The Balanced Body: Summer 2026 Edition
The Balanced Body
Summer 2026 Edition
Greetings Fellow LMTs!
One of the greatest privileges of serving as Chapter President is watching our community grow; not only in numbers, but in engagement, leadership, and the willingness of members to serve one another. Every volunteer, every committee, and every member who participates helps strengthen our chapter and the profession we all care so deeply about.
At our 2026 AMTA Pennsylvania Chapter Annual Meeting on May 31st, we welcomed a new Board of Directors and Delegates, who were officially sworn into office by former AMTA National President, Kim Kane-Santos. It is an honor to introduce the leaders who will serve our chapter during the coming term:
Board of Directors
President: Tanya Seiler, LMT
Secretary: Terry Williams, LMT
Financial Administrator: James Blosel, LMT
Board Member: Breanna Eckley, LMT
Board Member: Heather Hart, LMT
Chapter Delegates
Kelly Givens, LMT
Marqueta Aiken, LMT
I look forward to serving alongside this dedicated group as we continue building a strong, engaged, and supportive chapter for massage therapists across Pennsylvania.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every volunteer who contributed to the success of the 2026 AMTA Pennsylvania Annual Conference and Annual Meeting. Your enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment made the weekend run seamlessly. Whether you welcomed attendees, assisted presenters, managed logistics, or stepped in wherever help was needed, your efforts created an exceptional experience for everyone who attended.
A special thank you goes to our presenters, who shared their knowledge, expertise, and passion with our members. The weekend was filled with outstanding education, meaningful conversations, and plenty of laughter. It was a wonderful reminder that continuing education is about more than earning credits, it's about learning from one another, building relationships, and strengthening our profession together.
As we look ahead, many of us are excited to gather once again at the AMTA National Convention in Denver. I look forward to connecting with members from Pennsylvania and across the country, bringing home new ideas, fresh inspiration, and an even stronger commitment to serving our chapter.
Thank you for being part of our chapter and for the many ways you serve our profession. Together, we continue to build a stronger AMTA Pennsylvania Chapter - because when we serve together, we grow together.
With appreciation,
Tanya Seiler, LMT
President, AMTA PA Chapter
Government Relations Update: Your Voice, Our Advocacy
As the profession of massage therapy continues to evolve, so does the American Massage Therapy Association's commitment to advancing and protecting the profession through thoughtful advocacy. One of the most important ways we do that is by listening to our members.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent Pennsylvania Government Relations (GR) member survey. Your feedback provides valuable insight into the issues that matter most to massage therapists practicing in Pennsylvania. While member input helps inform advocacy priorities at both the chapter and national levels, the American Massage Therapy Association's legislative agenda and government relations strategy are ultimately established by the AMTA National Board of Directors to ensure a coordinated, mission-driven approach that best serves the profession nationwide.
What We Heard from You
The survey generated 45 responses and highlighted several key issues that Pennsylvania members identified as important:
37 respondents identified increasing recognition of massage therapists as health care providers in Pennsylvania as very important or important.
37 respondents identified expanding Veterans Affairs (VA) reimbursement for massage therapy as very important or important.
36 respondents identified advancing the Interstate Massage Therapy Compact as very important or important.
36 respondents identified expanding insurance reimbursement as very important or important.
33 respondents expressed interest in learning more about AMTA Pennsylvania's Government Relations efforts.
30 respondents supported increasing the number of permissible online continuing education hours.
29 respondents expressed interest in participating in a legislative action day at the Capitol in Harrisburg.
26 respondents supported facility or establishment licensing as a strategy to help deter human trafficking.
22 respondents expressed interest in expanded volunteer opportunities within AMTA.
These results help the Pennsylvania Chapter better understand member interests and strengthen communication around advocacy efforts while supporting the broader legislative priorities established by AMTA's National Board of Directors.
Celebrating a Strong Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Community
This year's Pennsylvania Chapter Conference was an outstanding reminder of the strength of our professional community. From exceptional educational programming and dedicated instructors to enthusiastic volunteers and engaged attendees, the conference showcased the passion and professionalism that define AMTA members.
We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped plan, organize, teach, volunteer, and participate. The continued success of our chapter is made possible through the commitment of members who generously contribute their time and expertise in support of the profession.
As Our Profession Evolves, So Does Our Responsibility
Massage therapy has grown tremendously over the past several decades, gaining increased recognition as an integral part of health care and wellness. As new techniques, technologies, and treatment approaches continue to emerge, it is essential that massage therapists remain informed about what falls within Pennsylvania's legal scope of practice.
The Pennsylvania Massage Therapy Law defines massage therapy as:
The application of a system of structured touch, pressure, movement, holding, and treatment of the soft tissue manifestations of the human body in which the primary intent is to enhance the health and well-being of the client.
The law also specifies that massage therapy may include the external application of water, heat, cold, lubricants and topical preparations, lymphatic techniques, myofascial release techniques, and the use of electromechanical devices that mimic or enhance massage techniques.
However, the law specifically excludes activities such as:
Diagnosis or treatment of illness, disease, impairment, or disability
Medical procedures
Chiropractic manipulation or adjustment
Physical therapy mobilization or manual therapy
Therapeutic exercise
Prescribing medications or treatments requiring another professional license
Additionally, Pennsylvania regulations prohibit:
High-velocity, low-amplitude joint thrust techniques
Use of prescription-only equipment or modalities such as ultrasound, diathermy, or electrical neuromuscular stimulation
Questions Raised by Members
During the conference, members engaged in thoughtful discussions regarding whether certain emerging modalities—including dry needling, internal pelvic floor techniques, red light therapy, and laser therapy—fall within Pennsylvania's massage therapy scope of practice.
