 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Massage Therapy Facts |
According to the 2007 AMTA Consumer Survey, almost a quarter of all adult
Americans (24 percent) had a massage at least once in the last 12 months and
34 percent of adult Americans received a massage in the last five years. Forty-
three percent of women and 25 percent of men have had a massage in the last
five years. Baby boomers have more massages with respondents aged 45 to
64 having an average of seven massage during the past 12 months compared
to those aged 18 to 44 who had an average of five. While the use of massage
is growing, the reasons people are turning to massage therapy are also
expanding. More and more people recognize it as an important element in
their overall health and wellness.
Almost one-third of adult Americans say they’ve used massage therapy at least
one time for pain relief. Of the people who had at least one massage in the
last five years, 30 percent report they did so for health conditions such as pain
management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness. Eight-
seven percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain. Eighty-
five percent agree that massage can be beneficial to health and wellness.
Americans (24 percent) had a massage at least once in the last 12 months and
34 percent of adult Americans received a massage in the last five years. Forty-
three percent of women and 25 percent of men have had a massage in the last
five years. Baby boomers have more massages with respondents aged 45 to
64 having an average of seven massage during the past 12 months compared
to those aged 18 to 44 who had an average of five. While the use of massage
is growing, the reasons people are turning to massage therapy are also
expanding. More and more people recognize it as an important element in
their overall health and wellness.
Almost one-third of adult Americans say they’ve used massage therapy at least
one time for pain relief. Of the people who had at least one massage in the
last five years, 30 percent report they did so for health conditions such as pain
management, injury rehabilitation, migraine control, or overall wellness. Eight-
seven percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain. Eighty-
five percent agree that massage can be beneficial to health and wellness.
indulgence. Almost one-third (32 percent) of Americans say they've used massage therapy at least one time for pain
relief – just behind those who have turned to chiropractic (38 percent) and physical therapy (44 percent)."It's no
surprise that people are turning to massage therapy to improve their wellness," says Dr. Leena S. Guptha, president
AMTA. "It's a proven way to manage pain, recover from injury, and improve one's quality of life, often reducing the
need for medications or invasive treatments."
Survey respondents said they most frequently sought massage therapy for medical reasons including pain
management, injury recovery, soreness, general wellness and control of headaches or migraines. These benefits of
massage are also being revealed by a growing body of medical literature. A scholarly review of scientific studies
published in the July 2007 issue of Evidence Based Complementary Medicine has shown that professional massage
therapy can be more effective than some other therapies in managing certain types of pain, particularly lower back
pain, shoulder complaints and headaches. With the prevalence of massage for health conditions, it is important that
consumers find a professional massage therapist," says Dr. Guptha.
Boomers See Wellness Benefits of Massage
Respondents aged 45 to 64 have had an average of almost 7 massages during the past 12 months, while those aged
18 to 44 have had an average of five. Among those who have had a massage in the past five years, boomers have
had an average of just under 20 massages compared to an average of about 10 for those aged 18 to 44. The
tendency to seek massage for health conditions was stronger among people from the immediate postwar generation as
well. Thirty-eight percent of those aged 45 to 64 said the massages they've received were for medical reasons, while
25 percent of people 18 to 44 cited that reason for massage. In addition, 23 percent of those 45 to 64 have discussed
massage therapy with their doctors or healthcare providers, compared to 18 percent of those 18 to 24.
Doctors and Public View Massage Therapy Positively
The AMTA-sponsored survey showed that 87 percent of people agree massage can be effective in reducing pain, and
85 percent agree massage can be beneficial to health and wellness. Fewer than half (39 percent) believe massage is
"just for pampering." And 59 percent said they would like to see massage therapy covered by their health insurance
plans. Nearly one in five people said they had discussed massage therapy with their doctors or healthcare providers,
and among those who had, more than half (58 percent) said their doctors had either "strongly recommended" or
"encouraged" the use of massage. "Healthcare providers and consumers are finding out what professional massage
therapists have always understood—that massage is not only relaxing, but also an important tool for pain management
and overall wellness," Dr. Guptha said.
relief – just behind those who have turned to chiropractic (38 percent) and physical therapy (44 percent)."It's no
surprise that people are turning to massage therapy to improve their wellness," says Dr. Leena S. Guptha, president
AMTA. "It's a proven way to manage pain, recover from injury, and improve one's quality of life, often reducing the
need for medications or invasive treatments."
