Support Our Massage Therapy Students

John A. Logan College, in Carterville, recently joined the ranks of AMTA member schools in Illinois. Tucked between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, and surrounded by beautiful lakes, the Shawnee National Forest and just a few miles from Southern Illinois University, JALC is one of Illinois’ top “junior” colleges.

The students at JALC are required to partake in numerous community outreach events during the year throughout the program such as 5-K fundraisers, Special Olympics, and the 80 mile River-To-River Relay, to name a few.  They are also required to perform sports massage for the JALC basketball and SIU football teams as part of their training.  In doing this, they help promote the profession and benefits of massage therapy.

Does the term, “Promote the Profession and Benefits of Massage Therapy” sound familiar?  It should. That’s exactly what our organization, AMTA does, and we begin with our students. Our communities need to see that Massage Therapy is a respectable profession, which offers benefits of health and well-being to everyone.

As a chapter volunteer, I recently attended the 5^th annual “For Kids’ Sake 5-K” fundraiser, which is one of the outreach events the JALC students participate in. The AMTA-IL Chapter Outreach Committee banner was proudly displayed beside the JALC Massage Therapy Club, a registered student organization (RSO) banner. The students worked proudly and professionally under those banners, which not only allowed them to practice their craft, but also bolstered their confidence.

National Massage Therapy Week is fast approaching. Other than what you may be doing to promote your own practice, I encourage all AMTA-IL members to find a massage therapy school in your area; find out if their students are participating in a Massage Therapy Awareness event of some kind and volunteer to work with them.  Give them feedback, tips and/or advice. They’ll really appreciate it.

Christine Stearns

AMTA-IL Treasurer