The Pennsylvania Chapter has requested additional guidance from AMTA National regarding both scope-of-practice considerations and professional liability insurance coverage related to these modalities. We will share additional information with members as guidance becomes available.
Thank You for Staying Engaged
Advancing the massage therapy profession requires collaboration between members, volunteer leaders, chapter leadership, and the national Association. Your participation, feedback, and engagement strengthen our advocacy efforts and help ensure that AMTA continues to represent the interests of massage therapists while protecting the integrity of the profession.
Thank you for your continued commitment to massage therapy and to the American Massage Therapy Association. Together, we will continue working to advance the profession and support massage therapists across Pennsylvania and throughout the nation.
2026 AMTA PA Conference and Meeting
Every two years, the PA Licensing Board requires Massage Therapists to complete 24 hours of continuing education (including a minimum of 16 in-person hours, 4 hours professional ethics, 2 hours of ACT 31--recognizing and reporting child abuse).
During the last weekend of May 2026 AMTA PA offered ALL of that and more in one weekend.
At the AMTA-PA Annual Conference and Meeting in Harrisburg a variety of great courses were provided by expert massage practitioners and instructors. Engaging discussions of topics ranging from "Fundamentals of Neuromuscular Therapy" to "Getting comfortable with TMJ Dysfunction" to "Massage for Anxiety" and many more were presented to close to 100 LMTs. Some practitioners in attendance were recent graduates who learned alongside and shared massage tables with those who have been Massage Therapists for decades. It was a dynamic learning environment with conference rooms full of LMTs, AV Equipment, Massage Tables and amazing energy
Various Photos from AMTA annual meeting. From Upper left to Lower righ:
Scott Raymond Demonstrating on Table
Ariel Hubbard Lecturing
Scott Raymond Lecturing
Carrie Weidemann Lecturing
A slide from the event
A group photo during Sunday’s Luncheon
At Sunday’s AMTA PA Annual Meeting and Luncheon, the newly elected board and delegates took their Oath of Office. To wrap up the meeting, NCBTMB President Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB challenged the room of conference attendees to not be the “Good Enough Generation” of LMTs. To understand that Board Certification serves to translate LMT experience "into a language that healthcare systems understand...the standards of education, competency, ethics, shared professional language."
As a newer therapist at her first AMTA Conference, I definitely felt the specter of “Imposter Syndrome”.
As a newer therapist who works primarily at a membership-based spa, I recognize the sometimes competing resources of time, energy and money, both for clients and therapists.
As a newer therapist, the words of warning in Christopher Deery’s speech were memorable. "I think we are becoming the Good Enough Generation of massage therapy."
Following graduation from massage school, I sat for the New York State licensure exam. That summer I also took the MBLEX, knowing that I would eventually move back to my home state of Pennsylvania, where I would need it. I was also aware of the NCBTMB and thought about sitting for that exam too, when the newly learned information from school would never be fresher than it was then. However, as a baby-LMT who was just starting to work during COVID, I decided to put that credential on the back burner.
Six years and two states later. the Board-Certification kettle is starting to simmer again. Now that I am back in my hometown, I also hope to one day become a massage school instructor and also to achieve board-certification once it becomes more financially feasible. Until then, I will strive to learn as much as I can as an AMTA Volunteer and share what I learn with coworkers, colleagues and clients as a really good LMT.
Andie Sousa, LMT
Happy summer fellow members! News from your AOD Delegates
The 3 discussion topics have been released for the Assembly of Delegates meeting at the National Convention in Denver!
Should Chapter Mandatory Deliverables as stated in Policy be revised to reflect what is important to members and what they value?
How can chapters more effectively utilize their Delegates throughout the year to strengthen communication between members, chapter leadership, and National, while also giving Delegates a clearer and more active role within the chapter?
How can massage therapists responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technology into practice while maintaining ethical standards and client-centered care?
Please feel free to contact us with any comments you would like us to forward at the meeting.
Kelly Givens, LMT and Marqueta Aiken, LMT
AMTA is Way more than Insurance
A highlight of the AMTA PA conference was the opportunity to meet so many encouraging and eager massages therapists. The success of the event was due in large part to the incredible volunteers who stepped up with a can-do attitude and a willingness to serve. Whether they were helping behind the scenes, welcoming attendees, solving last-minute challenges, or simply lending a hand wherever it was needed, their dedication made all the difference.
Experiences like this remind me why I am so proud to be part of AMTA. As a nonprofit organization, AMTA exists because members choose to invest not only in themselves, but also in the future of the massage therapy profession. While most therapists initially join for the insurance benefits, I've found that insurance is only one small piece of what membership offers.
AMTA provides access to exceptional continuing education opportunities, valuable research highlighting the benefits and effectiveness of massage therapy, industry news and facts that help us stay informed, and financial savings through member discounts with companies we use every day. From supplies and equipment, to printing, marketing, and business resources, those savings can quickly add up.
Yet the greatest benefit I've received from AMTA isn't something that can be measured in dollars. Through AMTA, I have built friendships with therapists from across Pennsylvania and around the country. I've found mentors, colleagues, and a network of professionals who are passionate about advancing our profession. Volunteering has expanded those connections even further, giving me the opportunity to work alongside dedicated individuals who care deeply about supporting massage therapists and strengthening our community.
Giving back to the profession has been one of the most rewarding parts of my AMTA journey. The relationships, experiences, and sense of purpose I've gained along the way have been invaluable. If you've ever considered becoming more involved, I encourage you to take that first step. You may be surprised by how much you receive in return.
Breanna Eckley, LMT
October 25, 2026
Regional Meetup and Continuing Education
Philadelphia, PA