Survey respondents said they most frequently sought massage therapy for medical reasons including pain
management, injury recovery, soreness, general wellness and control of headaches or migraines. These benefits of
massage are also being revealed by a growing body of medical literature. A scholarly review of scientific studies
published in the July 2007 issue of Evidence Based Complementary Medicine has shown that professional massage
therapy can be more effective than some other therapies in managing certain types of pain, particularly lower back
pain, shoulder complaints and headaches. With the prevalence of massage for health conditions, it is important that
consumers find a professional massage therapist," says Dr. Guptha.
Boomers See Wellness Benefits of Massage
Respondents aged 45 to 64 have had an average of almost 7 massages during the past 12 months, while those aged
18 to 44 have had an average of five. Among those who have had a massage in the past five years, boomers have
had an average of just under 20 massages compared to an average of about 10 for those aged 18 to 44. The
tendency to seek massage for health conditions was stronger among people from the immediate postwar generation as
well. Thirty-eight percent of those aged 45 to 64 said the massages they've received were for medical reasons, while
25 percent of people 18 to 44 cited that reason for massage. In addition, 23 percent of those 45 to 64 have discussed
massage therapy with their doctors or healthcare providers, compared to 18 percent of those 18 to 24.
Doctors and Public View Massage Therapy Positively
The AMTA-sponsored survey showed that 87 percent of people agree massage can be effective in reducing pain, and
85 percent agree massage can be beneficial to health and wellness. Fewer than half (39 percent) believe massage is
"just for pampering." And 59 percent said they would like to see massage therapy covered by their health insurance
plans. Nearly one in five people said they had discussed massage therapy with their doctors or healthcare providers,
and among those who had, more than half (58 percent) said their doctors had either "strongly recommended" or
"encouraged" the use of massage. "Healthcare providers and consumers are finding out what professional massage
therapists have always understood—that massage is not only relaxing, but also an important tool for pain management
and overall wellness," Dr. Guptha said.
Above information is credited to the American Massage Therapy Association
Seeking a massage for medical or health reasons is now tied with relaxation and stress reduction as the top reasons
why Americans get massages. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor
strongly recommended/encouraged them to get a massage. Eighty-six percent of Americans agree that massage can
be effective in reducing pain. Eighty-five percent of people agree that massage can be beneficial to your health and
wellness.
Massage therapy for stress reduction
This year, 32 percent of Americans said they got a massage for stress and/or relaxation in the last five years;
compared to 36 percent last year. Fifty-seven percent of Americans say they are more stressed this year than they
were a year ago.
Massage therapy and Income
Forty-seven percent of those making $35,000 to $50,000 a year say they have considered massage to manage stress.
Thirty-four percent of those making less than $35,000 a year got massage for medical/health reasons. This group is
the second largest income bracket of those who had a massage for medical/health reasons. Forty-nine percent of
those making $75,000 to $100,000 choose massage for medical or health reasons.
Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather than for relaxation
or stress reduction Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather
than for relaxation or stress reduction. Among those who have had a massage in the last five years, 41 percent of
those over 65 years of age and 41 percent of those between the ages of 55 and 64 received their last massage for
medical or health reasons. In contrast, only 13 percent of those over 65 and 28 percent of those ages 55 to 64 had
massage for relaxation/stress reduction.
Massage considerations and recommendations
Fifty-seven percent of 35-44 year olds who had a massage in the previous 12 months have considered massage to
manage stress. Sixty-two percent of Americans have or would recommend massage therapy to a relative or someone
else they know.
why Americans get massages. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor
strongly recommended/encouraged them to get a massage. Eighty-six percent of Americans agree that massage can
be effective in reducing pain. Eighty-five percent of people agree that massage can be beneficial to your health and
wellness.
Massage therapy for stress reduction
This year, 32 percent of Americans said they got a massage for stress and/or relaxation in the last five years;
compared to 36 percent last year. Fifty-seven percent of Americans say they are more stressed this year than they
were a year ago.
