American Massage Therapy Association^®

SURVEY CONFIRMS:  CONSUMERS USE MASSAGE FOR STRESS RELIEF

Americans also would use massage to manage stress of terrorist threats and poor economy

(Evanston, IL – October 14, 2002) – American consumers recognize that massage therapy is an effective tool to reduce stress.  According to the American Massage Therapy Association’s (AMTA) annual consumer survey released today, of the those adults who had a massage in the past five years, nearly one quarter (23 percent) did so for stress relief and relaxation.  When asked what would motivate them to get a massage, more than one third (35 percent) of all those surveyed said it would be to reduce stress or for relaxation.

Another timely survey finding is that a majority of Americans (57 percent) who said they feel greatly stressed because of the threat of terrorism or the state of the economy would consider massage as a way to relieve that stress.

The benefits of massage for stress relief are very real.  Research shows that massage therapy reduces heart rate, as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure.  Massage also boosts the body’s immune system by increasing the body’s natural “killer cells,” which tend to break down during stress.

AMTA releases this data in conjunction with its National Massage Therapy Awareness WeekTM, October 20 – 26.  This year’s theme of “Massage Relieves Stress,” affirms what research supports and what consumers and health care providers are realizing – that massage is a stress buster.

“These survey results confirm that consumers now realize what we’ve known for a long time – that there are real, measurable stress-reducing benefits to massage therapy,” said Brenda L. Griffith, AMTA President.  “Since as much as 80 percent of disease is stress related, reducing stress through massage can provide a significant boost to someone’s overall health.”

Consumer use of massage therapy continues to steadily rise.  Conducted August 1-4, 2002, this year’s survey shows more than one-quarter (28 percent) of consumers received a massage from a massage therapist in the past five years, up from just 17 percent in 1997.   Eighteen percent said they had a massage in the past 12 months.  That’s 10 percentage points higher than was reported in 1997.

Consumers are not the only ones recognizing that massage may be good for their health.  AMTA’s survey found that of consumers who discussed massage with a health care professional, more than three-quarters (76 percent) reported favorable conversations.  Also, of those who discussed massage with a health care professional, more than half (57 percent) received a recommendation to massage therapy from a physician (30 percent) or chiropractor (27 percent).

The most dramatic increase in use of massage was among seniors (ages 65 and older).  The percentage of seniors who received massage within the last five years has nearly tripled (21 percent compared to 8 percent in 1997).   Seniors indicated they seek massage for health reasons other than relaxation and stress relief more than any other age group (41 percent).

In honor of National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, AMTA massage therapists across the country will host events and massage demonstrations in their communities during the week of October 20.

AMTA wants to provide consumers with information on what to expect during a massage and tips to help them find a qualified massage therapist. Consumers can find this information on AMTA’s Web site.  AMTA also offers a free service to help consumers find a massage therapist in their area.  Simply log onto the AMTA’s Web site and click on “Find a Massage Therapist,” or call toll-free to 888-THE-AMTA.

AMTA is a professional association of more than 46,000 members.  All AMTA Professional members have demonstrated a level of skill and knowledge through education and/or testing and are required to meet continuing education credits to retain membership. 

AMTA commissioned the annual Consumer Attitudinal Survey through Opinion Research Corporation International. It sampled 1000 American adults living in private households.  It carries a confidence factor of plus or minus three percent.

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