In advertisements for massage, you see the proverbial woman lying face down with her head turned and
hair in a towel. Why don’t you see men in those photos? The truth is that until recently, women were
the predominate visitors to spas, where you typically see massage offered. According to the American
Massage Therapy Association’s 2023 Massage Profession Research Report, the number of females who
received massage in 2022 was 28% vs. males who received a massage was 26%. Although the gap is
closing in, men are still more likely to discuss massage with their doctors or health care providers than
women and 65% of men received massage for health or wellness reasons, 28% for pain relief, vs. 55% of
women for health reasons and 21% for pain relief.
The options for receiving massage in alternate settings other than spas have opened the doors for men
to do not feel uncomfortable receiving massage in spas to receive massage in more clinical settings. This
is especially important for Veterans. According to the VA, who most recently included massage therapy
& acupuncture into their health programs for Vets, reported that those “participants who received
massage found it to be well-received and resulted in decreased pain, increased mobility, and
decreased opioid use.” “Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain,
physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage”.
If the US Government finds value in offering massage therapy to our Veterans and US Military men
and women, then you know that there is value in receiving massage therapy. They are only
touching the surface of research and studies that justify the results of what massage therapists have
seen and known for a very long time – the future of your health depends on how you deal with
stress and pain. Male or female, the truth is that massage can benefit everyone. Many health
savings plans and possibly insurance may cover your massages. Vets can receive up to 12
treatments in a year.
Check with your VA Specialist about receiving your benefit if you are in the military or are a veteran
or check out our link on our website for Insurance Verification to see what
is covered and for more information on our Veteran’s Program. Make it a priority to include
massage therapy in your budget and health regimen.
Sandy Saldano, LMT/Owner
Therapeutic Kneads, Ltd.