Members’ home

INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS

Report How You Celebrated NMTAW

Some members hold their own NMTAW events and activities.  If you held a public event and demonstrated massage therapy, please fill out the NMTAW Event Report Form (.pdf).

If you celebrated NMTAW in any way other than a public event, please fill out the NMTAW Activity Report Form.

Members have come up with creative fun ways to promote massage during NMTAW and the national office wants to share your creative ideas and successful activities with other members, chapters and schools.

  • National Massage Therapy Awareness Week: FAQs

    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, practitioner members and schools and to give members an opportunity to demonstrate their professionalism and skill. It is an excellent opportunity for AMTA members across the country to demonstrate 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 a Member NMTAW Activity or Event form and send it to the national office.

    Q: What can I do to celebrate NMTAW?

    A: There are many different ways to celebrate NMTAW. 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.

    Chapters and schools have participated in NMTAW events including massage demonstrations and information on the benefits of massage at state capitals, post offices, homes for the elderly, and police and fire departments. Chapters have also advertised NMTAW on billboards and at community events. They have submitted gubernatorial or mayoral proclamations to officially designate it National Massage Therapy Awareness Week in their state or city.

    Members have used this week in many different ways. Some contacted their local libraries or community centers and held informational sessions on the benefits of massage while promoting their practice. Others used NMTAW to connect with their clientele by sending out postcards encouraging them to make an appointment and/or offering a discount for that week. Some simply put a sign or banner outside their practice to advertise this special week.

    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 submit a report of your activities to AMTA national as well as on-site massage intake forms, if applicable.

    Q: How can I use the NMTAW logo?

    A: You can use the logo in any promotion of NMTAW. In past years, members have used the logo on signs, banners, mailings, t-shirts, pens and even on billboards. If you get a sign or banner printed this year, you will be able to use it next year as well since the logo will remain the same.

    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 for purchase in the AMTA shopping mall.

    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. Onsite 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, Chapters and schools connect NMTAW activities and individual massage practices to the promotion of massage therapy.

    The following are some ways people in different age groups who may benefit from massage therapy that you may want to mention in your publicity and at NMTAW events. (These are only some ideas for each age group.):

    - 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."

Other Helpful Resources for NMTAW:

Download the 2008 Consumer Fact Sheet.