Massage is Used More Than Ever for Medical/Health Reasons
Americans discussing merits of massage with physicians

Evanston, IL – October 26, 2009 –Results from the 13th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) indicate that 32 percent of Americans are seeking massage for medical and health reasons, tying relaxation and stress reduction for the first time as the top reasons people get massages.  Click here for more information on AMTA’s 2009 consumer survey.

Additionally, 25 percent of Americans ages 35-44 have talked to their doctor or healthcare provider about massage therapy this year, compared to 14 percent in 2008. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor strongly recommended/encouraged them to get a massage. These survey results are announced in conjunction with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®, October 25-31.

A vast majority of Americans, 86 percent, agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain, and 85 percent agree that massage can be beneficial for health and wellness.

“Even with the ongoing economic crisis, people are not willing to compromise their health,” says Judy Stahl, AMTA president. “It’s a clear signal of massage’s value when those making less than $35,000 a year are the second most active income bracket getting massage therapy.”

Stressed Americans Still Seeking Massage for Relaxation

For the second year in a row, the survey results showed that massage therapy use is fairly steady, despite the lagging economy. Thirty-two percent of stressed out Americans are getting massages to relieve their stress and 57 percent of Americans say they feel more stressed this year than last year, particularly among females (61 percent) and those ages 18-24 (66 percent).

“Consumers understand that massage therapy is essential to a healthy balance between stress and relaxation,” said Stahl. “We are pleased to see that consumers are prioritizing massage to help them through these difficult times.”
About AMTA

The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) is a professional association of approximately 58,000 members. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. AMTA provides information about massage therapy to the public and works to improve the professional climate for massage therapists. The association also helps consumers and healthcare professionals locate qualified massage therapists nationwide, through AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist® free national locator service available at www.findamassagetherapist.org or toll-free at 888-843-2682 [888-THE-AMTA].

Join AMTA at the Reduced Membership Rate of $199* and get a FREE MassageMinder

Don’t miss out on this chance to receive the best benefits in the profession and an outstanding organizing tool for your practice!

• The broadest liability insurance protection in the profession—no deductibles, no premiums to pay
• Member-only discounts up to 30% off on products, services and events
• Free advertising for your practice on AMTA’s national locator service—reach over 600,000 consumers each year
• Continuing education credits through convenient online classes and much more

Join online by December 31st and enter promo code FALL09 or call us toll-free at 877-905-2700 and mention AMTA’s Fall Offer.

James has produced a series of six videotapes on sports injuries and complicated orthopedic conditions.  He has presented at State, National, and International conventions, including a keynote speech in Sydney, Australia, the Olympic Training Center in Australia, the College of Sports Medicine, and at Chiropractic conventions in Florida and South Carolina.  His numerous articles have been published in magazines worldwide.  James has received the 1999 International Achievement Award for educating medical practitioners throughout the world towards integrated pain-free healing.  James was inducted in the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in August, 2008.

You may also learn more about James and his work at Orthomassage.net

AMTA-NV Presenter:  “Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Elbow, Wrist, & Hand Conditions” – June 7th, 2010; “Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Shoulder Conditions” – June 8th, 2010

Peter Shankland, LMT

Peter Shankland, LMT, is a Massage Therapy Instructor in Everest College ’s (Henderson, NV Campus) Massage Therapy program and a certified Yoga Guide.

Since 2002, Peter has been sharing his knowledge, skills, and complementary therapy experiences with clients in Five-Star hotels & spas, physical therapy clinics, as well as maintaining his own private practice: Myme Therapies.

CE Massage Las Vegas workshops are part of Myme Therapies’ massage, yoga & meditation treatments and services.

Peter attended Nature Care College (Sydney, Australia), receiving his certificates in Remedial Therapies, Remedial Massage, and Reflexology.  In 2004, he earned the title of Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor from the BodyMind Unlimited organization in Australia.  Additionally, Peter practices Jammu Balinese massage, Shiatsu, Polarity Therapy, and pregnancy massage.  Peter also earned his Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Buffalo in 1986 and his Master of Arts in Speech Communication in 1988.

