Massage Therapy growth in the healthcare industry
Massage Therapy survey results from the American Massage Therapy Association
Results recently released by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reveal use of massage for medical reasons. Forty-three percent of adult Americans who had a massage between July 2012 and July 2013 received it for medical or health reasons such as pain management, soreness/stiffness/spasms, injury rehabilitation, or overall wellness,
Physicians more regularly encouraged their patients to receive massage, showing more demand for alternative therapy in the healthcare environment. Although the demand for massage in healthcare settings continue to rise, massage therapists indicated one of their biggest challenges in the industry is being recognized as healthcare professionals.
Survey results indicated:
- Physicians led the way in recommending massage (53 percent vs. 61 percent in 2012), chiropractors (42 percent vs. 43 percent in 2012) and physical therapists (41percent vs. 38 percent in 2012).
- More referrals come from chiropractic offices than other sources.
- Between July 2012 and July 2013, roughly 35 million adult Americans (16 percent) had a massage at least once
Some U.S. healthcare systems who currently have alternative healthcare programs include the Mayo Clinic, Duke Integrative Medicine and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Patients are receiving these therapies with the recommendation of physicians. Massage Therapists felt massage prescribed/referred by healthcare providers is the most important way to accomplish continued growth of the integration of massage therapy into the healthcare industry.
Turn 2 Massage consists of state licensed professionals educated in the health benefits of massage therapy.
