Clinical Massage in the Healthcare Community

Massage therapy has become an integral part of the healthcare community

A growing number of medical practices now recognize the healing benefits of clinical massage therapy.  What was once dismissed as a second-tier, "alternative" treatment is now regarded as a vital part of treatment programs at many hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and athletic training facilities.¹

• The number of hospitals that have offered massage therapy as a treatment option has increased by 30% in just two years from 2004 to 2006.²
• Among 18-24 year olds, nearly 70 percent said their doctor strongly recommended massage.³
• 60% of Americans would like to see massage covered by their health insurance plan. ⁴
• 90% of adults now believe that massage can be beneficial to health.⁵

1. Interview with Michael Jones, Clinical Massage Therapist, Gottlieb Health and Fitness Center, June 17, 2005.

2. National Survey conducted by the Health Forum/American Hospital Association 2006. Available at http://www.amtamassage.org/pdf/2009IndustryFactSheet.pdf

3. American Massage Therapy Association. 2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.amtamassage.org/media/consumersurvey_factsheet-2008.html

4. American Massage Therapy Association. 2008 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet. Available at http://www.amtamassage.org/media/consumersurvey_factsheet-2008.html

5. American Massage Therapy Association, 2005 Massage Therapy Consumer Survey Fact Sheet, available at www.amtamassage.org/pdf/05consurvey.pdf