President's Message

Michael Roberson, President -- AMTA California Chapter

July 2026

July 19–25 is:

Massage Is for EveryBody Week.

Not everyone has access to massage therapy. For many, barriers such as financial hardship, geographic location, cultural beliefs, language differences, fear, disability, or lack of awareness make massage therapy inaccessible. These underserved populations are much larger and more diverse than many people realize.

When we provide massage therapy to underserved communities, we are doing far more than performing an act of kindness. We are helping fill a gap in healthcare for people who might otherwise go without compassionate, therapeutic touch.

So, what can you do to help reach underserved populations?

Think about those who are low-income, older adults, children, people with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and those living in remote rural or under-resourced urban communities.

Now think about the people you currently serve. Do you intentionally make room for these populations in your practice?

If we truly believe that Massage Is for EveryBody, then we should all be making a greater effort to reach those who otherwise might not have access. That can take many forms: volunteering your skills, financially supporting organizations whose mission is to serve these communities, offering a sliding-fee scale, or setting aside dedicated appointment times specifically for underserved clients.

Even after more than 40 years of practicing massage therapy, I continue to be amazed by what we are able to accomplish through touch. The wonder, the privilege, and the trust our patients/clients place in us remain deeply humbling. The positive changes we help facilitate remind me every day to approach each person on my table with respect, compassion, and gratitude.

I have countless stories, and I know you do, too—stories of how skilled, compassionate touch has improved someone's quality of life. Every body we touch tells a story. We assess, analyze, develop treatment plans, and work alongside our patients/clients to help them to achieve their goals. Sometimes we are part of their journey for only one session, a one-and-done. Other times, we become an integrated part of their long-term healthcare team. 

Either way, it is an honor to be invited into that journey.

I practice what I preach, not for recognition or accolades, but because service has always been part of who I am. Volunteering has been woven into my life since childhood, from helping neighbors without rewards, participating in school projects from elementary school throughout college, including Boy Scouts and church service activities, to continuing that same commitment throughout my professional career.

Over the years, I have provided massage through organizations serving people experiencing homelessness, survivors of abuse, individuals facing financial hardship, and those living with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. I have had the privilege of practicing massage in places far beyond my treatment room: on military bases, in hospital rooms, on football fields, in barns and horse stables, along roadsides parks, in airport terminals, on sandy beaches, and on convention floors. Wherever people need care, there is an opportunity to serve.

My hope is that this President's Message inspires you to consider how you can help ensure that Massage Is for EveryBody—not just during this special week, but as an ongoing part of your professional practice.

If you are already serving underserved populations, I would love to hear your story. With your permission, I would like to share those stories with our members so we can celebrate the many ways our profession is making a meaningful difference in communities throughout California.

‍ ‍

Please send your stories, along with your permission to share them, to president@amta-ca.org.

Together, we can demonstrate that massage therapy truly is for EveryBody!

Until the next time …

Michael Roberson,

California Chapter President