Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

12 • Massage Therapy Journal

Advocacy Advancing the Massage Therapy Profession y

Advancing Massage Therapy Through Research and Advocacy

R esearch is the foundation for progress in the massage therapy profession. By establishing strong evidence and elevating practice standards, research not only validates the bene fi ts of massage but also fuels policy changes that expand access to care. At AMTA, we are deeply committed to advancing this work by advocating for federal research funding and supporting innovative studies in partnership with the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF). Together, these research initiatives are helping shape the future of the massage profession. AMTA Advocates for Federal Funding of NCCIH: A Leader in Research Earlier this year, AMTA submitted a statement to the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, urging for continued federal funding for the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): an agency uniquely positioned to lead research for integrative treatments for chronic pain and other health issues. We also strongly opposed the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the Center.

AMTA’s advocacy, together with that of our health care partners, has kept this issue at the forefront—through policy engagement, public statements and direct conversations with lawmakers. Both the House and Senate Appropriations Committees approved Fiscal Year 2026 bills maintaining NCCIH’s current funding. Had the initial proposal succeeded, it would have stripped critical federal support for safe, cost effective, non ‐ pharmaceutical approaches to care and been a major setback for massage therapy and other integrative health professions. While this progress is encouraging, the process is not fi nished as fi nal legislation must still be passed. Importantly, the Senate’s report highlights the value of integrative care, calling for expanded research on pain management, ongoing investment in the National Institute of Health Helping to End Addiction Long-term ® Initiative and broader access to non-pharmacologic treatments. These efforts align closely with AMTA’s advocacy priorities and vision for advancing massage therapy research.

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