Massage Therapy Foundation

The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) was signed into being by the Secretary of the State of Illinois on August 3, 1990. Since its inception, MTF has been dedicated to advancing the science and art of massage therapy through education, research, and community service. Our mission is to make massage therapy evidence-informed and accessible to everyone. We believe in the power of massage to improve health and well-being, and we work tirelessly to promote its benefits through various initiatives.

Our Services

We offer a range of services aimed at supporting the massage therapy profession. These include providing research grants to study the science behind therapeutic massage, funding education and training programs for massage therapists, and offering community service grants to populations in need of therapeutic massage. We also publish an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal to advance the understanding of massage therapy. Our commitment to philanthropy and community service sets us apart as a leading organization in the field.

Guiding Principles

At MTF, we are guided by several core principles. We strive to uphold the principles of philanthropy, contribute to the understanding and appreciation of massage therapy, increase our influence and credibility in health and wellness, sustain our organizational effectiveness, and foster collaboration within the profession. Our goals are centered around advancing research, fostering massage therapy initiatives, promoting research literacy, and supporting evidence-informed practice.

History

The Massage Therapy Foundation was founded by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) in 1990. Since then, we have grown to become a prominent organization in the massage therapy community, thanks to the support of individual donors, industry partners, and fundraising events. Our relationship with AMTA is built on a shared commitment to advancing the massage therapy profession and promoting scientific research and evidence-informed practice.