Features Research
Sixteenth annual AMTA survey results are in!

In
fact, 75 per cent of individuals claim the primary reason for receiving a
massage in the past 12 months was medical (43 per cent) and stress (32 per
cent) related. Medical reasons include pain relief, soreness, stiffness or
spasms, injury recovery, migraines, prevention, and general well-being.

“The
findings from this year’s survey display a growing sense of awareness among
consumers about massage being an effective tool for a variety of health
conditions,” says Cynthia Ribeiro, AMTA president. “Physicians are recommending
massage therapy to their patients for stress-related tension, pain relief and
injuries, as well as to help maintain overall health and wellness.”

The
survey results, released in conjunction with National Massage Therapy Awareness
Week (NMTAW), October 21 – October 27, indicate that 87 per cent of individuals
view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness.

Given
the distinct consumer understanding of the health benefits of massage, an
increasing number of people are consulting their physicians about massage
therapy, with 50 per cent stating that their doctor has either strongly
recommended or encouraged them to get a massage. This suggests consumers and
healthcare professionals regard massage as a viable option to address health
concerns.

“A
growing body of evidence shows that massage therapy can be effective for a
variety of health conditions and massage is rapidly becoming recognized as an
important part of health and wellness,” said Dr. Keri Peterson, board certified
internal medicine physician.  “Many of my patients come to me with chronic
pain including back and knee pain, as well as migraines and injuries after
exercise. I am now referring more people than ever to meet with massage
therapists as an alternative, before considering surgery or prescribing
prescriptions.” 

Supported
research shows that massage therapy can improve quality of life in patients
with fibromyalgia, reduce inflammation of skeletal muscle acutely damaged with
exercise and help relieve chronic lower back pain.  In addition, research
supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(NCCAM) shows that a 60-minute Swedish massage once a week for those with
osteoarthritis of the knee significantly reduced their pain.

According
to the AMTA survey, consumers recognize the role massage therapy has in pain
management, with 89 per cent of respondents viewing massage to be effective in reducing
pain. In general, almost 30 per cent have used massage therapy at some time for
pain relief.

During
National Massage Therapy Awareness Week (October 21 – October 27), AMTA massage
therapists across the country will promote the benefits of massage for health
and wellness through massage demonstrations, education events, special client
promotions, social media posts and other awareness activities. Consumers are
encouraged to visit AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist free national locator
service, available at www.findamassagetherapist.org.
This locator allows people to find professional members of AMTA, who meet both
association qualifications and state/local requirements to practice.