FSMTA unveils DVD at conference

As one of the oldest professional massage associations in the first state to have massage licensure, the Florida State Massage Therapy Association (FSMTA) has long been looked to as a leader among associations in this field.

The FSMTA began in 1939 with 85 members, and state licensure was on the books in 1943. Today the association boasts a membership of about 5,000—and its leaders are determined to see that figure grow. With more members the FSMTA can better fulfill its mission to “unify the massage-therapy profession while creating, representing and promoting standards of excellence in health care.”

A DVD that will be used to promote FSMTA membership to both therapists and schools was unveiled at the association’s annual convention in Orlando June 28-July 2.

The DVD features Immediate Past President Michael McGillicuddy inviting viewers to learn more about the FSMTA and the massage-therapy profession, as well as presidents of some of the association’s 19 chapters discussing the therapeutic benefits of massage and various types of massage and bodywork.

The DVD will also be sent to complementary health-care organizations, to educate their members about massage and the FSMTA.

“That DVD is going to go out to everybody who wants it,” said McGillicuddy. “That DVD can go out to people so they can see who we are—[and] that DVD should be in every new renewal or membership package we send out.”

Maureen Gilbert, a semiretired massage therapist in Melbourne Beach, is the new FSMTA president, serving from 2006 to 2008. She told MASSAGE Magazine that her goal is to strengthen communication between the association’s executive board and the chapters, “making sure the heart of our association is there.

“We don’t want to lose sight of what’s important: our members,” she added. “Membership is our drive, education is our drive, but the chapters are our best asset.”

Membership dues go toward promoting Florida legislation that affects massage therapists’ ability and right to practice; quality educational opportunities at local meetings and conventions; and promotion of the massage profession in Florida, Gilbert said.

Other highlights of the FSMTA convention included: the presentation of the Charles Canfield Award to Lynda Solien-Wolfe for her dedication as a member of the state board of massage; a keynote presentation by Touch Research Institute Director Tiffany Field, Ph.D.; an Educational Summit that taught schools the benefits of FSMTA membership; the Successful Start Program, through which massage-therapy students attended, free of charge, presentations by successful massage therapists; CEU workshops by leading educators; and an exhibit hall of 80 massage and other health-care businesses.

Sponsors of the 2006 conference were The Upledger Institute, Massage Warehouse (A Scrip Company), PHI/Biofreeze, MASSAGE Magazine, BML Basic, MassageBuilders.com, Book24-7.com, Massage Today and Barefoot Masters.

Approximately 550 people attended workshops at the convention, while another 500 visited the exhibit hall, according to FSMTA Executive Director Lynn Hupp.