The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Publishes a Request for Information

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking input to delineate a set of common data elements that will guide research on whole person health.

The purpose of the request for information (RFI) is to solicit public comment on defining a set of key determinants of health that addresses the elements of the whole person health model and that can encompass the full continuum of biological, behavioral, social, and environmental domains. According to the NCCIH, the input will be vital in moving the field forward and advancing the tools necessary to drive whole person research.

The RFI, “Identification of a Set of Determinants for Whole Person Health,” is available online with comments due by June 17, 2022.

FSMTB's 2022 Job Task Analysis Survey is Now Available to Take

The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards has made available its 2022 Job Task Analysis (JTA) Survey. The survey seeks to ensure that the Massage & Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) reflects current practice.  Practitioners of all levels can participate in the survey, which is a formal process for determining or verifying what massage and bodywork therapists do in practice. The information is then used to determine the content of the MBLEx and make sure it is relevant to the practice of massage and bodywork therapy. The survey defines a massage/bodywork practitioner as a professional who uses massage or bodywork practices to promote, maintain, or restore health and wellness.  The 2022 JTA will be made public for use within the profession. It is administered every five to seven years. The JTA Survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Take the survey here.

Federation of Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork, and Somatic Practice Organizations Meet for Annual Gathering

The Federation of Therapeutic Massage, Bodywork and Somatic Practice Organizations met in Memphis, Tennessee, April 14-16, 2022, for their annual gathering. The Federation MBS was created as a forum for communication among non-profit professional organizations with related concerns. Participating organizations represent a broad spectrum of professions, including massage therapy, bodywork therapy, structural integration, somatic practices, movement education, and energy practices. The 2022 meeting looked at practice issues including exemption language, human trafficking, and bolstering standards.

Learn more at www.federationmbs.org

2022 Massage Therapy Foundation Student Case Report Contest is Now Open

Are you a current massage therapy student with a case report to share? Case reports help massage therapy students develop communication and critical thinking skills while also playing a critical role in scientific and professional literature. Applications are accepted year-round but students must submit them before their graduation date.  

Click here for more information.

Massage Therapy Foundation Runners Complete Boston Marathon, Near Fundraising Goal

Team MTF—#RunningForResearch had fantastic weather for their April 18, 2022 Boston Marathon run. Each of the four runners experienced the joy of crossing the finish line, had a great time, and made memories with their team and the 26 miles of cheering crowds. They went on a tremendous journey, a culmination of all the previous months’ worth of training and fundraising. Since 2013, Massage Therapy Foundation has been grateful to participate in the John Hancock Non-Profit Marathon Program, fundraising to support MTF scientific research, education, and community service initiatives for the profession. MTF’s 2022 marathon team has raised $44k of their $54k fundraising goal at publication time; there is still time to show your support with a donation.