Research Perch

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.