Research Perch

Expand your knowledge—check out Research Perch! In this episode, learn about the progress of a new survey study entitled, "Sexual Harassment and Sexual Assault of Massage Therapists by Clients in the United States." MTF Associate Director Annie LaCroix speaks with study author and doctoral candidate Morgan Richard about all aspects of the 2-part survey study, how MassageNet Practice-Based Research Network members have been utilized in the data collection process, and how massage therapists can participate.

Survey link: https://bit.ly/MT26Survey Email: [email protected]

Research literacy is a systematic process for finding information that can help inform clinical care. In this episode of Research Perch, learn about the importance of teaching research literacy to entry-level massage therapy students, and how instructors can use MTF resources to help students learn to find, access, and assess the integrity of research and apply it in meaningful ways.

For an a great additional resource, check out MTF's Instructor's Guide to Teaching Research eBook Link to IJTMB article mentioned in show: Adaptation of the CARE Guidelines for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Publications: Efforts To Improve the Impact of Case Reports

Tune in to Research Perch, as host Annie LaCroix speaks with Dr. Cynthia Price and Dr. Niki Munk about how massage therapists can meaningfully contribute to the emerging body of research. This episode addresses common questions about how to begin getting involved in massage therapy research, whether to investigate a specific subtopic of interest, or enter the field with research as a primary occupational focus.

Listen in as Ruth Werner and Dr. Niki Munk discuss three Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-related case reports from the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (IJTMB) September 2025 Special Issue on Massage Therapy and Mental Health:

• Hanus, A., & Fogarty, S. (2025). The effects of massage therapy on post-traumatic stress disorder: a case report. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 18(3), 42. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12370315/
• Clark, M., & Steinberg, B. (2025). The Effects of Massage Therapy on Medically Induced Trauma and Touch Aversion: A Case Report. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 18(3), 86. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12370311/
• Fraser, A. (2025). Therapeutic Massage and Homecare to Reduce Dissociation in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 18(3), 5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12370312/

Listen in for Research Perch, as host Annie LaCroix, MTF Associate Director of Operations, speaks with MTF Research Director, Dr. Niki Munk, and special guest Rachel Romanelli, an experienced massage therapist, educator, clinic owner, and healthcare advocate. The three discuss data collection methods within massage therapy practice, and their utilization in the upcoming Case Series Study being conducted within MassageNet Practice-Based Research Network. Learn more at www.massagenet.org

The 2026 MTF Community Service Awards application process opens January 1, 2026—with an exciting update! The maximum award amount has increased to $20,000, up from a previous maximum award of $5,000. In this episode, MTF Research Director, Dr. Niki Munk, speaks with Community Service Award Committee Chair, Dolly Wallace, about reasons for the change, history of the Award program, and how your organization can apply.

Enjoy a lively and informative discussion as MTF Case Report Contest Chair, Robin Miccio, speaks with 2025 Silver Award winner Hailey Robertson about her report, "Massage Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis."

Join us for Research Perch, as International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB) Associate Editor, Dr. Sarah Fogarty, speaks with Dr. Cynthia Price about the upcoming September 2025 Special Issue of IJTMB concerning massage therapy and mental health.

Listen in to Research Perch as we speak with Dr. Niki Munk and Sami Zabel about the MassageNet Special Session and activity held at the 2025 International Massage Therapy Research Conference in Alexandria, VA. The session provided the opportunity for MassageNet Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) member massage therapists to share their ideas about research topics, and to decide on the topic of the first research study developed and run entirely by MassageNet.

Webinar-style virtual convening of MassageNet members: Thursday, August 28 @ 7PM EST

Additional Resources:

• www.MassageNet.org

· Research question framework: "How do massage therapists approach/treat X in practice and to what effect?"

Related Research Perch Episodes:

• MassageNet Study: MT Mental Health Knowledge
• Practice-Based Research Network 101

Listen in to Research Perch as MTF President Adrienne F. Asta, BA, LMT, speaks with author and educator Ruth Werner, BCTMB, about the upcoming 2025 International Massage Therapy Research Conference (IMTRC) in Alexandria, VA. Learn how attending can benefit you and your clients, explore speakers and topics, and find out how IMTRC impacts research in the field.