AMTA-NV Presenter: “Table Thai Massage for Spa” – November 9th, 2009

Register today for substantial savings, whether you are an AMTA member or not.  After October 9th, the rates go up slightly.

Learn more and Register HERE

• Summary of the 2009 Annual General Meeting on June 1st, with a list of the passed Standing Rules
• Register for this Fall’s AMTA-NV Chapter Education Event in Reno with Peter Shankland
• Some information about the Nevada State Board of Massage Therapists
• Aston Patterning® learning opportunity in Hawaii
• and more!

Visit the Chapter online at AMTA-NV.org to read the Current Edition of the SSME!

Following is a copy of the email received by AMTA members:

For many years AMTA has sought means to clean up massage listings on Craigslist and protect both the public and massage therapists who advertise legitimately on the service. Previous direct efforts with the company have had little effect. Meanwhile, AMTA has continued to cooperate with law enforcement officials in their efforts to control ads on Craigslist. Yesterday, it was announced that Craigslist will drop its ‘erotic services’ section in the state of Illinois and this appears to indicate an overall change by the company in other states.
AMTA has issued the following press release expressing its view of the decision and calls for Craigslist and others to respect the massage therapy profession and protect the professionalism and safety of massage therapists. AMTA President, Judy Stahl has already been interviewed by news media and we are convinced that our view will receive media attention.
AMTA encourages members to look at listings in the ‘therapeutic’ section of Craigslist in their area for ads that use the word massage and promote something other than legitimate massage therapy. You can flag such ads as inappropriate. Several flags of an ad usually result in the ad being removed.
Your association will continue its efforts, and its contacts with law enforcement officials, to restrict massage therapy advertising to legitimate massage therapists and protect the safety of practitioners.
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009
AMTA Applauds Craigslist Decision
Calls for Protection of Massage Therapists
Evanston, IL – The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) views the decision by Craigslist to remove its ‘erotic services’ section as an opportunity to clarify for the public that prostitutes who claim to provide massage are not massage therapists. “The public and massage therapists have a right to know that advertising for massage should only be the right of massage therapists,” says Judy Stahl, AMTA President. “We hope this decision will ensure that massage is only advertised on Craigslist through its ‘therapeutic’ section and that any new ‘adult’ section will not allow posters to use terms related to massage therapy.” Most states regulate the massage therapy profession and restrict use of the term ‘massage’ in business and advertising to legally practicing massage therapists.
The recent publicity surrounding the murder of a call girl who called herself a masseuse on Craigslist has confused many people. Massage therapists have had clients and patients question their professionalism and raise concerns about them advertising their massage practices through Craigslist.
Unfortunately, prostitutes frequently claim to offer massage and use the term ‘masseuse’ to appear as legitimate therapists. While most massage practitioners prefer the term massage therapist, some still use the older term, rooted in European health traditions, of ‘masseuse’.
AMTA believes these terms related to massage should only be used by those with a legal and professional right to do so. The non-profit professional association wants the public to feel confident that anyone who claims to provide massage is a trained professional who practices legally. “We call on Craigslist, the media and other online services to respect massage therapists and to protect the public from misrepresentations of massage. And, we continue our support for the efforts of the state attorneys general to protect the public from inappropriate advertising,” says Stahl.
The American Massage Therapy Association is a nonprofit professional association of more than 58,000 members founded in 1943. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. AMTA provides information about massage therapy to the public and works to improve the professional climate for massage therapists. It advocates fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states.
###

