2024 Assembly of Delegates Report
Submitted by Assembly of Delegates Advisory Committee (AODAC)
Introduction
This report outlines events from the 2024 Assembly of Delegates meeting and has been prepared for Delegates and the AMTA National Board of Directors. It includes a summary of the discussions around the Proposed Idea for a Position Statement (PIPS) as well as the discussion topic. This report also outlines the next steps for the PIPS.
General information
The AMTA Delegates held their annual business meeting preceding AMTA National Convention in Tampa, FL on Wednesday, September 19 from 1:00-4:30 pm.
Seventy-eight (78) delegates were present at roll call. Delegates were seated at 10 round tables to facilitate better discussion and 10 non-delegate facilitators were assigned to those tables to assist during the round table discussions. Delegates were invited to speak publicly on report outs, commentary and questions. One (1) Proposed Idea for a Position Statement Proposal was discussed and voted on and one discussion topic was presented to delegates for discussion and comment.
Proposed Idea for a Position Statement
Massage Therapy for Abdominopelvic Pain (CT Chapter)
Massage therapists could benefit from a position statement on the effects of massage therapy on abdominopelvic pain.
Discussion Overview
Delegates overwhelmingly agreed that they would like to see AMTA pursue an official position statement about massage and its benefits for people with Abdominopelvic Pain. Delegates believe a statement of this nature would be beneficial to AMTA members, medical professionals, the massage therapy community, and individuals suffering from abdominopelvic pain. Additionally, delegates believe it could bring more credibility to the Massage Therapy profession.
Discussion Highlights
The delegates explored topics such as pelvic pain and its causes, the importance of public education, and the need for better training for massage therapists, beyond entry-level education. As a point of information, statistics referenced in the bullet points below can be found in the research citations that were included in the Massage Therapy for Abdominopelvic Pain proposal. Delegates made the following statements:
∙ Impact on Women: 27 million women in the US are affected by abdominopelvic (AP) pain, making it a crucial health issue. Delegates reflected on efforts over the past decade aimed at addressing this and preventing further cases. 14.7% of women of reproductive age report AP pain, a percentage that matches that of asthma and low back pain.
∙ Potential Benefits: Delegates believed that improved credibility and higher standards in healthcare could be achieved. Effective care would lead to better health outcomes, and more clients would be drawn to facilities offering these services.
∙ Lack of Adequate Training: Some schools offer minimal training in pelvic pain management. Delegates believed education should include any dangers associated with pelvic massage.
∙ Diverse Affected Groups: Delegates believed AP pain affects not only women, but also men and individuals who are obese, engage in heavy lifting, or participate in high-impact sports such as football. The discussion should extend to educating different populations on the benefits of abdominal massage.
∙ Research Needs: Delegates believed additional research is necessary, especially regarding how abdominal massage can impact various conditions, including plastic surgery recovery, prostate pain, and conditions related to gender reassignment surgery. Research should also address any consequences of deep abdominal work.
∙ Therapist Boundaries: Delegates believed defining professional boundaries is crucial. External treatment only, with strict ethical considerations, should be emphasized to avoid crossing lines that could lead to professional conflicts or client discomfort. Any such therapy must be within a state’s defined scope of practice.
∙ Barriers: There may be resistance and misconceptions from physicians and other medical practitioners, as well as the general public. Abdominopelvic massage could also present ethical issues in certain cultural or religious contexts. Improved communication and education can help address these obstacles.
∙ Special Populations: Consideration should be given to populations such as infants, the elderly, and those undergoing major surgeries. Research needs to encompass diverse groups and different body types to fully understand the benefits of these treatments.
∙ Medical Integration: Greater collaboration between massage therapists and the broader medical community (physicians, surgeons) should be investigated.
Voting Results
All Delegates voted in favor of sending the Massage Therapy for Abdominopelvic Pain PIPS to the AMTA National Board for consideration.
Next Steps
The AODAC Chair, in conjunction with staff, will draft an agenda item that will be presented to the AMTA Board of Directors at their March, 2025 meeting.
The agenda item will be a request for the Board to consider assigning a panel of subject matter experts to assess the research in the profession related to massage therapy and abdominopelvic pain.
If approved, the Board will then work to put together a workgroup of subject panel experts who, depending on the available research, may or may not draft an official statement. If an official statement is drafted, it will then be returned to the board of directors for approval. Once finalized and approved, the statement would then be offered for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Delegates will be kept apprised of the status of the proposal along the way.
