Seniors today
no longer consider massage therapy “alternative” health care. According
to the American Massage Therapy Association’s® (AMTA®) annual survey
released today, the percentage of seniors (ages 65 and older) who received
a massage from a massage therapist in the past five years has almost tripled
(21 percent compared to 8 percent in 1997).
Why do seniors
get massage? For health reasons, according to the survey. In fact, seniors
indicated they seek massage for health reasons (other than stress relief
and relaxation) more than any other age group (41 percent).
Seniors aren’t
the only ones recognizing that massage may be good for their health.
AMTA’s survey
indicates that physicians often recommend massage therapy to seniors for
health reasons (19 percent). Baby boomers (ages 45 – 64) are the age group
most recommended by physicians to massage therapy (33 percent).
“Survey results
this year indicate a significant shift in seniors’ understanding of massage
therapy,” said AMTA President Brenda L. Griffith. “This realization is
incredibly important, considering seniors often have the greatest health
needs. It’s even more encouraging that their physicians are affirming the
health benefits of massage and are recommending massage therapy to their
patients.”
AMTA’s survey
also revealed that overall consumer usage of massage therapy continues
to climb. The number of consumers seeking massage has risen steadily every
year since 1997, when AMTA began collecting consumer data. The data confirms
that consumers are using massage to help relieve stress and as an overall
complement to their health care. Of the 28 percent of adult Americans who
had a massage in the last five years, nearly one-fourth (23 percent) sought
massage for relaxation or stress reduction, while more than half (53 percent)
received their last massage for other health reasons. When asked what would
motivate them to get a massage, more than one third of all people surveyed
(35 percent) said it would be to reduce stress or for relaxation.
In addition
to stress relief, massage has been shown to aid in injury recovery, boost
immune function, speed recover from some illnesses and surgery, lower blood
pressure and ease symptoms of arthritis.
While massage
has many health benefits, there are some conditions when the use of massage
therapy is not appropriate.
Seniors who
suffer from any of the following conditions should discuss whether or not
massage is right for them with their massage therapist or physician:
- Inflammation
of the veins (phlebitis)
- Infectious
diseases
- Cancer
- Some skin
conditions
- Cardiac problems
- Diabetes
Because massage
therapy has become a popular form of health care among seniors, it is important
for them to know what to expect when visiting a massage therapist for the
first time:
- The massage
therapist will ask questions about what prompted you to get a massage.
- The massage
therapist will want background information about your physical condition,
medical history, lifestyle, stress levels and any painful areas.
- The massage
therapist will ask about your health goals and will discuss how massage
may help you achieve those goals.
Only 30 states
regulate the profession of massage therapy. AMTA wants to provide seniors
with tips to help them find a massage therapist who is trained and qualified.
Seniors should
ask the following questions before getting a massage, to verify the credentials
of their massage therapist:
- Are you licensed
to practice massage?
- Are you a
member of AMTA?
- Where did
you receive your massage therapy training?
- Are you Nationally
Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork?
Finding a qualified
massage therapist is easy. Simply log on to AMTA’s Web site at www.amtamassage.org
and click on Find a Massage Therapist, or call toll-free, 888-843-2682.
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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