Massage therapy and Income
Forty-seven percent of those making $35,000 to $50,000 a year say they have considered massage to manage stress.
Thirty-four percent of those making less than $35,000 a year got massage for medical/health reasons. This group is
the second largest income bracket of those who had a massage for medical/health reasons. Forty-nine percent of
those making $75,000 to $100,000 choose massage for medical or health reasons.
Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather than for relaxation
or stress reduction Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather
than for relaxation or stress reduction. Among those who have had a massage in the last five years, 41 percent of
those over 65 years of age and 41 percent of those between the ages of 55 and 64 received their last massage for
medical or health reasons. In contrast, only 13 percent of those over 65 and 28 percent of those ages 55 to 64 had
massage for relaxation/stress reduction.
Massage considerations and recommendations
Fifty-seven percent of 35-44 year olds who had a massage in the previous 12 months have considered massage to
manage stress. Sixty-two percent of Americans have or would recommend massage therapy to a relative or someone
else they know.
massage is relaxation/stress reduction. This year, 36 percent of Americans said they got a massage for stress and/or
relaxation in the last five years; compared to 22 percent last year. Thirty-eight percent of Americans say they have
considered massage to manage stress.
Massage therapy popular among young and lower-income Americans
Younger age groups and lower-income Americans are the most likely to consider massage for stress and other health
reasons. Fifty-six percent of 18-24 year olds would consider massage to manage stress. Forty-six percent of those
earning less than $25,000 a year get massage for medical/health reasons; more than any other groups. Higher
income Americans talk to their doctors about massage…Sixteen percent of those earning $50,000 or more discussed
massage with their physician, which is nearly twice as many as those earning between $25,000 and $35,000. ... and
many doctors are recommending massage. 57 percent of those who talked to their doctor about massage reported
that their doctor strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage. Among 18-24 year olds, nearly 70
percent said their doctor strongly recommended massage. Sixty percent of Americans would like to see massage
covered by their health insurance plan. Massage for health reasons finds a strong audience among the young and old
Baby boomers most likely to seek massage for medical/health benefits:
Among those who’ve had a massage in the last five years, 41 percent of those 55-64 and 44 percent of those over 64
received their last massage for medical/health reasons. Younger Americans, aged 18-24, were the next group most
likely to seek massage for health reasons; 34 percent reporting having a massage for medical/health reasons.
Twenty-three percent of those in the 25-34 age group reported getting a massage in the last five years for
medical/health reasons.
Health Benefits of Massage
Cancer
A study published in the journal Cancer studied 4,139 cancer survivors about their use of complementary medicine.
11.2 percent of cancer patients use massage as a complementary therapy. 16.6 percent of female cancer patients,
and 3.9 percent of male cancer patients use massage. Massage was found to be an especially popular complementary
therapy with breast and ovarian cancer patients.
Sports Medicine
In a first of its kind animal study, conducted at Ohio State University, researchers tested the benefits of massage in a
sports & fitness setting. Muscles massaged after exercise recovered an estimated 60 percent of strength in the
following days, compared to restoration of about 14 percent of strength in muscles that simply rested after exercise.
Muscles massaged after exercise had fewer damaged muscle fibers and virtually no sign of white blood cells,
compared to rested muscles. The absence of white blood cells indicates that the body did not have to work to repair
muscle damage after exercise. The massaged muscles weighed about 8 percent less than the rested muscles,
indicating a reduction in swelling.
relaxation in the last five years; compared to 22 percent last year. Thirty-eight percent of Americans say they have
considered massage to manage stress.
Massage therapy popular among young and lower-income Americans
Younger age groups and lower-income Americans are the most likely to consider massage for stress and other health
reasons. Fifty-six percent of 18-24 year olds would consider massage to manage stress. Forty-six percent of those
earning less than $25,000 a year get massage for medical/health reasons; more than any other groups. Higher
income Americans talk to their doctors about massage…Sixteen percent of those earning $50,000 or more discussed
massage with their physician, which is nearly twice as many as those earning between $25,000 and $35,000. ... and
many doctors are recommending massage. 57 percent of those who talked to their doctor about massage reported
that their doctor strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage. Among 18-24 year olds, nearly 70
percent said their doctor strongly recommended massage. Sixty percent of Americans would like to see massage
covered by their health insurance plan. Massage for health reasons finds a strong audience among the young and old
Baby boomers most likely to seek massage for medical/health benefits:
Among those who’ve had a massage in the last five years, 41 percent of those 55-64 and 44 percent of those over 64
received their last massage for medical/health reasons. Younger Americans, aged 18-24, were the next group most
likely to seek massage for health reasons; 34 percent reporting having a massage for medical/health reasons.
