On its site, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reports that more people are turning to massage therapy for medical purposes rather than for relaxation. Its most recent survey reports 24% of adult Americans received one massage during 2007 (43% adult women and 25% adult men had a massage during the last five years). But the baby boomers are more committed to massage than the young with an average seven session in the last year. This reflects a general trend. More people now use massage as a component in their wellness programs or pain management strategies. This does not deny the importance of tramadol or other painkillers. They are complementary. Almost one-third of those surveyed used massage for pain relief, injury rehabilitation or the control of migraines, and just over 85% agreed that massage improves health and promotes wellness. This represents a groundswell in favor of physical therapy with 20% reporting that their doctors and healthcare providers had strongly encouraged massage. This is echoed in figures from the registered AMTA members. Almost three-fifths reported an increase in referrals from healthcare professionals. The use of massage therapy in hospitals is also rising with a one-third increase in the number of hospitals nationally offering therapy for pain and stress management. Curiously, 70% also make the service open to their own staff. More than half those surveyed wanted their medical insurers to include massage therapy. If it was better integrated into healthcare, the AMTA believes there would be a significant improvement in quality of treatment for chronic pain and stress. Massage with a judicious use of tramadol is good for you.

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