Massage Therapy Foundation

10/07/2026

Expand your knowledge—check out Research Perch! In this episode, learn about the progress of a new survey study entitled, “Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault of Massage Therapists by Clients in the United States.” Study author Morgan Richard discusses the 2-part study, how MassageNet PBRN members have been utilized in the data collection process, and how massage therapists can participate: https://bit.ly/4jJb3x0

10/05/2026

Expand your knowledge—check out your weekly dose of research! This week, we highlight a new study to comparing the effects of foam roller and connective tissue massage on pain, function, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: https://bit.ly/4z7sThM

09/28/2026

“Purpose: This study aimed to determine and compare the effect of myofascial release (MFR) and simulated MFR on the flexibility of the erector spinae muscles and thoracolumbar fascia utilizing sonoelastography in individuals with chronic low back pain.” Check out this article from the latest issue of International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: https://bit.ly/4dEtaAk

09/24/2026

The MTF’s Research Poster Session at 2026 AMTA National Convention featured 26 new and encore posters on topics like MT for pain reduction in pediatric burn patients, for mental health in those with life-limiting physical illness, and impact of MT on pain and anxiety in patients with gynecologic cancer. Most posters feature accompanying video abstracts where you can hear more directly from the authors. Check out the full list of posters and videos here: https://bit.ly/2026PosterSession

09/23/2026

Earn 1 CE— Clinical trials help explain what can work in practice, while practice-based research shows what does work in everyday care. Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) support this work by collecting data on the effectiveness and safety of complementary and integrative health approaches as they are used in real-world settings. BraveNet PBRN Director Dr. Jeffrey Dusek shares findings from multi-site studies focused on pain, stress, and wellness, and discusses how these results are helping inform patient care.
This session was originally presented at MTF’s 2025 International Massage Therapy Research Conference. Purchase here: https://bit.ly/25IMTRC10

09/21/2026

“Purpose: To assess immediate effects of craniosacral therapy (CST) on postpartum neck pain. It sought to evaluate changes in the intensity of neck pain and neck muscle contraction prior to treatment and 24 hours following CST.” Check out this article from the latest issue of International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork: https://bit.ly/4y6YT5D

09/14/2026

“This narrative review synthesizes established technologies for investigating Force-Based Manipulations across multiple domains…and organizes these methods within a multi-scale framework that relates externally applied mechanical inputs to measurable internal mechanical, neural, vascular, cellular, molecular, regional, and whole-organism responses.” https://bit.ly/4xlhycr

09/11/2026

Check out the latest issue of our scientific journal, International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork! IJTMB is open-access, peer-reviewed, and indexed in PubMed Central. It is the official journal of the Massage Therapy Foundation and our journal partner, Registered Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia.

A new issue of International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork has been released! In this edition, enjoy 9 open-access articles including an editorial about public trust and credibility for MTs, a case study on MT for musculoskeletal pain in pregnancy, research articles about MT for low back pain and plantar fasciitis, manual lymph drainage for facial function in Bell’s palsy patients, and more! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4h2i8po

09/09/2026

Earn 1 CE—Massage therapists can contribute to research and the growing evidence base in many ways. Hear from panelists who share real-world examples of different pathways into research. Learn how clinical curiosity can evolve into meaningful contributions that strengthen the profession and support evidence-informed practice.
This session was originally presented at MTF’s 2025 International Massage Therapy Research Conference. Purchase here: https://bit.ly/25IMTRC09