Massage Use Increases in the United States

Massage therapy continues to increase in popularity among American adults, continuing a 20-year climb in massage use and acceptance, according to new consumer research. The number of men reporting massage use increased considerably, from 8 percent of male adults in 2004 to 13 percent in 2006.

The research results were released Feb. 14 by Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP). Among other results:

• A full 33.6 million American adults aged 21 or older received at least one massage in 2006, up nearly 9 million from the 2004 level. That represents growth from 12 percent in 2004 to 16 percent in 2006.

• Consumers in the West and Midwest are most likely to have received a massage in 2006: 20 percent and 19 percent respectively, compared with 14 percent in the Northeast and 12 percent in the South. Each of these percentages is up from 2004 levels, with the 6-percentage-point gain in the Midwest the most dramatic.

• There are three primary reasons people seek massage, each representing about a third of all massages delivered. Most seek relaxation and restoration (30 percent); need relief from pain or muscle soreness (29 percent); or have a massage because they received it as a gift (28 percent). Recommendations by medical professionals and receiving gift certificates are primary factors in consumers choosing to get a massage.

• Americans report positive feelings about their massage experiences. Ninety-four percent express favorable feelings toward massage therapists, with 69 percent expressing very favorable feelings. Among 2006 massage clients, fully 85 percent voiced very favorable feelings about their most recent massage, with 37 percent rating it a perfect 10 out of 10.

The research consisted of telephone interviews with a cross-section of 1,008 Americans of at least age 21, and was conducted by Boulder, Colorado-based Harstad Strategic Research in January.