Carrie Fisher, BS LMT

Carrie Fisher, BS, LMT is an educator and intuitive practitioner specializing in CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release. She has been a licensed massage therapist for over 21 years, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University, and has recently been invited to be on their Program’s Advisory Committee. Carrie is affiliated with The Upledger Institute as a certified continuing education presenter for healthcare professionals at local and national venues. Her extensive studies and certifications include Lymphatic Drainage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Prenatal and Perinatal Massage and infant care, traditional Chinese medicine, Bach flower remedies, rebirthing, and psychology. She is currently pursuing her Doula Certification to become a labor coach.
After practicing other various massage modalities Carrie’s career path changed when she received her own life-altering CranioSacral Therapy (CST) session. She naturally pursued more extensive training in CST with industry pioneer and osteopathic physician John Upledger at the internationally-renowned Upledger Institute. She immersed herself in study, began assisting at seminars, and became a Certified Teaching Assistant. In 1995 Carrie was invited by Dr. Upledger to be a Visiting Therapist for the Upledger Clinic, and shortly thereafter became a Certified Instructor of ‘Introduction and Overview of CranioSacral Therapy’ educational workshops.
Throughout the last eighteen years Carrie has provided CST in medical, resort, fitness, and private settings. She has, and continues to provide treatment to a wide range of clientele including conjoined twins, premature babies, pre- and post-natal mothers, pre- and post-op surgery patients, collegiate athletes, others with acute and chronic physical or emotional conditions, as well as those simply seeking higher levels of health and wellbeing. Carrie finds the CranioSacral treatment approach to be continually engaging and empowering, and is delighted to have the opportunity to share her passion, knowledge, and healing touch with the community and the rest of the world.

AMTA-NV Presenter: “Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy” – June 1 & 2, 2009

The submission deadline for the 2009 Awards Program is April 15, 2009.

Awards for Outstanding Individuals

You can find the criteria and submit the application form directly to the National Office for the following awards:

• Government Relations Activist
• Humanitarian
• Outstanding Sports Massage Achiever

Chapter Meritorious and National Meritorious Awards

Don’t forget to submit your Chapter Meritorious recipient, as well. This award, which honors an individual by acknowledging diligence in volunteerism accomplished in an altruistic manner, is the highest award bestowed upon an AMTA member by a Chapter. Each and every Chapter Meritorious recipient will be honored at convention.

You can also nominate your 2009 Chapter Meritorious recipient to be considered for the National Meritorious Award.

NEW! Awards of Excellence for Chapters

Participate in AMTA’s NEW Give Chapters a Hand Awards of Excellence Program for 2009! Over the past several years, AMTA has focused on delivery of a consistent member experience through chapters via programs like the Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program, the establishment of minimum chapter deliverables and increased chapter financial controls. This new set of awards recognizes the sizeable effort chapters put forth in meeting these increased requirements and was developed using survey feedback from chapter presidents and awards chairs. Be part of this exciting addition to AMTA’s recognition of your chapter’s efforts and submit your applications today!

FREE CONFERENCE CALL TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Since there are so many new and exciting additions to the Awards Program, we would like to invite you to attend a conference call where your questions can be answered. The dates to choose from are below:

1. February 17 at 10 AM Central Standard Time
2. February 19 at 1 PM Central Standard Time

To attend the call, dial into 1-800-882-3610 and the passcode is 0774488#.

Melissa Spani
Governance and Volunteer Development Assistant
American Massage Therapy Association
500 Davis Street, Suite 900
Evanston, IL 60201-4695

Toll Free: 877-905-2700 X189 Direct: 847-905-1689 Fax: 847-864-1178
Email: mspani@amtamassage.org Web: www.amtamassage.org

Tonight I added many pages that without their addition makes the site hum-drum, at best.

They include:

• Newsletter – Current & Archived editions…NEW Feb 2009 Edition 6-1 is available!
• Calendar – soon-to-be filled with lots of good information about Chapter activities, continuing education available in Nevada, and more!  Suggestions welcome.
• Contact – a list of Chapter Board Members and Volunteer Members to contact
• Be Active – to be filled with many ways you can get involved with assisting the Chapter in achieving its Mission of serving any AMTA members while advancing the art, science and practice of massage therapy.

Thanks for your patience.

Over the next few days (or a week), I’ll be adding some more content to the site, to which you can visit to read, refer clients to, and will hopefully bring people searching the web to the Chapter’s site to read articles of their interest.

If you have any professional articles you’d like to submit for posting or publication in the Chapter newsletter – the Silver State Massage Express – please notify me at Webmaster@AMTA-NV.org or the Newsletter Editor at Newsletter@AMTA-NV.org.  We’d be happy to assist you!

Let’s say goodbye to the old, and hello to the new (It’s still January – We’re “allowed!”)