To AMTA Members:

AMTA celebrates the release today of the first massage therapy body of knowledge (MTBOK) as a milestone for the profession. AMTA is proud of its pivotal role as convener of the stakeholders in the profession to unite in a process that created the MTBOK and its involvement as one of the stewards for the body of knowledge. The association appreciates the broad involvement of massage therapists, educators and massage therapy organizations who participated in the process to create this document.

The MTBOK is intended to inform and guide the profession in the areas of massage therapy practice, accreditation, research, certification, education and licensure. Please keep in mind that the release of the MTBOK does not require changes to your massage practice or affect any current massage therapy regulations. Because it is an evolving document, AMTA encourages you to read the MTBOK at www.mtbok.org and comment via email at mtbok_comments@mtbok.org .

Save the Date! On June 23, there will be a special webinar discussion of the MTBOK, hosted by AMTA and ABMP. Be sure to check the AMTA website and the MTBOK website for more information about how to participate in this online discussion.

You can read the press release issued today by the Massage Therapy Body of Knowledge Task Force and watch AMTA President Kathleen Miller-Read’s reaction to this milestone on AMTA’s website. Watch video from the conference on AMTA’s YouTube channel.

AMTA is always working to improve your experience as a member. So we have made some changes to the AMTA National website to help you manage your information quickly and easily online.

Beginning on January 5, 2010, there will be easier ways for you to renew your membership, revise your Find a Massage Therapist^® locator profile, add/update your continuing education hours, change your additional insured, update your license number and so much more—and it will all be available online.

We know how busy you are with your clients and we want to make every aspect of your membership with AMTA as easy as possible. We hope these changes will improve your member experience and empower you to keep your information current, from the comfort of your home or office.

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Interested in learning more?

Here are some FAQs to help you navigate the changes:

Learn how to renew your membership.

Learn how to update your contact information.

Learn how to update your license and national certifications.

Learn how to update your FAMT profile.

If you have any questions or difficulty navigating the site, please contact AMTA National at 877.905.2700 or info@amtamassage.org.

James Waslaski is an Author and International Lecturer who has pioneered deep pain-free orthopedic and medical massage techniques for the treatment of chronic pain and sports injuries.  With over 20 years experience in the medical profession and extensive work with professional and Olympic athletes, he now teaches approximately 40 seminars per year throughout the United States, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, London, Greece, Australia, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.

James has produced a series of six videotapes on sports injuries and complicated orthopedic conditions.  He has presented at State, National, and International conventions, including a keynote speech in Sydney, Australia, the Olympic Training Center in Australia, the College of Sports Medicine, and at Chiropractic conventions in Florida and South Carolina.  His numerous articles have been published in magazines worldwide.  James has received the 1999 International Achievement Award for educating medical practitioners throughout the world towards integrated pain-free healing.  James was inducted in the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in August, 2008.

You may also learn more about James and his work at Orthomassage.net

AMTA-NV Presenter:  “Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Elbow, Wrist, & Hand Conditions” – June 7th, 2010; “Orthopedic Massage for Complicated Shoulder Conditions” – June 8th, 2010

Peter Shankland, LMT

Peter Shankland, LMT, is a Massage Therapy Instructor in Everest College ’s (Henderson, NV Campus) Massage Therapy program and a certified Yoga Guide.

Since 2002, Peter has been sharing his knowledge, skills, and complementary therapy experiences with clients in Five-Star hotels & spas, physical therapy clinics, as well as maintaining his own private practice: Myme Therapies.

CE Massage Las Vegas workshops are part of Myme Therapies’ massage, yoga & meditation treatments and services.

Peter attended Nature Care College (Sydney, Australia), receiving his certificates in Remedial Therapies, Remedial Massage, and Reflexology.  In 2004, he earned the title of Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor from the BodyMind Unlimited organization in Australia.  Additionally, Peter practices Jammu Balinese massage, Shiatsu, Polarity Therapy, and pregnancy massage.  Peter also earned his Bachelor of Arts in Interpersonal Communication from the University of Buffalo in 1986 and his Master of Arts in Speech Communication in 1988.

