This selection of massage news articles will help you keep on top of what’s happening in your industry
Research Network Seeks Members
Members of the MassageNet practice-based research network have the opportunity to engage in research by sharing data collected in clinical practice rather than in a research environment. The network is relaunching now, and seeks new members.
MassageNet was founded in 2009 with funding assistance from the Massage Therapy Foundation. Recently, according to the MassageNet website, the MTF’s board of trustees has begun strategic planning for a re-launch.
“Be included in a core group of progressive massage professionals who collaborate to complete research studies,” notes the network’s website (massagenet.org). Members are not required to participate in all research studies, but may instead choose to participate in studies they find interesting and relevant.
Spa Industry Revenues Rebound
The spa industry is bouncing back from the COVID-19 pandemic, when many facilities had to close for varying amounts of time, according to data from 2021, released in May. Results from the 2022 ISPA U.S. Spa Industry Study, conducted by the International SPA Association, show:
• U.S. spa industry revenues grew from $12.1 billion in 2020 to $18.1 billion, an increase of more than 49 percent and just below the industry’s all-time high of $19.1 billion in 2019;
• The number of spa visits grew from 124 million in 2020 to 173 million;
• An increase in revenue per spa visit—up from $97.5 in 2020 to $104.5 in 2021—elevated industry revenues;
• The number of spa industry employees also rose in 2021, increasing to 345,000 from 304,800 in 2020.
“This year’s U.S. Spa Industry Study indicates a significant bounce back from the depths of the pandemic in 2020,” said Colin McIlheney, Global Research Leader, PwC. “The overall revenue growth, substantial increase in visits and sharp rise in revenue per visit are particularly encouraging as the industry continues its recovery.”
Massage Heights Launches “Culture of Care”
Massage Heights will roll out a series of Culture of Care initiatives over the coming months. This will include special promotions and giveaways offered to members of the community who care for others, such as nurses, first responders, and teachers. In addition, Massage Heights is launching internal care programs to support franchisees in creating and sustaining inspiring and engaging work environments for their Retreat staff.
“We are here for those we serve and those we serve alongside,” said CG Funk, senior vice president of Culture & Industry Relations for Massage Heights, in a prepared release. “We hear the countless positive stories from our members, massage therapists, estheticians, retreat directors and franchise owners of the renewed energy that’s rising in our retreats. Caring is in our culture and in our actions, not just our branding. Our actions will be seen in our ongoing programs to live out our vision and collectively elevate individual lives and those around them.”
3: The number of newly funded research networks now focused on studying manual therapies and somatosensation together, for the first time. The networks will create studies on neuroscience to be applied to complementary health approaches, including massage. One network, for example, will focus on identifying mechanisms through which soft tissue manipulations exert biological effects on the nervous system and nonneural cells and tissues.
Source: the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (nccih.nih.gov).
17: The number of U.S. health systems enrolled in a learning collaborative and implementing a person-centered, integrated approach to primary care, which has resulted in improved patient outcomes, reduced provider burnout, and indications of substantial cost savings.
Source: Family Medicine Education Consortium Inc.
Legislative Updates
Arizona: In June, Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona signed HB2438 into law. The law stipulates that massage therapists must obtain fingerprint clearance cards. Additionally, advisory letters, letters of reprimand, probation and any other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action taken by the board must be posted online in a searchable format. (Sources: Arizona Legislature Bill Status Inquiry.)
Colorado: In June, Gov. Jared Polis signed HB1300 into law. It allows a board of county commissioners to adopt a local resolution or ordinance to establish business licensure requirements to regulate massage facilities. The sole purpose is deterring illicit massage businesses and preventing human trafficking. (Sources: Colorado General Assembly and news.kgnu.org.)
Iowa: Effective July 1, massage therapists must report child and dependent adult abuse, and training on this topic is required for licensure and licensure renewal. (Source: LegiScan)
Kentucky: The state House overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s vetoe of HB8, and the bill became law. This law imposes a 6% sales tax on any not-medically-necessary massage session, as well as on several other types of business services. (Source: LegiScan.)
New Mexico: House Bill 191 was signed into law in March. Now, massage therapists and members of other professions can move to New Mexico and have their former state’s license cover them in their new job after just 30 days. (Source: LegiScan.)
Oregon: Effective July 1,massage therapists must comply with Oregon Health Authority standards related to vaccination and wearing masks or face-shields, related to controlling the spread of communicable diseases, including COVID-19. Another rule stipulates that any massage therapist performing breast massage must acquire specialized training and identify therapeutic rationale for the treatment. Proposed rules also reduce in-person, contact education from 15 to eight CEs per year. (Source: State of Oregon Office of the Secretary of State.)
Utah: SB 180, which would have created two lower-tier classifications of massage practice, failed to progress in the state Senate. (Source: LegiScan.)
About the Author
Karen Menehan is MASSAGE Magazine’s editor in chief-print and digital.