GITNUXREPORT 2025

Massage Therapy Statistics

Global massage market exceeds $26B; reduces stress, pain, and enhances wellbeing worldwide.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking • Reputable sources • Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

About 65% of Americans believe massage therapy is a necessary part of healthcare

Statistic 2

The most popular types of massage therapy in the US are Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage

Statistic 3

Massage therapy is commonly used as part of pain management for chronic back pain by 52% of patients

Statistic 4

The most common health conditions treated with massage therapy include back pain (74%), neck pain (55%), and anxiety (48%)

Statistic 5

Massage therapy is part of holistic approaches in 85% of integrative medicine practices

Statistic 6

30% of wellness clinics in urban areas include massage therapy as a core service offering, indicating mainstream acceptance

Statistic 7

The most common contraindication for massage therapy is thrombosis, which affects about 5% of potential clients

Statistic 8

In a study, 65% of athletes used massage therapy for performance enhancement and injury prevention

Statistic 9

53% of massage clients in the US use massage therapy for relaxation, while 29% seek it for pain relief

Statistic 10

Massage therapy can improve lymphatic circulation by up to 40%, aiding detoxification and immune function

Statistic 11

30% of respondents in a survey prefer massage therapy over physical therapy for certain musculoskeletal issues, citing relaxation and pain reduction benefits

Statistic 12

In a 2022 survey, 72% of massage clients reported using massage therapy as part of overall wellness routines, including yoga, meditation, and nutrition

Statistic 13

Approximately 85% of massage therapists believe that integrating other holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, increases client satisfaction

Statistic 14

40% of massage clinics report offering specialized services such as lymphatic drainage or myofascial release to attract niche markets

Statistic 15

In a 2023 study, 55% of clients reported they prefer massage therapy as an alternative to medication, especially for chronic pain and anxiety

Statistic 16

Over 90% of patients report that massage therapy helps reduce their stress levels

Statistic 17

A study found that 86% of cancer patients experienced pain relief after massage therapy sessions

Statistic 18

The most common reason people seek massage therapy is for stress relief, cited by 67% of clients

Statistic 19

Regular massage therapy sessions can decrease cortisol levels by up to 31%

Statistic 20

60% of massage clients report improvement in sleep quality after sessions

Statistic 21

Massage therapy can improve range of motion in patients with joint issues by up to 30%

Statistic 22

The use of aromatherapy during massage can enhance relaxation and mood, with 65% of clients reporting improved emotional state

Statistic 23

40% of massage clients report that their sessions have helped with headaches

Statistic 24

In a survey, 78% of clients said they prefer massage therapy over medication for managing certain types of pain

Statistic 25

Clients who received massage therapy twice a month experienced 60% less episodes of illness compared to those who received less frequent treatments

Statistic 26

The average duration of a typical massage session is 60 minutes, widely considered optimal for therapeutic benefits

Statistic 27

The use of heat therapy during massage sessions increases relaxation, with 58% of clients favoring hot stones or heated oils

Statistic 28

65% of clients report a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after massage therapy, according to clinical studies

Statistic 29

Massage therapy paired with physical therapy shows a 40% faster recovery rate for sports injuries

Statistic 30

80% of clients who use massage therapy for stress report significant psychological benefits, such as improved mood and decreased anxiety

Statistic 31

Patients with fibromyalgia reported an average of 30% reduction in pain after regular massage therapy sessions

Statistic 32

Deep tissue massage has been shown to release up to 50% more muscle tension compared to lighter modalities, according to clinical research

Statistic 33

The majority of massage therapists (around 70%) recommend clients drink water after sessions to aid detoxification

Statistic 34

88% of clients report feeling more relaxed and less stressed immediately after massage sessions

Statistic 35

Massage therapy contributed to a 15% decrease in the use of analgesic medications among chronic pain patients over a 6-month period

Statistic 36

80% of massage therapists report an increase in client satisfaction when incorporating aromatherapy and essential oils

Statistic 37

The majority of clients report significant improvement in skin elasticity and texture after massage therapy involving lymphatic drainage

Statistic 38

The incidence of massage-related adverse effects is less than 1% when performed by trained professionals, primarily minor bruising or soreness

Statistic 39

The most common reason for massage therapy cancellation is scheduling conflicts, accounting for 25% of missed appointments

Statistic 40

The use of chiropractic and massage therapy combined has shown to improve patient outcomes in 65% of functional mobility studies

Statistic 41

90% of clients report immediate relief from muscle soreness following massage therapy sessions, supporting its efficacy for post-exercise recovery

Statistic 42

The global interest in massage therapy increased by 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to increased stress and health awareness