AMTA-NV Presenter: “Table Thai Massage for Spa” – November 9th, 2009

The American Massage Therapy Association released today, in an email to its members and the press, a statement applauding the decision of Craigslist to remove its ‘erotic’ services posting section from the Illinois state listings and it is assumed all other states similar or same sections will be removed. Ongoing and recent events surrounding the questionable practices of Craigslist have prompted the AMTA to work with Craigslist to remove posts and advertisement for massage services that were not appropriately listed and advertised, and today’s announcement illustrates the result of their cooperation.

Following is a copy of the email received by AMTA members:

For many years AMTA has sought means to clean up massage listings on Craigslist and protect both the public and massage therapists who advertise legitimately on the service. Previous direct efforts with the company have had little effect. Meanwhile, AMTA has continued to cooperate with law enforcement officials in their efforts to control ads on Craigslist. Yesterday, it was announced that Craigslist will drop its ‘erotic services’ section in the state of Illinois and this appears to indicate an overall change by the company in other states.
AMTA has issued the following press release expressing its view of the decision and calls for Craigslist and others to respect the massage therapy profession and protect the professionalism and safety of massage therapists. AMTA President, Judy Stahl has already been interviewed by news media and we are convinced that our view will receive media attention.
AMTA encourages members to look at listings in the ‘therapeutic’ section of Craigslist in their area for ads that use the word massage and promote something other than legitimate massage therapy. You can flag such ads as inappropriate. Several flags of an ad usually result in the ad being removed.
Your association will continue its efforts, and its contacts with law enforcement officials, to restrict massage therapy advertising to legitimate massage therapists and protect the safety of practitioners.
For Immediate Release
May 13, 2009
AMTA Applauds Craigslist Decision
Calls for Protection of Massage Therapists
Evanston, IL – The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) views the decision by Craigslist to remove its ‘erotic services’ section as an opportunity to clarify for the public that prostitutes who claim to provide massage are not massage therapists. “The public and massage therapists have a right to know that advertising for massage should only be the right of massage therapists,” says Judy Stahl, AMTA President. “We hope this decision will ensure that massage is only advertised on Craigslist through its ‘therapeutic’ section and that any new ‘adult’ section will not allow posters to use terms related to massage therapy.” Most states regulate the massage therapy profession and restrict use of the term ‘massage’ in business and advertising to legally practicing massage therapists.
The recent publicity surrounding the murder of a call girl who called herself a masseuse on Craigslist has confused many people. Massage therapists have had clients and patients question their professionalism and raise concerns about them advertising their massage practices through Craigslist.
Unfortunately, prostitutes frequently claim to offer massage and use the term ‘masseuse’ to appear as legitimate therapists. While most massage practitioners prefer the term massage therapist, some still use the older term, rooted in European health traditions, of ‘masseuse’.
AMTA believes these terms related to massage should only be used by those with a legal and professional right to do so. The non-profit professional association wants the public to feel confident that anyone who claims to provide massage is a trained professional who practices legally. “We call on Craigslist, the media and other online services to respect massage therapists and to protect the public from misrepresentations of massage. And, we continue our support for the efforts of the state attorneys general to protect the public from inappropriate advertising,” says Stahl.
The American Massage Therapy Association is a nonprofit professional association of more than 58,000 members founded in 1943. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. AMTA provides information about massage therapy to the public and works to improve the professional climate for massage therapists. It advocates fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states.
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Carrie Fisher, BS LMT

