REFERRALS CONTINUE TO POWER THE MASSAGE PROFESSION

 

More massage therapists received referrals from health care professionals in 2012 than 2011, according to a report by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) released at its annual AMTA Massage Schools Summit held in Chicago, Illinois, Feb. 7-8. The report only surveyed massage therapists who are AMTA members.

The report was based on four surveys conducted for AMTA in recent months, along with data from government agencies.

According to the report:

• 51 percent of referrals came from hospitals and medical offices in 2012, compared with 46 percent in 2011

• 67 percent of referrals came from chiropractors and integrated health clinics, compared with 63 percent in 2011.

“The growing number of referrals from health care professionals indicates increased integration of massage therapy in health care environments,” the report noted.