Collette Wilson posted on November 01, 2011 01:41
Position Statements: Three Pass and Three Fail
By Collette Wilson and Caren Williams
At our AMTA-KY Spring 2011 Conference, two delegates, Caren Williams and Katherine Warner were nominated by our Chapter members to represent Kentucky at the 2011 AMTA National House of Delegates (HOD) Session at the National Convention in Portland, Oregon. Since Katherine Warner could not attend, Collette Wilson became our second alternate.
There were no By-Law Recommendations submitted this year. Six Position Statements were submitted by Ann Blair Kennedy, Dr. Steven N. Blair, P.E.D., Charna Rosenholtz and M.K. Brennan. These Position Statements were discussed and voted upon by our membership at our 2011 Summer Meeting, held in Florence, Kentucky. Caren Williams and Collette Wilson represented AMTA-KY and took your votes and comments to the National HOD meeting. To review the six Position Statements in their entirety, please go to www.amtakentucky.org.
During October, 18-22, 2011, most State Chapters were represented at this years HOD meeting. The six Position Statements were presented by selected delegates, an open debate was held by fellow delegates and then a vote was held for each of the Position Statements followed. We are pleased to announce that this year, three out of six of the positions statements were passed. When determining our decisions in how we vote, we take into the following considerations: Is the research flawed, invalid or insufficient to support the Proposed Position Statements? Do we agree or disagree with the Proposed Position Statements? Is the Proposed Statement appropriate for AMTA to make?
Position Statements – Passed
1) Depression- It is the Position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), that massage therapy can be effective in reducing the symptoms of depression.
2) Tension Headaches- It is the Position of the American massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that massage can be an effective therapy for those who suffer from tension headaches.
3) Exercise- It is the Position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that those who participate in exercise programs, as well as athletes in training, can benefit from Massage Therapy.
Position Statements - Failed
1) Anxiety- It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that massage therapy can be effective in reducing anxiety and its symptoms.
2) Fibromyalgia- It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that massage therapy is effective in managing signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia syndrome.
3) Licensure- It is the position of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) that there should be a fair and consistent licensing of massage therapy in all states that could lead to portability of practice.
We would like to thank AMTA-KY for allowing us to represent you. It was a wonderful experience and a fantastic time!