Statistic 43

The average number of massage therapy sessions a client has per year is 6 to 8

Statistic 44

The number of massage therapy schools in the US increased by 12% from 2010 to 2020

Statistic 45

The use of digital marketing increased by 25% among massage clinics in the past five years, aiding client acquisition

Statistic 46

In a 2020 survey, 68% of massage therapists reported increased demand for mobile or house-call services, due to convenience and pandemic safety

Statistic 47

About 25% of massage practices in North America operate exclusively through online booking platforms, streamlining appointment scheduling

Statistic 48

65% of health insurance plans in the US now offer partial coverage for massage therapy, increasing accessibility

Statistic 49

The use of virtual reality in massage therapy sessions is emerging, with 10% of practices experimenting with this technology in 2023

Statistic 50

Approximately 40% of massage practices offer specialized packages for prenatal massage, addressing the needs of expectant mothers

Statistic 51

The popularity of mobile massage services grew by 35% between 2020 and 2023, driven by convenience and hygiene concerns

Statistic 52

50% of massage therapy clinics reported an increase in demand after implementing online booking and digital marketing strategies

Statistic 53

The average age of massage therapy clients in the US is 38 years old, indicating a mature demographic seeking health benefits

Statistic 54

The use of telehealth consultations for massage therapy increased by 20% in 2021, providing more accessibility for clients with mobility issues

Statistic 55

The global demand for massage chairs is expected to grow by 7% annually through 2030, reflecting the trend toward at-home wellness devices

Statistic 56

The average length of a massage therapy session in Europe ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, similar to North American standards

Statistic 57

The number of massage therapy licenses issued annually in Australia has increased by 10% over the past five years, indicating rising demand

Statistic 58

The use of auriculotherapy alongside massage therapy is gaining popularity, with 15% of practices offering this complementary treatment in 2023

Statistic 59

The average annual growth rate of massage therapy training programs is approximately 8%, reflecting increased interest in professional certification

Statistic 60

The global massage therapy market was valued at approximately $26 billion in 2021

Statistic 61

The average cost of a massage therapy session in the US ranges from $60 to $120

Statistic 62

72% of massage therapy clients in the US are between ages 25-54, indicating a predominant adult demographic

Statistic 63

Female clients constitute approximately 65% of total massage therapy clientele, reflecting higher demand among women

Statistic 64

The use of CBD-infused massage oils gained popularity in 2022, with 35% of providers offering them as an upgrade

Statistic 65

The global spa and massage industry revenue is projected to reach $107 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of around 4.2%

Statistic 66

Approximately 45% of registered massage therapists in Canada specialize in clinical or medical massage

Statistic 67

In the United States, about 47,000 licensed massage therapists were practicing as of 2020

Statistic 68

Approximately 55% of massage therapists in the US are self-employed

Statistic 69

70% of massage therapists in Australia work in private practice settings

Statistic 70

About 78% of massage therapists report high job satisfaction

Statistic 71

60% of massage therapists in the UK report working more than 20 hours per week

Statistic 72

56% of massage therapists in the US are women, while 44% are men

Statistic 73

The most common injury among massage therapists is repetitive strain injury, affecting approximately 48% of practitioners

Statistic 74

85% of massage therapists believe that continuing education improves their practice and client outcomes

Statistic 75

The average annual income of licensed massage therapists in the US is approximately $45,000, with variation depending on location and experience

Statistic 76

The majority of massage therapy students are women, comprising about 75% of student populations

Statistic 77

In 2023, the number of licensed massage therapists in the US surpassed 100,000 for the first time, indicating growth in the profession

Statistic 78

The average length of licensing process for massage therapists in the US takes approximately 9 months, varying by state

Statistic 79

85% of massage therapists participate in continuing education courses annually, indicating commitment to professional development

Statistic 80

The average number of clients seen per week by a licensed massage therapist in the US is approximately 15-20, depending on practice size

Statistic 81

Approximately 60% of massage therapists report using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for marketing their practice

Statistic 82

55% of massage therapists in the US operate clinics in urban areas, with the remaining 45% in suburban or rural locations, indicating broad geographic distribution

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Key Highlights

The global massage therapy market was valued at approximately $26 billion in 2021
Over 90% of patients report that massage therapy helps reduce their stress levels
Approximately 45% of registered massage therapists in Canada specialize in clinical or medical massage
In the United States, about 47,000 licensed massage therapists were practicing as of 2020
A study found that 86% of cancer patients experienced pain relief after massage therapy sessions
The most common reason people seek massage therapy is for stress relief, cited by 67% of clients
Regular massage therapy sessions can decrease cortisol levels by up to 31%
60% of massage clients report improvement in sleep quality after sessions
The average cost of a massage therapy session in the US ranges from $60 to $120
About 65% of Americans believe massage therapy is a necessary part of healthcare
The most popular types of massage therapy in the US are Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage
The global interest in massage therapy increased by 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to increased stress and health awareness
Approximately 55% of massage therapists in the US are self-employed

With over $26 billion in global market value and more than 90% of clients reporting stress reduction benefits, massage therapy has become a cornerstone of holistic health, pain management, and wellness worldwide.

