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.
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.
How to Find
a Professional Massage Therapist
Finding a professional massage therapist is vital to a
positive massage experience.
AMTA massage therapists have demonstrated a level of ability
through education and/or testing, adhere to a code of ethics and
must meet continuing education requirements. AMTA offers a free
professional massage therapist locator service on the Web at
www.findamassagetherapist.org or toll-free 1-888-THE-AMTA.
About the
Survey Findings
The annual consumer survey was conducted by CARAVAN® Opinion
Research Corporation International during July 2009, among a
national probability sample of 1001 adults (501 men and 500
women) ages 18 and older, living in private households in the
continental United States. The survey has a confidence level of
plus or minus three percent. Commissioned by AMTA, this is the
thirteenth annual massage therapy survey of American consumers.
About AMTA
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is a
professional association of 58,000 members. AMTA provides
information about massage therapy to the public and works to
improve the professional climate for massage therapists. The
association also helps consumers and healthcare professionals
locate professional massage therapists nationwide, through
AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist® free national locator service
available at www.findamassagetherapist.org or toll-free at
888-843-2682 [888-THE-AMTA]. |
American Massage Therapy Association®
