Consumer Views & Use of Massage Therapy

How to Choose a Massage Therapist

American massage consumers view the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA) as the most respected and credible name in massage therapy – three times higher than any other massage organization or business.

• Consumers prefer their massage therapist be a member of AMTA nearly three to one over any other national massage organization or business.
  
  
• AMTA remains the most trusted name in massage therapy by a ratio of more than 3-1 among adults who have had a massage in the past year.
  
  
• Consumers see AMTA as having the best trained and educated massage therapists.
  
  
• Nearly three times as many massage consumers in the past year looked for an AMTA massage therapist compared to members of any other group.
  
  
• 63 percent of consumers surveyed reported receiving a massage from a professional massage therapist in the past year.

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 at FindaMassageTherapist.org.

Find a Massage Therapist

Consumer Views of Massage

• 95 percent of individuals surveyed view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness.
  
  
• 95 percent of individuals surveyed believe that massage can be effective in reducing pain; with 29 percent of respondents stating they have used massage therapy for pain relief.
  
  
• Consumers received an average of 3 massages in the past 12 months.

Reasons to Get a Massage

Consumers have quickly learned the value and efficacy of massage therapy as an important approach for health and medical conditions. 

• As few as 24 percent of individuals believe massage therapy is only a form of pampering. 

• In the 12 months ending June 2023, 25 percent of massage consumers received their last massage at a spa.

• 88 percent of consumers agree that massage therapy should be considered a form of health care.

• 61 percent of massage consumers have used massage for a health or medical reason in the 12 months ending June 2023. 

• 29 percent of consumers had a massage for pain relief/pain management in the 12 months ending June 2023. 

Massage for Health and Wellness

83 percent of individuals surveyed claim the primary reason for receiving their last massage in the 12 months ending June 2023 was health or wellness (42 percent) or stress related (41 percent).

Health or wellness reasons included pain relief, soreness, stiffness or spasms, injury recovery, migraines, prevention, pregnancy or prenatal, and general well-being.

Consumers Are Discussing Specific Medical Conditions with their Doctors

Of consumers who discussed massage with their doctor:

• 47 percent of respondents discussed acute or chronic pain relief or pain management with their doctor.
  
  
• 32 percent discussed injury recovery or rehabilitation with their doctor.
  
  
• 49 percent discussed soreness, stiffness, and spasms with their doctor.
  
  
• Other conditions discussed included headaches, pregnancy, and relaxation or stress reduction. 

Medical Providers Are Recommending Massage

Medical providers and doctors are more commonly viewing massage therapy as a complementary option to address health concerns. 

Of consumers who discussed massage therapy with their doctor or medical provider:

• 20 percent were referred to a massage therapist.
  
  
• 29 percent indicated they were strongly recommended by their doctor or medical provider to receive a massage.
  
  
• 24 percent indicated that they were encouraged by their doctor or medical provider to receive a massage.
  
  
• 18 percent were told that a massage might benefit them.