2024 MTF Case Report Contest Winners

Posted:Thursday, October 17, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Massage Therapy Foundation Announces 2024 Case Report Contest Winners

(Evanston, IL, October 17, 2024) The Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) announces 2024 Case Report Contest results. MTF’s Case Report Contest allows students and practitioners to enhance professional development and research skills. Winners at the Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels receive cash prizes after their case report has been submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal. Open on an annual basis, the contest provides an opportunity for massage therapy students to learn how to deliver evidence-informed massage information to the public.

The Silver Award went to, “Effects of Neurosomatic Therapy on Musculoskeletal Pain During Pregnancy: A Case Study” authored by Kirana Peters while a student at the Center for Neurosomatic Studies in Clearwater, Fla.

The case study explored the effects of Neurosomatic Therapy on a pregnant patient in her third trimester, aiming to decrease and prevent rib pain experienced during her first pregnancy. The client received ten therapy sessions over five weeks, administered by Peters at the Center for Neurosomatic Studies. While standard assessment tools like the McGill Pain Questionnaire and Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale showed no significant changes, the patient’s verbal feedback indicated a reduction in pain symptoms compared to her first pregnancy, though some discomfort persisted in the right SI region. The findings suggest that while Neurosomatic Therapy can help alleviate pain during pregnancy, further research is needed to develop better assessment measures for pregnant individuals and to address pre-existing musculoskeletal imbalances that may influence pain.

An Honorable Mention was awarded to, “Massage Therapy and Breathwork for Reducing Trauma-Related Symptoms: A Case Report,” authored by Christine Dennison while studying at the Atlanta School of Therapeutic Massage.

This case study highlights the positive impact of somatic therapy on a 31-year-old female client dealing with trauma and sexual violence. The client, employed in office work, was experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress, including sleep and behavioral disturbances, unresolved neck and shoulder pain, and shallow breathing. Through a trauma-informed approach, with a licensed psychotherapist, Dennison assessed her condition using techniques such as breathing assessments, palpation, guided body scan, and self-assessment questionnaire. The results showed significant improvements, including a reduction in the severity and frequency of her shoulder pain, enhanced relaxation, better breathing patterns, and a decrease in self-reported PTSD symptoms. This case study shows how massage therapy and breathwork may effectively reduce trauma-related symptoms, promoting a shift from a sympathetic to a parasympathetic nervous system response.

“Congratulations to our 2024 Case Report Contest winners, who have demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the profession by expanding the body of knowledge for our field. We are pleased to recognize the efforts of students and practitioners to become involved in research, and invite others to submit their interesting client cases to the contest, which is open year-round,” said MTF president, Adrienne Asta.

The absence of a gold winner in MTF’s Case Report Contest highlights the emphasis on the quality and impact of submissions over mere competition, as the focus is on fostering professional development and advancing research skills within the massage therapy community.

About the Massage Therapy Foundation

The MTF is a 501(c)3 public charity supporting scientific research, education, and community service for the massage therapy profession. The Foundation founded and publishes an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal and provides educational resources for massage therapists, educators, and students. MTF, an independent organization, promotes international scientific and technical collaboration through grants, resources, training, and services. www.MassageTherapyFoundation.org

For more information contact:

Geri Ann Nelson, Program Manager, at or 847-905-1667, gnelson@massagetherapyfoundation.org.