Massage Therapy

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Massage is in the top ten of most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies in the United States, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2007 survey). This study found 8.5% of adults and 1% of children had used massage in the last year. This data is based on the annual National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and represented over 23,000 adults and 9,500 children.

Because of its prevalence and potential benefit for musculoskeletal concerns among others, it is important for health care professionals to be able to counsel patients about massage and discuss appropriate use. To adequately inform patients, you will need to know the basic details included in this unit.

This unit has been designed as a required part of the University of Michigan Department of Family Medicine Residency program musculoskeletal curriculum (SMO1 rotation).

Disclaimer: Use of the UMHS web site does not replace medical consultation with a qualified health or medical professional to meet the health and medical needs of you or others.

While the content of the UMHS web site is frequently updated, medical information changes rapidly and, therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors.

The University of Michigan Health System Web site does not provide specific medical advice and does not endorse any medical or professional service obtained through information provided on this site or any links to this site.

Note: This module was originally developed by U-M Department of Family Medicine faculty member, Amy B. Locke, M.D., and Tracy King from the U-M Massage Therapy Program, in 2009. It is maintained by Dr. Locke. Last updated: May 2013.

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