Expanding Access to Massage Therapy Could Save the U.S. Healthcare System $11.1 Billion Annually

New AMTA report finds broader insurance coverage for massage therapy could lower healthcare costs and increase pain management options for millions of Americans nationwide, including those on Medicare and Medicaid.

EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Expanding access to massage therapy could potentially save the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $11.1 billion annually, according to new economic research released by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). The findings are featured in AMTA's 2026 Massage Therapy in Integrative Care and Pain Management report, which examines the growing role of massage therapy in healthcare and the potential impact of making it more broadly available through public and private insurance programs. The report comes as millions of Americans seek effective ways to manage pain and healthcare leaders look for approaches that can improve care while controlling costs. Massage therapy is increasingly being incorporated into hospitals, rehabilitation centers, medical practices and other healthcare settings as part of a comprehensive approach to pain management and patient care.

$11.1 Billion in Potential Healthcare Savings

Economic modeling conducted by John Dunham & Associates for AMTA examined what could happen if massage therapy were more broadly covered through public and private insurance programs. The analysis estimates expanded access could result in:

• $11.1 billion in annual net healthcare savings nationwide
• $4 billion in savings for Medicare and Medicaid
• $7.1 billion in savings for private insurers and individuals paying out of pocket
• $5.6 billion in additional worker earnings
• $1.9 billion in additional federal tax revenue
• $2.1 billion in additional state and local tax revenue

The analysis also estimates that broader coverage could bring as many as 96,000 additional massage therapists into the healthcare marketplace over time, increasing patients' access to qualified professionals.

"This research points to an extraordinary opportunity to improve access to care while potentially saving billions of dollars across our healthcare system," said Rick Greely, National President of the American Massage Therapy Association. "For millions of Americans living with pain, massage therapy can be an important part of a comprehensive care plan. Expanding coverage would give more people the opportunity to benefit from massage therapy while helping build a healthcare system that offers patients more choices for managing their health and well-being."

Expanding Options for Pain Management

For Americans living with chronic pain, recovering from injuries or surgery, or managing long-term health conditions, treatment often involves multiple providers, therapies and medications. The report explores how massage therapy can be incorporated into an integrative approach to care, working alongside physicians, rehabilitation specialists, medications and other treatments based on an individual patient's needs.

The report also examines research demonstrating massage therapy's impact across a range of health concerns, along with case studies showing how massage therapy has been incorporated into healthcare settings. Rather than replacing conventional medical treatment, massage therapy can serve as one component of a coordinated care plan—providing patients and healthcare providers with another option to consider for pain management, recovery and overall well-being.

Removing Barriers to Care

While massage therapy has become increasingly integrated into healthcare settings, insurance coverage remains inconsistent. For many patients, that means paying for massage therapy entirely out of pocket or going without it. AMTA's new analysis examines the potential impact of reducing that financial barrier and how broader insurance coverage could give more patients access to massage therapy as part of comprehensive, evidence-informed approaches to pain management.

The report is designed to serve as an educational resource for consumers, healthcare professionals, insurers and policymakers as they consider the role massage therapy can play in the future of healthcare. The findings suggest that expanding access could have an impact well beyond the massage therapy profession—potentially lowering healthcare costs, creating jobs and, most importantly, giving more Americans access to another option for managing pain and supporting their health.

About the American Massage Therapy Association
The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is a non-profit and the largest professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service™.

Press contact: [email protected]

SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association