It’s official: massage therapy is no longer living on the fringes of the wellness world. A groundbreaking new study out of Baylor University confirms what many of us have known for years—massage therapy is not just for luxury spas or special occasions. It's a key part of a modern wellness lifestyle and is being embraced by millions of Americans as a legitimate form of health care.
In fact, the Baylor study, led by Jeff Levin, Ph.D., M.P.H., University Professor of Epidemiology and Population Health, is the largest study ever conducted on massage therapy. Published in Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, this research used data collected through the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a respected, long-running survey from the CDC that has tracked the health habits of Americans since 1957.
So what did they find?
- Nearly 30 million adults—about 11.2% of the U.S. population—visited a massage therapist in 2023. Comparatively, the number of adults visiting mental health counselors is around 13% of the U.S. population.
- 8.5% of the U.S. adult population used massage therapy to support their overall health.
- 6.0% of the U.S. adult population sought massage therapy specifically for pain relief.
That’s one in nine adults—showing just how deeply massage therapy has woven itself into the fabric of modern healthcare and wellness routines.
Massage Therapy: A Partner in Modern Health Care
While massage therapy is often associated with relaxation (and rightly so), today’s licensed massage therapists are doing much more than just helping clients unwind. Many LMTs work in collaboration with doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and even mental health professionals as part of integrative treatment plans. Whether it's aiding in injury recovery, relieving chronic pain, managing stress, or helping clients feel more connected to their bodies, massage therapists play an increasingly important role in multidisciplinary care.
These professionals are licensed and regulated by state boards of health, bringing with them a wealth of knowledge in anatomy, physiology, and clinical techniques. They are trained to understand both physical and emotional patterns in the body and often act as a bridge between wellness and medical care.
No Longer “Alternative”
One of the most powerful takeaways from the Baylor study is that massage therapy may no longer be accurately described as “alternative” medicine. That label once implied something on the outside edges of healthcare—something unproven, unconventional, or marginal. But today, massage therapy is better understood as a mainstream therapeutic modality, used by everyday people from all walks of life.
Interestingly, the study found that people who get regular massage therapy tend to be those who are already proactive about their well-being. These individuals often practice yoga or meditation, visit chiropractors or acupuncturists, and generally consider themselves to be in excellent health. For them, massage isn’t just a remedy—it’s part of a wellness-seeking lifestyle, a choice rooted in self-care, mind-body connection, and even spiritual growth.
A Growing Acceptance
As more evidence like this emerges, the perception of massage therapy continues to evolve. With growing research and more licensed professionals integrating into health networks, massage therapy is finding its rightful place in mainstream healthcare. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing anxiety, or simply working toward better physical and emotional balance, massage therapy has earned its place as a trusted partner in your journey to wellness.
The bottom line? Massage therapy is no longer just a luxury—it’s health care. And with nearly 30 million Americans embracing it, you can feel confident knowing that when you book a session with a licensed massage therapist, you’re choosing a proven path to better health and well-being.
Source:
Prevalence and determinants of massage therapy use in the U.S.: Findings from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38834451/
by Jeff Levin & Matt Bradshaw
