#BANDINGTOGETHER for the Future of Massage Therapy Research

Massage therapy research is evolving and studies from the Massage Therapy Foundation are deepening our understanding of the effects of massage therapy on issues from chronic pain disorders to outpatient cancer care. But it’s not just about clients. Massage therapy research is also tackling topics like therapist self-care and ways to help massage therapists practice their craft more safely. Evidence-based research like this advances the massage therapy profession and empowers therapists to enjoy longer, more fulfilling careers. And that’s really at the heart of the Massage Envy 2019 #BANDINGTOGETHER initiative.

As the largest collective employer of massage therapists, Massage Envy franchisees are investing in research to help massage therapists improve the quality and length of their careers, no matter where they practice. Wristbands each representing a dollar donated to the Massage Therapy Foundation from Massage Envy franchisees are being handed out at all national events where the Massage Envy brand is represented in 2019.

“These bands are the perfect way to call attention to the importance of supporting evidence-based research. After attendees heard all of the research presentations, they walked away wearing a reminder that it takes ongoing investment to fuel the projects that lead to the depth of findings shared at the conference. As others see and ask about the wristbands, they will begin meaningful conversations across the country.”

These bands made their first appearance at the AMTA Schools Summit where school owners, Massage Therapy Foundation trustees, thought leaders, educators, and therapists received #BANDINGTOGETHER wristbands as part of the initiative. These wristbands were also handed out at the 2019 International Massage Therapy Research Conference in May where Doug Nelson, President of the Massage Therapy Foundation, thought they were a perfect fit. “These bands are the perfect way to call attention to the importance of supporting evidence-based research. After attendees heard all of the research presentations, they walked away wearing a reminder that it takes ongoing investment to fuel the projects that lead to the depth of findings shared at the conference. As others see and ask about the wristbands, they will begin meaningful conversations across the country.” This initiative helps draw attention to the importance of supporting research that benefits the entire massage therapy profession and inspires others to take action. When it comes to advancing the massage therapy profession through research—to benefit therapists and clients alike—we’re #BANDINGTOGETHER.

The #BANDINGTOGETHER initiative continues its march across the country with the Alliance for Massage Therapy Education’s educational congress in July and the AMTA Annual Convention in the fall. You can follow Massage Envy Careers on Facebook to see how we’re #BANDINGTOGETHER throughout 2019.