further compounded by the effects of the pandemic on our profession.  

To uphold the MTF’s mission and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Foundation, a restructuring of the organization was necessary. AMTA is focused on ensuring that the MTF has the funding and resources to continue to advance high-quality scientific research, education and community service. This restructuring will empower the MTF to amplify its positive impact on the massage profession.

As part of a renewed commitment to research, AMTA and the MTF are pleased to announce that AMTA will designate $2.5 million over the next five years to directly fund research activities that will benefit the profession. This commitment means more money will be invested in research over the next five years than the previous 35 years since the MTF began in 1990.

“For 35 years, the Massage Therapy Foundation has aimed to make massage therapy evidence- informed and accessible to everyone. The deepening of MTF’s partnership with AMTA positions us to amplify our vision and strengthens our reach for substantial impact on the massage profession now and in the future,” said Adrienne Asta, Massage Therapy Foundation President.

“AMTA has always believed in the mission of the Massage Therapy Foundation and as the largest and only nonprofit association in the profession, AMTA will lead by example and let our actions speak to our commitment to advancing massage therapy research,” said Kim Kane-Santos, AMTA National President.

AMTA is proud to partner with the MTF to drive forward research, innovation, and the growth of the massage therapy profession as a whole, inspiring a bright future for practitioners and clients alike.