Robin Anderson spoke with Massage Today about the research conference hosted by the Massage Therapy Foundation, as well as why IMTRC matters to the massage profession.

1. Can you describe for those unfamiliar what IMTRC is and how it came to be?

The first International Massage Therapy Research Conference (IMTRC) was started as an outcome of the Massage Therapy Foundation’s (MTF) original research agenda for massage therapy, and was held in 2005 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We felt the distinct need to highlight massage therapy research, as well as for the opportunity for massage therapists interested in and, in some cases, involved in research projects to network with researchers and for all to hear about the latest research.

In fact, the first two conferences were called “Highlighting Massage Therapy in Research Conference.” For our third conference in 2013, we changed it to IMTRC and from there on we’ve held it every three years as fortunately there’s been growth in both massage therapy research and from therapists who want to learn more about it.

2. Why is research important in the massage therapy profession?

Research is what helps branch the profession into new realms and possibilities. If you think about what the perception of massage therapy was 25 years ago, many consumers did not understand how massage could help with pain or functional movement.

Thanks to efforts of many researchers over the years, we have learned more about massage therapy and its efficacy. For me, personally, I believe I am a better therapist and educator because of the current research I apply to my practice.

3. Who is the primary audience for IMTRC?

Anyone involved in manual therapy and integrative health practice, education, and research should attend. Practitioners and educators can soak in the latest information being developed for the profession.

Also, researchers from similar backgrounds in integrative health fields can benefit from seeing what is currently being studied, and could develop new pathways and collaborations for research. 

4. When you think of IMTRC, what makes you most excited about this year's programming?

I am thrilled that the Foundation’s updated Research Agenda is the anchor for this year’s theme. Speakers and presentations focus on many of the Research Agenda’s areas of importance. This includes scientific inquiry in areas of practice and education that are of utmost importance in moving practice and professionalism forward.

We are delighted that we will be able to highlight each area with useful and current research that is engaging and applicable to our profession.

5. Can you talk briefly about the keynote speaker Dr. Pete Murray? His work with pain management, how important is work like his to the massage therapy profession?

For one thing, I love the fact that we are both fellow alumni of the University of Maryland!

Dr. Murray’s work on non-pharmacological pain management methods and applications is pivotal to our profession. Considering the recent updates to the Joint Commission standards for health care facilities in response to the opioid crisis, the use of massage therapy is just one of the ways in which health care facilities have embraced this current standard. Dr. Murray’s work helps to support this initiative, and I am excited to hear him speak about his discoveries.

6. Can you give us a preview of some of the content attendees can expect at this year's IMTRC?

The Foundation is proud to be talking about plans for some of our educational research projects, including MTF’s Ergonomics project and MassageNet, which is MTF’s Practice Based Research Network.

We have researchers presenting the latest research on breast cancer and massage, muscles and massage, massage therapy for veterans, as well as a panel on getting more massage therapists directly involved in research. In addition, attendees will learn about what’s new and going on with the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB). In addition, 

7. What excites you most about IMTRC 2022?

For some folks, this may be the first conference or event they are attending since the beginning of the pandemic, so this will be a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues again. I am also looking forward to seeing and interacting in person with colleagues and friends, all while getting up to date on the latest research applicable to our profession. It is going to be a great conference!

8. Anything else you'd like to add?

We hope that all who are interested in massage therapy research will join us in Alexandria, Virginia, in May. We are excited to have the opportunity to share research in person and to connect with colleagues.

Read More About the Work of the Massage Therapy Foundation:

Massage Therapy Foundation develops evidence-based recommendations for ergonomically safe massage work

Where can you find credible evidence-based massage research?