by Massage News Update: Oct 22, 2012
According to a 16th annual consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)- more consumers are incorporating massage therapy into their regular health and wellness regimens to assist with medical conditions.
In fact, it was reported that 75 percent of individuals claim the primary reason for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (43 percent) and stress (32 percent) 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.”
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 percent stating that their doctor has either strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage. This suggests consumers and health care 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.
Summary of survey data:
- 75 percent claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (43 percent) and stress (32 percent)
- 50 percent who have ever had a massage received it for medical reasons including soreness, stiffness or spasms; to relieve or manage stress; for prevention or to improve quality of life; injury recovery; to keep fit or healthy, wellness; and to control headaches or migraines
- 50 percent said their doctor has either strongly recommended or encouraged them to get a massage
- 89 percent believe massage can be effective in reducing pain
- 87 percent recognize massage can be beneficial to health and wellness
- 44 percent say medical benefits would motivate them to have a massage
Source: Massage Magazine
