By Gary Eaton, LMT
The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) recently released its 2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet. The results, although not surprising, show that stress is the biggest reason people seek treatment from massage therapists.
The current economic situation in the United States has caused fear for a lot of us in the massage industry, as we worry people won’t spend as much money on massage treatment. But the opposite may actually be the case.
According to the study, 59% of the 1,012 adults surveyed (504 men and 508 women) reported feeling more stress this year than last, with 45% blaming the economic woes as their greatest stress. The study revealed that more people are using massage as a way to relax and reduce their stress.
In this year’s study, 36% of Americans reported getting a massage for stress reduction or for relaxation in the last five years. That is up from just 22% in last year’s survey. And 38% of Americans state that they have considered massage as a stress management solution. Other reasons stated for getting a massage; 31% said medical reasons, 19% stated the reason as pampering, while 11% said the reason was“other.”
Another interesting statistic from the study shows that massage therapy is more popular among the younger generation as well as lower income Americans. In the 18-24 year old category, 56% say they would consider massage for stress management, while 46% of consumers earning less than $25,000 actually get a massage for health reasons. That is more than any other group in the survey.
Something from the study that I found very encouraging was in relation to medical doctors. The survey showed that 57% of those surveyed who talked to their doctor about getting a massage reported a strong recommendation or encouragement from their doctor. In the 18-24 year age group, almost 70% reported a strong recommendation from a doctor. This shows massage is making real headway in the eyes of medical doctors.
One of the problems for many seeking massage therapy is the fact that the service isn’t covered by their insurance. The study reveals that 60% of Americans desire massage to be covered by their health insurance plans.
Those seeking massage treatment for medical or health benefits, as opposed to relaxation/stress reduction, is also on the rise. The older generations tend to seek medical massage treatment more often, with 41% in the 55-64 year old age group and 44% of 64 and older group receiving massage for medical reasons. Younger generations, however, are also seeking medical massage on a more regular basis.
Gary Eaton is a licensed massage therapist and writer living and working in Portland, Oregon. He manages a thriving therapeutic massage practice and is a featured writer for Massage Schools Guide.
© 2012 Massage Schools Guide
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I have certainly found that my business workload has increased since the economic downturn. Massage can be a wonderful way to relieve stress and would recommend it to anyone of any age.