Q: What is NMTAW and why is it important?
A: National Massage Therapy Awareness Week was created by AMTA to raise public awareness of the benefits of therapeutic massage, attract media attention to nationwide activities being carried out by AMTA chapters, professional members, students and schools as an opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and skill. It is an excellent opportunity for AMTA members across the country to share the importance of consumers choosing AMTA members because they are highly qualified professionals who contribute to the heath and well-being of the public through massage.
Q: If my chapter does not have an activity planned for National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, or I am unable to participate in the activities, can I participate on my own?
A: Absolutely. As an AMTA member, you can participate with your chapter, celebrate NMTAW on your own, or do both. Many members find it rewarding to join their chapter in events and connect with fellow members while also carrying out their own special NMTAW activities. Once you decide how you are going to participate in NMTAW this year, fill out the NMTAW Activity Report form.
Q: What can I do to celebrate NMTAW?
A: There are many different ways to celebrate NMTAW, and you don’t have to have a lot of resources or invest a lot of effort to make a difference. The great thing about NMTAW is that you can make it your own by customizing the week to what is important to you. All you have to do is decide how you want to participate.
Getting involved is as simple as dislaying the NMTAW poster (included in the fall issue of mtj) in public places. Massage demonstarations, gubernatorial or mayoral proclamations, client promotions and education sessions on the benefits of massage are all great ways to celebrate NMTAW. Check out Fifteen Ways to Celebrate NMTAW for additional ideas.
Q: Can I participate in more than one activity or event?
A: Absolutely! There is no limit to how many activities or events you participate in during NMTAW. Just remember to report your activities and to submit on-site massage intake forms, if applicable.
Q: Do you have information on the benefits of massage that I can share with the public?
A: The NMTAW poster (included in the fall issue of mtj) is a great way to publicize the profession and to refer people to AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist locator service. Here are other educational materials:
Q: How can I use the NMTAW poster?
A: The NMTAW poster is designed to promote the value of massage and AMTA members to consumers. It should be placed in areas where the public will see it. It’s perfect to hang in your place of work and at NMTAW events. It can also be placed in public areas like community centers, libraries, coffee shops, and health clubs, to name just a few. A poster is enclosed with the fall issue of mtj (Massage Therapy Journal). Additional NMTAW posters are available on AMTA's store.
Q: I’m still confused. How can I participate?
A. Massage is beneficial to people at all phases of their lives (i.e. infant, child, teen and young adult, adult, senior) and is an important component to a healthy lifestyle. On-site events for NMTAW can focus on particular age groups, people in specific circumstances or work environments, or be open to all. Here are some tips and information that may help members,
Here are some ways people in different age groups who may benefit from massage therapy; consider mentioning this in your publicity and at NMTAW events.
- Infants – for colic, sleep difficulties, faster weight gain for preemies, fostering connection between mother and child
- Children – for stress relief, sleep difficulties, learning disabilities
- Teens and Young Adults – for student stress relief, sports massage, injury recovery
- Adults – for stress relief, injury recovery, sports massage, pregnant women, workplace stress relief, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from some illnesses/surgery
- Senior -- for stress relief, injury recovery, boosting immune function, speeding recovery from some illnesses/surgery, arthritis
Q: I’m interested in getting more exposure for my practice, can you offer tips?
A: Frame your comments to connect with NMTAW:
If a massage therapist has a practice focus on a particular age group, such as infants, this focus can be used in conversations with the media or consumers to put it within the context of the benefits of massage therapy. Following are some examples:
- “I focus much of my massage practice on infant massage. Other massage therapists specialize in corporate onsite massage for adults, massage for seniors, or work with people of all age groups. Research shows massage can benefit people of all ages. AMTA’s Find A Massage Therapist® national locator service helps people find a qualified massage therapist in their area, who can meet their needs.”
- “I specialize in sports massage, which means I primarily work with teens and young adults. Most massage therapists work with people of all age groups. AMTA’s Find A Massage Therapist national locator service helps people of all ages find a qualified massage therapist in their area, who can meet their needs.”
- “My massage therapy practice focuses primarily on chair massage in corporate offices. This type of massage is of great benefit to working adults. (Give examples of response from corporate clients) Some massage therapists devote their practices to people of specific ages, such as infants or the elderly. Regardless of their age, AMTA’s Find A Massage Therapist national locator service can help people find qualified professional massage therapists."