Carrie Fisher, BS, LMT is an educator and intuitive practitioner specializing in CranioSacral Therapy and SomatoEmotional Release. She has been a licensed massage therapist for over 21 years, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Alternative Medicine from Everglades University, and has recently been invited to be on their Program’s Advisory Committee. Carrie is affiliated with The Upledger Institute as a certified continuing education presenter for healthcare professionals at local and national venues. Her extensive studies and certifications include Lymphatic Drainage, Neuromuscular Therapy, Reflexology, Sports Massage, Prenatal and Perinatal Massage and infant care, traditional Chinese medicine, Bach flower remedies, rebirthing, and psychology. She is currently pursuing her Doula Certification to become a labor coach.
After practicing other various massage modalities Carrie’s career path changed when she received her own life-altering CranioSacral Therapy (CST) session. She naturally pursued more extensive training in CST with industry pioneer and osteopathic physician John Upledger at the internationally-renowned Upledger Institute. She immersed herself in study, began assisting at seminars, and became a Certified Teaching Assistant. In 1995 Carrie was invited by Dr. Upledger to be a Visiting Therapist for the Upledger Clinic, and shortly thereafter became a Certified Instructor of ‘Introduction and Overview of CranioSacral Therapy’ educational workshops.
Throughout the last eighteen years Carrie has provided CST in medical, resort, fitness, and private settings. She has, and continues to provide treatment to a wide range of clientele including conjoined twins, premature babies, pre- and post-natal mothers, pre- and post-op surgery patients, collegiate athletes, others with acute and chronic physical or emotional conditions, as well as those simply seeking higher levels of health and wellbeing. Carrie finds the CranioSacral treatment approach to be continually engaging and empowering, and is delighted to have the opportunity to share her passion, knowledge, and healing touch with the community and the rest of the world.

AMTA-NV Presenter: “Introduction to CranioSacral Therapy” – June 1 & 2, 2009

It’s time again to honor the volunteers who do so much for the association. It’s easy! Just fill out the online form, hit the submit button, and you are done! What’s in it for you? Your chapter volunteers will be truly grateful that you took YOUR time and effort to recognize THEIR time and effort!  Awarding work well done helps keep everyone motivated. Each award application must be submitted separately HERE.

The submission deadline for the 2009 Awards Program is April 15, 2009.

Awards for Outstanding Individuals

You can find the criteria and submit the application form directly to the National Office for the following awards:

• Government Relations Activist
• Humanitarian
• Outstanding Sports Massage Achiever

Chapter Meritorious and National Meritorious Awards

Don’t forget to submit your Chapter Meritorious recipient, as well. This award, which honors an individual by acknowledging diligence in volunteerism accomplished in an altruistic manner, is the highest award bestowed upon an AMTA member by a Chapter. Each and every Chapter Meritorious recipient will be honored at convention.

You can also nominate your 2009 Chapter Meritorious recipient to be considered for the National Meritorious Award.

NEW! Awards of Excellence for Chapters

Participate in AMTA’s NEW Give Chapters a Hand Awards of Excellence Program for 2009! Over the past several years, AMTA has focused on delivery of a consistent member experience through chapters via programs like the Chapter Volunteer Orientation Program, the establishment of minimum chapter deliverables and increased chapter financial controls. This new set of awards recognizes the sizeable effort chapters put forth in meeting these increased requirements and was developed using survey feedback from chapter presidents and awards chairs. Be part of this exciting addition to AMTA’s recognition of your chapter’s efforts and submit your applications today!

FREE CONFERENCE CALL TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS

Since there are so many new and exciting additions to the Awards Program, we would like to invite you to attend a conference call where your questions can be answered. The dates to choose from are below:

1. February 17 at 10 AM Central Standard Time
2. February 19 at 1 PM Central Standard Time

To attend the call, dial into 1-800-882-3610 and the passcode is 0774488#.

Melissa Spani
Governance and Volunteer Development Assistant
American Massage Therapy Association
500 Davis Street, Suite 900
Evanston, IL 60201-4695

Toll Free: 877-905-2700 X189 Direct: 847-905-1689 Fax: 847-864-1178
Email: mspani@amtamassage.org Web: www.amtamassage.org

This is a discontinued program – check back for opportunities for savings in the future.

Considering a Student Membership in the AMTA? Remember the code “NV20″ and you won’t have to pay the chapter fee for your Student Member enrollment! Please check the AMTA National website for details and the application by clicking the image below: find the student membership section, click the “JOIN NOW” button, and when you get to the “Fees” field, follow the directions below.

Be sure to: Enter the normal NV State Chapter fee of $20.00…

Then: Enter the Promotional Code “NV20″, before submitting your application

Then: Click here to join!