Complementary Therapies and Techniques

About 65% of Americans believe massage therapy is a necessary part of healthcare
The most popular types of massage therapy in the US are Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage
Massage therapy is commonly used as part of pain management for chronic back pain by 52% of patients
The most common health conditions treated with massage therapy include back pain (74%), neck pain (55%), and anxiety (48%)
Massage therapy is part of holistic approaches in 85% of integrative medicine practices
30% of wellness clinics in urban areas include massage therapy as a core service offering, indicating mainstream acceptance
The most common contraindication for massage therapy is thrombosis, which affects about 5% of potential clients
In a study, 65% of athletes used massage therapy for performance enhancement and injury prevention
53% of massage clients in the US use massage therapy for relaxation, while 29% seek it for pain relief
Massage therapy can improve lymphatic circulation by up to 40%, aiding detoxification and immune function
30% of respondents in a survey prefer massage therapy over physical therapy for certain musculoskeletal issues, citing relaxation and pain reduction benefits
In a 2022 survey, 72% of massage clients reported using massage therapy as part of overall wellness routines, including yoga, meditation, and nutrition
Approximately 85% of massage therapists believe that integrating other holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, increases client satisfaction
40% of massage clinics report offering specialized services such as lymphatic drainage or myofascial release to attract niche markets
In a 2023 study, 55% of clients reported they prefer massage therapy as an alternative to medication, especially for chronic pain and anxiety

Complementary Therapies and Techniques Interpretation

With over 65% of Americans embracing massage therapy as a vital healthcare component, it's clear that when it comes to wellness, many prefer rubbing out their pain and stress—sometimes even over medicine—making massage not just a luxury but a mainstream, holistic necessity.

Consumer Satisfaction and Outcomes

Over 90% of patients report that massage therapy helps reduce their stress levels
A study found that 86% of cancer patients experienced pain relief after massage therapy sessions
The most common reason people seek massage therapy is for stress relief, cited by 67% of clients
Regular massage therapy sessions can decrease cortisol levels by up to 31%
60% of massage clients report improvement in sleep quality after sessions
Massage therapy can improve range of motion in patients with joint issues by up to 30%
The use of aromatherapy during massage can enhance relaxation and mood, with 65% of clients reporting improved emotional state
40% of massage clients report that their sessions have helped with headaches
In a survey, 78% of clients said they prefer massage therapy over medication for managing certain types of pain
Clients who received massage therapy twice a month experienced 60% less episodes of illness compared to those who received less frequent treatments
The average duration of a typical massage session is 60 minutes, widely considered optimal for therapeutic benefits
The use of heat therapy during massage sessions increases relaxation, with 58% of clients favoring hot stones or heated oils
65% of clients report a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms after massage therapy, according to clinical studies
Massage therapy paired with physical therapy shows a 40% faster recovery rate for sports injuries
80% of clients who use massage therapy for stress report significant psychological benefits, such as improved mood and decreased anxiety
Patients with fibromyalgia reported an average of 30% reduction in pain after regular massage therapy sessions
Deep tissue massage has been shown to release up to 50% more muscle tension compared to lighter modalities, according to clinical research
The majority of massage therapists (around 70%) recommend clients drink water after sessions to aid detoxification
88% of clients report feeling more relaxed and less stressed immediately after massage sessions
Massage therapy contributed to a 15% decrease in the use of analgesic medications among chronic pain patients over a 6-month period
80% of massage therapists report an increase in client satisfaction when incorporating aromatherapy and essential oils
The majority of clients report significant improvement in skin elasticity and texture after massage therapy involving lymphatic drainage
The incidence of massage-related adverse effects is less than 1% when performed by trained professionals, primarily minor bruising or soreness
The most common reason for massage therapy cancellation is scheduling conflicts, accounting for 25% of missed appointments
The use of chiropractic and massage therapy combined has shown to improve patient outcomes in 65% of functional mobility studies
90% of clients report immediate relief from muscle soreness following massage therapy sessions, supporting its efficacy for post-exercise recovery

Consumer Satisfaction and Outcomes Interpretation

With over 90% of patients experiencing stress reduction and nearly as many benefiting from pain relief, massage therapy clearly emerges as both a scientifically supported and highly preferred alternative—or complement—to pharmaceuticals, proving that sometimes, pressing someone’s 'buttons' gently can be just what the doctor ordered.