Twenty-three percent of those in the 25-34 age group reported getting a massage in the last five years for
medical/health reasons.
Health Benefits of Massage
Cancer
A study published in the journal Cancer studied 4,139 cancer survivors about their use of complementary medicine.
11.2 percent of cancer patients use massage as a complementary therapy. 16.6 percent of female cancer patients,
and 3.9 percent of male cancer patients use massage. Massage was found to be an especially popular complementary
therapy with breast and ovarian cancer patients.
Sports Medicine
In a first of its kind animal study, conducted at Ohio State University, researchers tested the benefits of massage in a
sports & fitness setting. Muscles massaged after exercise recovered an estimated 60 percent of strength in the
following days, compared to restoration of about 14 percent of strength in muscles that simply rested after exercise.
Muscles massaged after exercise had fewer damaged muscle fibers and virtually no sign of white blood cells,
compared to rested muscles. The absence of white blood cells indicates that the body did not have to work to repair
muscle damage after exercise. The massaged muscles weighed about 8 percent less than the rested muscles,
indicating a reduction in swelling.
| 2009 Consumer Survey |
| 2008 Consumer Survey |
2009 Massage Therapy
Consumer Survey Fact Sheet
Massage is Used More Than Ever for
Medical/Health Reasons
Thirty-two percent of Americans get massages
for medical and health reasons, according to
the 13th annual consumer survey sponsored
by the American Massage Therapy
Association® (AMTA®), compared to 31
percent last year.
Twenty-five percent of Americans ages 35-44
have talked to their doctor or healthcare
provider about massage therapy this year,
compared to 14 percent in 2008.
Consumer Survey Fact Sheet
Massage is Used More Than Ever for
Medical/Health Reasons
Thirty-two percent of Americans get massages
for medical and health reasons, according to
the 13th annual consumer survey sponsored
by the American Massage Therapy
Association® (AMTA®), compared to 31
percent last year.
Twenty-five percent of Americans ages 35-44
have talked to their doctor or healthcare
provider about massage therapy this year,
compared to 14 percent in 2008.
2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet
Stress Propels Americans to Massage Therapy for Relief
Fifty-nine percent of Americans reported they are more stressed this
year than they were a year ago, according to a survey sponsored by
the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®).
The current economic situation, or other factors, was found to be a
source of great stress for 45 percent of Americans. Younger
Americans and women have felt stressed out due to the economy or
other factors. Fifty-five percent of those ages 25-34 say they are
greatly stressed by the economic situation, and 51 percent of all
females agree.
Massage therapy for stress reduction
People are using massage for relaxation/stress reduction more than in
the past. The number one reason people say they got their last
Stress Propels Americans to Massage Therapy for Relief
Fifty-nine percent of Americans reported they are more stressed this
year than they were a year ago, according to a survey sponsored by
the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®).
The current economic situation, or other factors, was found to be a
source of great stress for 45 percent of Americans. Younger
Americans and women have felt stressed out due to the economy or
other factors. Fifty-five percent of those ages 25-34 say they are
greatly stressed by the economic situation, and 51 percent of all
females agree.
Massage therapy for stress reduction
People are using massage for relaxation/stress reduction more than in
the past. The number one reason people say they got their last
2007 Who Gets A Massage and WHY?
More Americans Turning to Massage for Pain Management
Massage Therapy Grows as Overall Wellness Tool, Especially
Among Baby Boomers
Evanston, IL—October 2007: More people get massage therapy for
medical purposes than for relaxation, according to a survey
conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®).
The survey also showed that baby boomers have more massages
than their younger counterparts – and are more likely to use massage
for medical reasons. Thirty percent of all people who received a
massage in the last five years got it for medical reasons, compared to
22 percent who sought relaxation and 13 percent for a simple