Open AccessEquity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Massage Therapy Profession
Author(s) -
Oluwakemi M. Balogun,
Ann Blair Kennedy
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of therapeutic massage and bodywork
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.23
H-Index - 13
ISSN - 1916-257X
DOI - 10.3822/ijtmb.v13i3.571
Subject(s) - massage , diversity (politics) , inclusion (mineral) , equity (law) , ethnic group , race (biology) , medicine , population , alternative medicine , medical education , physical therapy , political science , sociology , gender studies , law , pathology , environmental health
It has been documented that there are disparities in who seeks massage therapy in the United States. Yet, there are few conversations about race and ethnicity of the massage therapists who provide these services. We must examine the diversity, equity, and inclusion within the massage therapy profession and consider how the profession can improve the landscape for clients/patients and for those who feel called to work within this field. Although the diversity of the profession and those who seek treatment are rarely discussed, this paper explores these issues and offers possible solutions to expand the diversity of the profession and patient population.