Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Massage Therapy Profession

Oluwakemi Balogun; Ann Blair Kennedy

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Massage Therapy Profession

Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2020 Aug 27;13(3):1-5. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Authors

Oluwakemi Balogun¹, Ann Blair Kennedy²

Affiliations

¹ University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville.
² University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Greenville, SC, USA.

PMID: 32922576
PMCID: PMC7454234

Abstract

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.

Keywords: African Americans; ethnic groups; health occupations; health services accessibility; massage therapy; minority groups; primary health care.

Publication types

Editorial