National Survey Measures Use of Massage

Pain management, soreness, injury recovery, control of headaches or migraines, and general wellness are the top reasons clients seek massage therapy, according to the results of an annual national survey that measures consumers' use of massage.

More people get massage therapy for medical purposes than for relaxation, according to a survey conducted on behalf of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The survey results, released to MASSAGE Magazine on Oct. 19, also showed that baby boomers have more massages than younger consumers and turn more often to massage for medical reasons.

Also among the results:

• Thirty percent of all people who received a massage in the last five years got it for medical reasons, compared to 22 percent who sought relaxation and 13 percent for a simple indulgence.

• Almost one-third (32 percent) of Americans say they’ve used massage therapy at least one time for pain relief – just behind those who have turned to chiropractic (38 percent) and physical therapy (44 percent).

• Respondents aged 45 to 64 have had an average of almost 7 massages during the past 12 months, while those aged 18 to 44 have had an average of five.

• Among those who have had a massage in the past five years, boomers have had an average of just under 20 massages compared to an average of about 10 for those aged 18 to 44.