MASSAGE THERAPY AWARENESS WEEK

October 25–31, 2026

FSMTA celebrates Massage Therapy Awareness Week (MTAW) every year during the last week of October. The tradition traces back to 1996, when Florida Governor Lawton Chiles issued the first Massage Therapy Awareness Proclamation, co-written by FSMTA Past President Deborah Karlan and Lynda Solien-Wolfe. In 2004, Governor Jeb Bush proclaimed the last week of October as Massage Therapy Awareness Week specifically. The purpose each year has stayed the same: educate the public and promote the benefits of massage therapy to a person's overall health and wellness.

Awareness

Curious what actually goes into massage therapy? This section breaks down the profession itself, what it means to be a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), the training and continuing education behind that license, and more topics throughout Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Start with What Is an LMT? below.

Find a Therapist

A Licensed Massage Therapist's education doesn't stop at graduation. Every two years, Florida LMTs complete continuing education, hands-on training in techniques, safety, and ethics, to keep their license active and their skills current.

It's One More Way You Can Trust the Hands You're In.

As of September 1, 2025, the 12 "hands on" CE hours required for license renewal must be completed in person. Check out your local chapter meeting schedule on our FSMTA calendar to see what CE presentations are being offered.

Local Chapters

× ‹ ›

× ‹ ›

Promotions

All week, FSMTA members across Florida are promoting massage therapy in their own communities. FSMTA gives them the tools to do it, sample social posts, a content calendar, and event ideas, so they can spread the word in their own practices.

Want to feel the benefits for yourself? Find a licensed massage therapist near you in the FSMTA Find a Therapist Directory.