January/February 2022

In March 2021, ABMP conducted a survey of US massage therapists and bodyworkers. Nearly 3,000 professionals were generous with their time and participation. Following is an overview of highlights from that research.

The ABMP Government Relations team has been busy preparing for the 2022 legislative session. Read about our initiatives for the upcoming year.

Some aspects of long COVID are a great match for the benefits massage therapy can provide, so it behooves bodywork practitioners to learn what they can about it. Benefits of massage therapy include support during a difficult time; reflection of improvement over time; and reduction of fatigue, shortness of breath, pain, headaches, and other symptoms.

Massage therapists aren’t supposed to diagnose. There is some variety from state to state, but for the most part, we are allowed to “assess” but not to “diagnose.”

To achieve repeat bookings, practitioners must (1) understand client goals, (2) deliver value for clients, and (3) design effective treatment plans.

Myofascial layers can be manipulated through prolonged application of tension techniques like myofascial release and passive range of motion.

Dysautonomia is a common factor in long COVID; there is an excellent chance that therapists will encounter clients with this kind of ANS dysregulation.

Getting to the why behind your to-do list is key, as that can be the extra motivation you need to move forward on bigger tasks.

Enforcing boundaries protects our income and mental health, but sometimes circumstances call for bending boundaries.

What we do every day as bodyworkers and massage therapists is taxing work. Here are some stretches to relieve back pain.

Practitioners have to think critically about when and how to share what we know and must resist the temptation to guess.