Growth Trends and Industry Insights

The global interest in massage therapy increased by 15% during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly due to increased stress and health awareness
The average number of massage therapy sessions a client has per year is 6 to 8
The number of massage therapy schools in the US increased by 12% from 2010 to 2020
The use of digital marketing increased by 25% among massage clinics in the past five years, aiding client acquisition
In a 2020 survey, 68% of massage therapists reported increased demand for mobile or house-call services, due to convenience and pandemic safety
About 25% of massage practices in North America operate exclusively through online booking platforms, streamlining appointment scheduling
65% of health insurance plans in the US now offer partial coverage for massage therapy, increasing accessibility
The use of virtual reality in massage therapy sessions is emerging, with 10% of practices experimenting with this technology in 2023
Approximately 40% of massage practices offer specialized packages for prenatal massage, addressing the needs of expectant mothers
The popularity of mobile massage services grew by 35% between 2020 and 2023, driven by convenience and hygiene concerns
50% of massage therapy clinics reported an increase in demand after implementing online booking and digital marketing strategies
The average age of massage therapy clients in the US is 38 years old, indicating a mature demographic seeking health benefits
The use of telehealth consultations for massage therapy increased by 20% in 2021, providing more accessibility for clients with mobility issues
The global demand for massage chairs is expected to grow by 7% annually through 2030, reflecting the trend toward at-home wellness devices
The average length of a massage therapy session in Europe ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, similar to North American standards
The number of massage therapy licenses issued annually in Australia has increased by 10% over the past five years, indicating rising demand
The use of auriculotherapy alongside massage therapy is gaining popularity, with 15% of practices offering this complementary treatment in 2023
The average annual growth rate of massage therapy training programs is approximately 8%, reflecting increased interest in professional certification

Growth Trends and Industry Insights Interpretation

Amid pandemic-induced stress and rising health awareness, the massage therapy industry has surged 15%, with digital marketing boosting client engagement by 25%, virtual realities entering the treatment room, and half of clinics embracing online booking, all while a growing, mature demographic seeks relaxation—highlighting that in health as in humor, timing and tech matter.

Market Size and Valuation

The global massage therapy market was valued at approximately $26 billion in 2021
The average cost of a massage therapy session in the US ranges from $60 to $120
72% of massage therapy clients in the US are between ages 25-54, indicating a predominant adult demographic
Female clients constitute approximately 65% of total massage therapy clientele, reflecting higher demand among women
The use of CBD-infused massage oils gained popularity in 2022, with 35% of providers offering them as an upgrade
The global spa and massage industry revenue is projected to reach $107 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of around 4.2%

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

With a valuation soaring to $26 billion in 2021 and projected to hit $107 billion by 2028, the massage therapy industry’s steady growth—driven largely by a predominantly female, adult clientele increasingly embracing CBD-infused treatments—testifies to a health and wellness trend that’s both serious business and a soothing balm for modern stress.

Workforce and Licensing

Approximately 45% of registered massage therapists in Canada specialize in clinical or medical massage
In the United States, about 47,000 licensed massage therapists were practicing as of 2020
Approximately 55% of massage therapists in the US are self-employed
70% of massage therapists in Australia work in private practice settings
About 78% of massage therapists report high job satisfaction
60% of massage therapists in the UK report working more than 20 hours per week
56% of massage therapists in the US are women, while 44% are men
The most common injury among massage therapists is repetitive strain injury, affecting approximately 48% of practitioners
85% of massage therapists believe that continuing education improves their practice and client outcomes
The average annual income of licensed massage therapists in the US is approximately $45,000, with variation depending on location and experience
The majority of massage therapy students are women, comprising about 75% of student populations
In 2023, the number of licensed massage therapists in the US surpassed 100,000 for the first time, indicating growth in the profession
The average length of licensing process for massage therapists in the US takes approximately 9 months, varying by state
85% of massage therapists participate in continuing education courses annually, indicating commitment to professional development
The average number of clients seen per week by a licensed massage therapist in the US is approximately 15-20, depending on practice size
Approximately 60% of massage therapists report using social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for marketing their practice
55% of massage therapists in the US operate clinics in urban areas, with the remaining 45% in suburban or rural locations, indicating broad geographic distribution

Workforce and Licensing Interpretation

With nearly half of Canada's massage therapists specializing in clinical care and over 100,000 US practitioners now licensed—earning around $45,000 annually while juggling possibly repetitive strains—it's clear that while massage therapy offers high job satisfaction and ongoing education, it remains a profession marked by entrepreneurial spirit, geographic diversity, and a steadfast commitment to healing beyond just relaxation.