MassageNet has seen another quarter of robust activity and opportunities for members to engage in research and professional development initiatives. Most notably, MassageNet launched its seventh external study, “Novel Accountability Method for a Self-Massage Intervention Among Adults with Knee Pain,” led by doctoral candidate Tina Brown at Indiana University Indianapolis. This study explores a novel, social network approach to supporting adherence to self-massage interventions among adults experiencing knee pain and represents another example of MassageNet's ongoing commitment to facilitating pragmatic, practice-relevant research within the massage therapy profession. This study is currently ongoing as of mid-August 2026.
In addition, Phase 2 of the two-phased, “Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault of Massage Therapists by Clients in the United States,” study led by Morgan Richard has been successfully launched through MassageNet and other recruitment channels. Early participation has been strong, reflecting both the importance of the topic and the profession's commitment to better understanding and addressing workplace safety concerns facing massage therapists today.
Significant progress has also occurred with the MassageNet Case Series Study examining how massage therapists approach and support emotional well-being and mental health in clinical practice. During this quarter, the study successfully completed its MassageNet community commenting period for the study protocol, an important milestone in finalizing study procedures and materials before broader implementation. Feedback from MassageNet members, clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders provided valuable insight to strengthen the study's design and relevance to real-world practice settings.
MassageNet will be featured at the upcoming American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) 2026 National Convention taking place August 27-29 in Denver, Colo. The Thursday 1-3pm education session, “Advancing Practice-Based Research: Massage Therapists’ Role in MassageNet Case Series Studies,” presented by Robin Miccio, will highlight MassageNet, the Case Series Study, and opportunities for member engagement. Massage Therapy Foundation’s Research Poster Session at AMTA 2026 Convention will feature a new poster detailing the cultivation of MassageNet from May 2022 – April 2025. These presentations build upon the momentum generated by the MassageNet poster presented earlier this year at the International Congress on Integrative Medicine & Health (ICIMH) in Salt Lake City, Utah, continuing efforts to increase awareness of MassageNet's contributions to practice-based research and research capacity building across the massage therapy profession.