AMTA Addresses The Importance of Safety for Massage Therapists
AMTA's Response to the NFL's Decision on Deshaun Watson
August 2, 2022 - Massage therapists should never have to tolerate conduct outside the bounds of therapeutic massage therapy within a massage session. AMTA strongly believes that any client who steps over the line to inappropriate touch should face the legal consequences. And it’s disappointing to see such a relatively light punishment from the NFL levied toward Deshaun Watson in their findings of his violation of the league's personal-conduct policy. If the NFL is concerned about professionalism and upholding high standards in the league, creating a safe workplace for all members of athletes’ care teams should be a priority. We hope the league is taking measures to ensure that the massage therapists on the Browns’ personnel and throughout the NFL, as well as those supporting individual athletes, are able to work in a safe and professional environment.
The alleged behavior, and the language used by the legal team and others involved in this case put professional, licensed massage therapists at risk by condoning inappropriate conduct in a massage environment. “Massage therapists work every day to help clients ease pain, discomfort, stress and manage medical conditions, making a meaningful difference for their clients, especially for the millions of Americans struggling with chronic pain. Massage is and always should be about health and well-being in a safe environment whether for an athlete or any other client,” shared Michaele Colizza, AMTA National President.
The Importance of Safety for Massage Therapists
June 16, 2022 - The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is aware of the allegations of misconduct against Deshaun Watson and the related news coverage. While we are not in a position to comment on ongoing litigation making its way through the judicial process, we do feel strongly about reiterating that the safety of both the massage therapist and client is of utmost importance.
The practice of massage therapy is and always should be about health and wellness. Massage therapy can help alleviate the effects of a broad range of health conditions, including pain, stress and muscle injury. Mutual respect, courtesy and professionalism should be expected between clients and massage therapists at all times. And massage therapists should never have to tolerate conduct outside the bounds of therapeutic massage. AMTA strongly believes that any client who steps over the line to inappropriate touch should face the legal consequences. We also empathize with any person who has had to endure such behavior, and we encourage anyone who feels there may be inappropriate behavior to call the local police.
Additionally, irresponsible remarks made by lawyers or in the media coverage put professional, licensed massage therapists at risk by condoning inappropriate conduct in a massage environment. We fully support all massage therapists and believe that massage is and always should be about health and wellbeing in a safe environment.