Massage and Pain Relief
Empower your practice with research demonstrating how massage therapy can be effective in managing pain.
Leading the Conversation on Massage Therapy for Pain Relief
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 60 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, affecting more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer combined. Research has shown that massage therapy can be a safe, effective, nonpharmacological option for pain relief.
AMTA is proud to be leading the conversation on massage therapy for pain relief, especially as an alternative to opioids. Learn more about our advocacy efforts, current research and NCBTMB-approved online CE courses on massage therapy as an integrative approach to pain relief.
Massage Therapy in Integrative Care and Pain Management
AMTA’s 2026 report, Massage Therapy in Integrative Care & Pain Management, explores how massage therapy can complement medical treatments across hundreds of health conditions. The research estimates that integrating massage into comprehensive care could save the U.S. healthcare system approximately $11.1 billion annually.
Massage Therapy in Integrative Care and Pain Management
AMTA’s 2026 report, Massage Therapy in Integrative Care & Pain Management, explores how massage therapy can complement medical treatments across hundreds of health conditions. The research estimates that integrating massage into comprehensive care could save the U.S. healthcare system approximately $11.1 billion annually.
Growing Healthcare Referrals for Massage Therapy
With significant evidence supporting the effect of massage on many health conditions, massage therapy's role in integrative healthcare has become widely accepted in major hospitals and medical practices. Further, massage therapists are increasingly receiving referrals from healthcare professionals.
Learn more about consumer views of massage therapy as a treatment option for pain relief and the integration of massage into healthcare spaces.
Massage for Pain Relief CE Courses
A Deeper Understanding of Pain
$60 members / $100 non-members 4 CE credits
Explore the complexities of pain and strategies to better support your clients. Discover emerging advances in pain science that provide new insights and expand possibilities for pain management.
Chronic Pain: Relief with Massage Therapy
$30 members / $50 non-members 2 CE credits
In this course, delve into the principles of working with clients experiencing chronic pain, review the current science and strategies on pain relief, and explore how to apply this to your practice. Discover education ideas for home care including warm and cold therapies and referring clients out for support.
Trigger Point Techniques for Myofascial Pain
$75 members / $125 non-members 5 CE credits
Explore how to palpate, assess, and release trigger points to relieve myofascial pain. In this course, you'll learn how to differentiate trigger points from adhesions, recognize when a trigger point has been successfully released, and implement pre- and post- techniques to support lasting relief for your clients.
Related Articles
Shareable Research: Pain and Acupressure
Explore the latest research showcasing the real benefits of massage therapy and acupressure for reducing pain.
Looking at Pain More Holistically
Learn how taking a more whole-person approach may enhance your ability to help clients better manage their pain.
Massage for Shoulder and Back Pain
Discover how massage therapists have an opportunity to help clients find relief for common pain areas like the back and shoulders.
Related Resources
Massage Therapy for Military Veterans
Learn how massage therapy can improve health and wellness for veterans coping with PTSD, chronic pain and more.
Massage for Headaches
Discover how massage therapy can be effective in helping clients find relief from headaches and migraines.
Massage as an Alternative to Opioids
Explore the latest research supporting massage as a nonpharmacological approach to pain relief.