For the past 14 years, the American Massage Therapy Association® (AMTA®) has conducted an annual consumer survey to explore trends in massage therapy and identify the typical massage client.

This year’s report reveals some good news (more people are recognizing the pain relief benefits of massage) and, unfortunately, some bad news (fewer men are getting massages). The following is a quote from an AMTA press release about the study.

 “We know from our AMTA survey results in the last 14 years that massage therapy usage has been on an overall upward trend, as people are realizing the health benefits of massage to manage pain and keep them active, as well as being an excellent means to relieve stress” says Kathleen Miller-Read, AMTA president. “We believe that as the economic climate improves, men will return to massage therapy as part of their regular health maintenance plan.”

 At  TouchPointe, we have also seen an increase in the number of people seeking pain relief from massage therapy. It’s a trend we are very happy about. We believe that massage isn’t an escape from life; it’s essential to a healthy life.

 Here are some of the studies key findings:

• 86 percent agree that massage can be effective in reducing pain
• 84 percent agree massage can be beneficial for health and wellness
• 10 percent of men got massages in 2010
• 25 percent of women got massages in 2010