Massage Therapy Journal Fall 2024

6 • Massage Therapy Journal

Letter from the

President

All About Community

chronic pain, from marketing to managing risk, attendees can get a year’s worth of high-quality continuing education in one place. Just look at the diversity in the continuing education available, which showcases that no matter your interests, no matter your practice focus, no matter your experience— “[No] matter your interests, no matter your practice focus, no matter your experience— YOU belong at AMTA.” The real magic, however, is in the shared community I always experience at AMTA conventions. Spending time with massage therapists as passionate about the profession as me, meeting new friends and reconnecting with friends I’ve known for years is always a highlight for me, and gives me the inspiration and motivation to keep doing what I love: working hard for the massage profession and my clients. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we look forward to saying “Hi” to as many members as we possibly can! Happy Fall Y’all! In heartfelt service, Kim Fun Fact : According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie weighed 3,699 pounds and was 20 feet in diameter, and made by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers. Can you guess which state? (No Googling!). YOU belong at AMTA . The Real Magic: Shared Community

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! For parents, now is the time you might be starting back-to-school shopping and thinking (or dreaming?!) of the day your kids return to school. Some of you may be watching your favorite sports team either gear up for playoffs or head home to rebuild. Others are watching the summer wane and squeezing every last ounce of fun from every day (count me in on this one!). Many of you might be doing all of these and more! But, there’s also a lot of excitement in our profession because … it’s AMTA National Convention time! AMTA National Convention is the bomb diggity, and whether you’re able to attend or not, there is so much to be proud of, not only as massage therapists but as a whole profession, too. Inclusive Community AMTA has always been committed to making space for everyone. The massage profession is incredibly diverse, from personal experience to practice interest to techniques used. There is no single way to be a massage therapist. At this year’s convention held in Tampa, FL, September 12–14, AMTA’s commitment to inclusion will be central to your convention experience, whether you follow along on Facebook or Instagram or attend in person (I’m hoping you attend in person!). From the start, our Keynote Speaker, Dolly Chugh , will lead us through an empowering discussion on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and how we can enhance our massage community by building a more inclusive and supportive environment for both massage therapists and their clients. Don’t forget the continuing education! From sports massage to Thai massage, from working with pregnant clients to clients in

DON’T MISS THE AMTA NATIONAL CONVENTION CLOSING PANEL Bridging Science and Practice: Empowering Massage Therapists Through Research I have the honor of moderating a panel of massage therapists and thought leaders who will explore how emerging research can better inform your massage practice and improve client outcomes. Register now at amtamassage.org/ convention.

Kim Kane Santos AMTA President

amtamassage.org/mtj