If you’re considering a career in massage therapy, you’re naturally interested in massage schools and you’re considering massage therapy employment after you graduate, you’re in the right place. Here is where you’ll find all the industry facts that reveal you’re not alone in your passion and commitment. People of every age and profession are turning to massage therapy for the health and wellness benefits of massage.

Some facts:

• According to the American Massage Therapy Association, between July 2008 and July 2009, roughly 48 million adult Americans (22 percent) had a massage at least once.
• Nearly 50 percent of consumers said they have considered a massage to manage stress in the last year.
• Second only to medication, massage was cited in a survey as providing the most relief.
• Consumers now spend between $4-6 billion annually on visits to massage therapists.
• Doctors and consumers are increasingly turning to massage as an adjunct to regular health practices.

Massage therapy qualifications
Forty-three states, plus the District of Columbia, regulate massage therapy. Therapists who wish to practice in their state must meet legal requirements. This may include passing an exam or logging a minimum amount of training hours. For states that don’t regulate, oversight may fall to local municipalities.

For more information about massage therapy qualifications, call 1.800.509.5058.

Fact Sheet (PDF)