Massage therapy has been shown to aid in exercise recovery, and targeting physically active baby-boomers as clientele could be a smart marketing move for massage therapists—especially as cases of "boomeritis" are on the rise.

A tidal wave of aging baby boomers is washing over the U.S., and sports-and-exercise-related injuries are one result. Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, who sustain sports -elated injuries are dealing with “boomeritis," a term, coined by an orthopaedic surgeon that refers to a group of orthopaedic injuries commonly seen in this age group.

In 2008, more than 166,000 people between the ages of 45 and 64 were treated in emergency rooms, clinics and doctors’ offices for injuries related to exercise and exercise equipment, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

“Baby boomers have become increasingly active as they age,

and orthopaedic surgeons think this trend will continue,” says Ray Monto, M.D., spokesperson for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), in a press release.

“One thing to keep in mind is that when you are 50, you may injure your body more easily than when you were 20. Joints, tissues and muscles may not be as flexible as they used to be. So as boomers age, they should take extra steps to protect themselves from injuries when exercising.”

"Baby boomers who exercise regularly are less likely to experience depression, weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep disturbances," the AAOS release noted, "so it’s important to incorporate physical activity into your routine at any age."

Editor's note: For more information, read "Get Started in Sports Massage: How to Target Athletes as a Specialized Clientele." 

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