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.
• 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.

  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 therapy for stress reduction

• 52% of Americans said they got a massage for stress and/or relaxation in the last five years.
• 57% of Americans say they are more stressed this year than they were a year ago.

Rehab Massage Therapy is used more than ever for Medical and Health reasons.

 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet, AMTA

Older Americans are most likely to seek massage for its medical and health benefits rather than for relaxation or stress reduction.