AMERICAN MASSAGE THERAPY ASSOCIATION

ILLINOIS CHAPTER

A Rural Girl’s Encounter of the AMTA National Convention 2022

By Lynnlee Hill, LMT & AMTA Volunteer

Coming from the deep south (of Illinois) I am not accustomed to large cities, or masses of people for that matter. My usual scenery is that of corn fields, cows, and the cozy confines of my massage room, which is nestled in the middle of a yoga studio in my sweet agricultural township.

To say that downtown Cleveland and the hundreds of Massage Therapists flooding the Huntington Convention Center were all of the exciting words that are in my vocabulary, would be an understatement. As a Massage Therapist of three years, I had never experienced anything like National

Convention. What I found was life changing. It was not just life changing for me personally but extremely beneficial for the sake of my practice and my clients’ quality of treatment. The fourteen hours of continuing education I gained has already been applied into my daily practice. I took classes on Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatic Drainage and my personal favorite class “How to safeguard Your Hands” taught by Buddy Hammonds. There were daily general sessions that everyone attended that began with words from AMTA officials and closed with encouraging presentations. The exhibit hall was open each day and showcased many new and upcoming products as well as literature and learning tools to further grow massage practices. Each evening there were opportunities to explore Cleveland and connect with members of state chapters. It was there I met a number of Illinoisans who share the same passion and drive for the profession as I do. On the second day of the convention I was able to become a volunteer for the Illinois Chapter. I am delighted to be a part of one of the most prestigious organizations in the Massage Therapy profession, and I look forward to serving, as well as growing with the Chapter. One of the best things I got out of AMTA National Convention was a sense of community. The people I met over the course of my four day trip made a bigger impact on my life than one would imagine. I made many connections that span the distance of the entire country. Not to mention the birth of my collection of state chapter lapel pins! My first experience of National Convention will forever be a cherished memory. I look forward to the years ahead exploring further education, new products, and motivation to be the best Massage Therapist I can be for the sake of my clientele and my own wellbeing. I am so thankful

for the American Massage Therapy Association. It is by far so much more than insurance.

If you have ever considered attending an AMTA function, but hesitated, here is your sign to make the investment and step forward to better yourself and the lives you touch.

Massage therapists form all over were able to reconnect in person again, while having the opportunity to get some great hands-on training. The National Convention was kicked off with an inspirational talk with keynote speaker Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time!

The convention provided 3 days of continuing education for massage therapists.

Here is a short list of some of the CE classes that were available:

Techniques for Sports Massage Therapists

-Incorporating Reflexology into Your Massage Practice

The Art of Client Retention

Self-care for Massage Therapists

Understanding Pain in The Body

Lymphatic Drainage for Headaches

Thai Massage for The Table

No Feet and Other Fallacies (Prenatal Massage Myths)

We also had many vendors who showcased the latest in massage tool technology, educational materials, training, and equipment to improve the way we serve our clients!

Vendors included:

Massage Envy

Massage Warehouse

Soothe

Earthlite Massage Tables

NCBTMB

Upledger Institute

The Rolf Institute

Books of Discovery

…and more!

AMTA members also took advantage of things to do around Cleveland, OH.

Here are some of the many places that were visited:

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Great Lakes Science Center

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Metro parks and Lake Erie

The National Convention was such a great opportunity for all AMTA professionals to connect and network!

Join us for our next AMTA National Convention in Phoenix, AZ on August 24-26!

AMTA :

The Power of Community

The American Massage Therapy Association is more than "just insurance". It is the largest nonprofit community of massage therapists and the most respected name in the profession, and as a member you get to enjoy the many benefits of having discounts, insurance, extensive continuing education opportunities, and an entire community of massage professionals behind you on your journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.

The Membership Committee is dedicated to helping both students and graduated professionals make the most of their AMTA membership!

Join the Membership Committee and help us continue to build a strong, supportive network of professionals!

Contact Colleen Fitzpatrick-Grabow at cgrabowlmt@gmail.com

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