Massage and Pain Relief
Massage therapy can be effective in the management of acute and chronic pain.
AMTA is Leading the Conversation on Massage Therapy and Pain Relief
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, affecting more people than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. For pain relief, many people have turned to prescription opioids, which carry a serious risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose, in addition to several side effects. For this reason, health organizations and governmental agencies are looking at integrative health care approaches that can relieve pain but won't create new challenges. Massage therapy is a safe and effective option.
As your nonprofit professional association serving massage therapists, AMTA is proud to be leading the conversation on massage therapy as an alternative to opioids for pain relief. We're dedicated to this issue, investing membership dollars back into the profession for research, advocacy and promotion of massage for pain management. Learn more about our advocacy efforts, current research and AMTA’s NCBTMB-approved online CE courses on massage therapy as part of the solution for pain.
Massage Therapy as Part of Holistic Approach to Care
Healthcare professionals recommend massage
Massage therapy's role in integrative health care has become widely accepted in major hospitals and medical practices. There is significant evidence supporting the inclusion of massage therapy for many important patient health conditions, including those for chronic pain management, behavioral health treatment, rehabilitation and physical training, and acute medical conditions.
Massage Therapy in Integrative Care
AMTA’s report, Massage Therapy in Integrative Care & Pain Management demonstrates massage therapy's impact on a range of health issues and features case studies of how it is applied in health care settings.
Massage Therapy in Integrative Care
AMTA’s report, Massage Therapy in Integrative Care & Pain Management demonstrates massage therapy's impact on a range of health issues and features case studies of how it is applied in health care settings.
Research That Makes an Impact
As an AMTA member, you have access to research and references. Your member dues help make this research possible, and it is given right back to you. Empower your massage therapy practice with evidence and information to explain the health benefits of massage to your clients.
Massage Therapy for Pain Management
Pain is the most compelling reason for an individual to seek medical attention and accounts for approximately 80 percent of physician visits. In many cases, pain may be better addressed through an integrative approach. Research supports massage therapy for pain relief, anxiety and improving health-related quality of life.
Learn More: Promising Approaches to Pain Relief
Massage as an Alternative to Opioids
As the United States struggles with an epidemic of opioid use and its devastating effects on lives, society and the economy, AMTA believes it's important to consider the role massage therapy can play in relieving pain.
A recent economic modeling analysis indicates that as many as 5 million people in the United States could potentially benefit from massage therapy for pain relief, while reducing the number of people with addiction disorder by over 100,000 per year.
Massage Therapy CE Courses for Pain Relief
Helping Clients Manage Migraines
$37 members / $62 non-members 3 CE credits
Learn how massage therapy can help clients who suffer from migraine headaches and special considerations to keep in mind. Get detailed information on migraine types, phases, triggers, symptoms and common approaches to best help your clients.
Lower Back Pain and the Role of Massage Therapy
$37 members / $62 non-members 2.5 CE credits
Explore the populations impacted by lower back pain, as well as, specific types, causes and structures involved. Get descriptions of conventional and surgical treatments, and learn how massage therapy can make a difference.
Massage Therapy for Postoperative Pain
$37 members / $62 non-members 2.5 CE credits
Gain an understanding of postoperative pain, traditional protocols for helping relieve it, and how massage therapy can be used to help patients better manage this type of pain. Learn about specific surgeries, common types of postoperative pain, and when massage therapy is contraindicated.
Make an Impact
As an AMTA member, you are making an impact. Connect with health care providers in your area and share the benefits of massage and how it can help their patients.
Share with Your Community
AMTA members can download the Massage Therapy and Pain Management one-page PDF to share with health care providers and potential clients. There is a space at the bottom of the document for you to add your practice and contact information. Make sure health care providers and potential clients can connect with you later to continue the conversation.
Login to download
Make an Impact
As an AMTA member, you are making an impact. Connect with health care providers in your area and share the benefits of massage and how it can help their patients.
Share with Your Community
AMTA members can download the Massage Therapy and Pain Management one-page PDF to share with health care providers and potential clients. There is a space at the bottom of the document for you to add your practice and contact information. Make sure health care providers and potential clients can connect with you later to continue the conversation.
Login to downloadAdditional Resources
25 Reasons to Get a Massage
Discover the benefits of getting a massage.
Massage Therapy for Military Veterans
Learn how massage can make a difference for veterans coping with PTSD, chronic pain and more.
In Safe Hands: Massage & PTSD
These events might be combat related, for example, or involve violence, abuse or trauma.