05/31/2026
💚 Why I helped create IMTPA — and why I'm asking for your support today.
Moving massage therapy into healthcare is the reason I joined AMTA and volunteered my time. I served on the Illinois state chapter Government Relations committee for nearly 10 years — alongside some incredibly passionate people who all shared the same dream: getting massage recognized as real healthcare.
We were patient. When we were told "this isn't the right time," we waited. When we were told to "be more specific," we got more specific. Then, in my 8th year on the committee, we were told they weren't even sure this was what members wanted.
So we surveyed the members — and the response was a huge boost. They wanted exactly what we had been pushing for. 🙌
But even that wasn't enough. It became clear that moving massage into healthcare in Illinois simply wasn't part of AMTA's strategic plan. They have responsibilities to members across the country, and Illinois-specific advocacy wasn't their lane.
So IMTPA was born — a professional association built specifically for Illinois massage therapists, with healthcare integration as a core mission. 🌿
Here's the honest truth though: ❤️s and likes on posts don't equal members. And IMTPA needs members to create real change. We had members join in May and that momentum means everything — but we need MORE.
If you've ever liked, shared, or hearted a post about massage therapy and healthcare... please consider turning that support into membership.
👉 imtpa.org | [email protected]
This is how change actually happens. 💪
IMTPA supports the profession through advocacy, education, and collaboration — connecting therapists, schools, employers, and stakeholders across Illinois.
