Connecting the dots

As I am typing this posting, I am watching the member list on Massageprofessionals.com, a social network for massage and bodywork professionals, steadily rise like the July temperatures (now at 700+ members and counting). This after ABMP just formally launched the site less than 24 hours ago. We are pleased and gratified by the early interest. We at ABMP began discussing the idea of establishing a social network for the massage and bodywork community four months ago, as we saw the presence of Facebook grow throughout our culture, and tap into a need for identification and community. An objective of mine since becoming president of ABMP has been to give greater opportunities for our members to communicate and connect with each other. When we considered the idea of creating a network, it took us about 10 seconds to realize that it could not and should not be about ABMP. Growing as a profession, whether on an individual or macro level, is about all of us in the profession. As we told our members last week in a communication, we have always and will always work like crazy to earn and retain their loyalty. But we also feel strongly that creating a community is not about building up barriers, but rather eliminating them. I received my massage training in 2004, after working at ABMP for nearly 10 years. I went to school to gain greater understanding and appreciation for this profession, and to be better able to serve and represent it. When I graduated, I did so with a newfound respect for the work being done and the people doing it. In addition, I gained many insights that have helped me since. A fundamental one is the solitary nature of the work. In many ways that is the attraction, but like all strengths, it can also be a weakness. From that point on, I wanted to figure out a way to help practitioners connect with each other as a support system. I am hopeful this new network can help do that. But it is just a start. None of us are well served by being slaves to monitors and keyboards; my hope is that starting this community leads to cookouts and card games, roundtables and coffee breaks. Life is lived offline. Our community is deserving of its collective positive energy; here’s to sharing that amongst ourselves in new and fulfilling ways. So you’ll read that Massageprofessionals.com is “Powered by ABMP"; that’s just our way of letting you know how important this is to us. This is your party; we just rented the hall.
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News

Ohio Adopts Interstate Massage Compact

The Ohio legislature adopted Senate Bill 56 on June 21, becoming the second state to enact the Interstate Massage Compact. Massage therapists will soon be able to obtain a multistate license that will reduce holdups and delays that often occur when moving to a different state.

US Department of Education 150% Rule Update

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction that halts the enforcement of the US Department of Education’s new Bare Minimum Rule, also known as the “100% rule,” until the court takes further action. This is the first step in what could be a lengthy battle to ultimately delay enforcement of the rule, providing schools more time to adjust their programmatic standards, or overturn the rule altogether. Find out more and what your school needs to do to prepare.

Colorado Bill Requires Local Background Checks

Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 24-1371, requiring local government (counties, cities, or municipalities) to conduct periodic criminal background checks for massage establishment operators, owners, and employees.

Blog

Perform Your Best with MassageBook

Illustration of computer and phones displaying MassageBook sites.

MassageBook wants to help you focus on delivering exceptional care to your clients and building the practice of your dreams.

Julie Plachta: Serving the Underserved

Woman massages a client who is lying facedown on a massage table.

As we get closer to celebrating Massage Is for EveryBody, July 14–20, 2024, we wanted to share more of Julie Plachta’s story, which exemplifies the inclusive values of this campaign.

Benefits

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Hyperice

ABMP members save 10% on all Hyperice percussive and heat/ice technology massage devices, including the Hypervolt, Vyper Vibrating Fitness Roller, and Ice Compression.

Featured ABMP Discount Partner: Yomassage

ABMP members receive 20% off Signature Yomassage, Mindful Touch by Yomassage, Barefoot Yomassage, Table Yomassage, and Yomassage Facials certifications.

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