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Discussion Topic
Defining Modalities – (OK Chapter)
How would having unified definitions on modalities such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and clinical massage shape the massage therapy profession?
Discussion Overview
There was an overwhelming agreement that protecting the term "massage" and all related derivations, for use by (licensed, certified, registered) massage therapists is imperative. Additionally, Delegates agree that the public needs to be educated on the definition and specifics that qualify as massage therapy.
Discussion Highlights/Common Themes
1. Lack of Consistency Across State Regulatory Bodies:
o Delegates noted the inconsistency in definitions and regulations for massage therapy across states.
o Delegates would like to see collaboration between various associations to develop unified definitions that elevate the profession.
2. Benefit of Standardized Definitions:
o Delegates believe standardizing definitions will unify the profession.
o Standardized definitions could help demystify the profession to the medical community, fostering better collaboration and understanding.
o Standardized definitions could clarify the role of massage therapists in the broader healthcare system, including insurance.
3. Impact on Students, Teachers, and Credibility:
o Standardized definitions could enhance credibility for both students and educators o Promote cohesion within the profession.
4. Challenge of Broad Terminology:
o Concerns were raised about broad terms, such as "sports massage," being problematic when used to define specific modalities.
o Delegate suggested that certain terms could pigeonhole therapists into narrower scopes of practice.
5. Importance of Defining Modalities:
o Dividing massage into distinct modalities without standard definitions could limit therapists' flexibility.
o Unified definitions could improve insurance processes and benefit the future education of students.
o NCBTMB offers the closest clinical definition
o Several warehouses for definition including: MBLEX, MBLEX study guide, ELAP, NCTMB, and MTBOK. What are students taught? Look at existing recognized definitions established by healthcare/medical professionals.
o Are there copyright issues – intellectual property
o One definition cannot encompass what falls under the law from state to state.
6. Addressing Misconceptions in "Deep Tissue" Massage:
o "Deep tissue" often misunderstood as painful; needs clearer definition to avoid negative connotations.
o Trigger point therapy, often confused with other modalities, should be recognized as distinct.
7. Clinical Massage:
o Suggested that all forms of clinical massage should begin with a clear assessment and treatment plan.
o Discussion of how clinical terms like "deep tissue" should be clarified to avoid confusion with general techniques.
8. The Need for Standardized Education:
o Many tables discussed the importance of having standardized education across the U.S. to ensure consistent quality of practice.
o Without this, the effort to unify massage therapy definitions is limited.
9. Collaboration with Medical Community:
o A unified definition could provide clearer communication with medical professionals, aiding in referrals and increasing the profession’s legitimacy within healthcare.
10. Massage Specialty Areas:
o Specialties such as oncology, orthopedics, and sports massage can distinguish professionals.
o This could increase trust and referral rates from other healthcare providers.
11. Risks of Outside Entities Defining Massage Practice:
o Fear that if massage professionals don’t define their own standards, outside entities (such as insurance companies or regulatory boards) will impose their own definitions. o Urged the profession to be proactive in this regard.
12. Challenge of Varying State Laws:
o Acknowledged the difficulty in creating unified definitions due to varying laws and regulations across states.
o Discussed the need to address this challenge as part of future efforts to standardize.
13. Historical Perspective:
o Massage was once seen as a luxury for the wealthy but has since gained recognition. o Continued efforts for a unified front would push the profession even further in public perception and legitimacy.
Next Steps
This discussion topic does not require any action at this time, however, Delegates would like to see AMTA staying at the forefront of any legislations that may call definitions into play, as well as any regulations for massage therapy across states. Additionally, Delegates agreed that AMTA should continue to advocate for standardized education across the U.S. to ensure consistent quality of practice.
Summary
The 2024 Assembly of Delegates meeting was very successful. 89% of delegates gave a top box rating to the question, “How effective was the Assembly of Delegates Meeting in fulfilling its stated purpose?”
The Assembly of Delegates is a group of elected chapter members whose purpose is to provide input on items of interest for the Association as it relates/impacts their state, as outlined per policy.
The discussions continue to be dynamic, and all delegates have the opportunity to participate in discussions and have their voices heard, both in person and in the Delegate Community Discussion in the HUB.
Submitted by,
Debra Kilty, Chair and Moderator
AODAC Members:
Debra Gallup, South Carolina
Deserae Johnson, Idaho
Timothy Lisbon, West Virginia
Tami Schumacher, South Dakota
Colleen Leeders, AMTA Staff Liaison