American Massage Therapy Association^®

Massage is Used More Than Ever for Medical/Health Reasons
Americans discussing merits of massage with physicians

Evanston, IL – October 26, 2009 –Results from the 13th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) indicate that 32 percent of Americans are seeking massage for medical and health reasons, tying relaxation and stress reduction for the first time as the top reasons people get massages.  Click here for more information on AMTA's 2009 consumer survey.

Additionally, 25 percent of Americans ages 35-44 have talked to their doctor or healthcare provider about massage therapy this year, compared to 14 percent in 2008. Of those who discussed massage therapy with their doctors, 52 percent say their doctor strongly recommended/encouraged them to get a massage. These survey results are announced in conjunction with National Massage Therapy Awareness Week®, October 25-31.

A vast majority of Americans, 86 percent, agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain, and 85 percent agree that massage can be beneficial for health and wellness.

“Even with the ongoing economic crisis, people are not willing to compromise their health,” says Judy Stahl, AMTA president. “It’s a clear signal of massage’s value when those making less than $35,000 a year are the second most active income bracket getting massage therapy.”

Stressed Americans Still Seeking Massage for Relaxation

For the second year in a row, the survey results showed that massage therapy use is fairly steady, despite the lagging economy. Thirty-two percent of stressed out Americans are getting massages to relieve their stress and 57 percent of Americans say they feel more stressed this year than last year, particularly among females (61 percent) and those ages 18-24 (66 percent).

“Consumers understand that massage therapy is essential to a healthy balance between stress and relaxation,” said Stahl. “We are pleased to see that consumers are prioritizing massage to help them through these difficult times.”

About AMTA

The American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) is a professional association of approximately 58,000 members. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and must meet continuing education requirements to retain membership. AMTA provides information about massage therapy to the public and works to improve the professional climate for massage therapists. The association also helps consumers and healthcare professionals locate qualified massage therapists nationwide, through AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist® free national locator service available at www.findamassagetherapist.org or toll-free at 888-843-2682 [888-THE-AMTA].