Massage Therapy Foundation Awards One Research Grantee in 2016

Posted:Friday, September 23, 2016

The Massage Therapy Foundation is pleased to announce the funding of one research grant in the field of massage therapy for the 2016 granting cycle. Since 1993, the Foundation has sought to fund important research in the field of massage therapy to advance the profession.

This year’s $30,000 research grant has been awarded to Niki Munk, PhD, LMT, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Indiana University in Indianapolis, Indiana, for her study “Massage Perceptions and Experiences for Individuals with Amputations.” The 2016 Research Grant award will support the completion of a developing amputation related therapeutic massage and bodywork (TMB) research program for Munk’s work. Dr. Munk’s work on this project will be conducted at Indiana University’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. Currently, little published research exists to elucidate TMB application, effect, or theoretical approach for individuals with amputations.

“I am so appreciative of this award from the Massage Therapy Foundation and its support of the study in general and my work towards building research capacity in the massage field, “ states Munk. “While this particular study focuses on individuals with amputation, my ultimate research goals are to reduce accessibility barriers to massage benefit, particularly for those who are economically disadvantaged, disabled, and/or at risk of poor physical health or emotional well-being. Support from this award will bring me one step closer to my goals, and I am grateful to the Foundation for this opportunity!”
Massage Therapy Foundation President, Jerrilyn Cambron, LMT, DC, MPH, PhD, said “ We are so pleased to award Dr. Munk with the 2016 research grant. The Foundation is pleased to be able to support studies that have such clear clinical relevance for massage therapists.”