The frequency of therapeutic massage is increasing as well, with the mean number of massages reported for the past 12 months as 6, compared to 4 for the previous 4 years combined.
Massage therapy is equally popular among men and women, in all regions of the country.
Three percent said neither and 7 percent didn't know. A total of 87 percent said it is important for a massage therapist to be a member of a professional association that has a code of ethics and requires its members to follow professional standards. 81 percent said the therapist should have graduated from an accredited massage therapy school. Opinion Research Corporation conducted the survey by telephone June 12-15, 1997. AMTA professional members have demonstrated a certain level of skill and knowledge through education and testing.