New Research Shows Massage Therapy Can Reduce Pain and Improve Quality of Life for Veterans and Military Service Members

EVANSTON, Ill., Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As Americans come together to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans on Veterans Day, the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is highlighting new research showing that massage therapy can help those who served reduce chronic pain, improve physical function, and enhance overall well-being. Recent studies conducted in military and veteran populations found that massage therapy can provide lasting relief for common pain conditions and serve as an effective, nonpharmacological treatment option. As more former service members seek alternatives to opioids and other medications, a growing body of evidence continues to reinforce the role massage therapy can play in helping them live healthier, more active lives.

Massage Therapy Delivers Lasting Relief for Veterans with Chronic Neck Pain

In a 2026 randomized controlled study, massage therapy was found to be an effective treatment for veterans with chronic neck pain. Veterans who received regular massage sessions for 12 weeks had less pain, improved neck function, and an easier time performing daily activities compared with those who did not receive massage. Many participants also experienced improvements that lasted for months after treatment ended. Overall, the results suggest that massage therapy is a safe, effective, nonopioid option for reducing chronic neck pain and improving quality of life in veterans.¹

Massage Therapy Plays Growing Role in Military Pain Care

Another 2025 study highlights the widespread use of massage therapy across the Military Health System as part of pain management care. Researchers identified more than 179,000 service members and beneficiaries who received massage therapy over a two-year period, with most seeking treatment for musculoskeletal pain and related conditions. The findings underscore its growing role as a trusted, nonpharmacological approach to managing pain, supporting recovery, and reducing reliance on opioids and other medications. Strong demand for massage therapy across military healthcare settings further demonstrates its value as part of comprehensive pain care.²

Extensive Research Review Finds Massage Helps Service Members and Veterans Reduce Pain and Improve Function

A recent review of 53 military health studies also found that massage therapy helps reduce pain, improve physical function and enhance overall well-being among active service members and veterans. The benefits were particularly pronounced for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions and stress-related disorders. Alongside acupuncture and yoga, massage therapy was identified as an effective approach for managing chronic pain. The study noted that these therapies are increasingly being used across military healthcare settings to support health and recovery.³

AMTA Is Committed to Helping Increase Veteran Access to Massage Therapy

AMTA is dedicated to ensuring that veterans and active-duty service members have access to massage therapy as part of comprehensive healthcare. Through targeted advocacy at the federal level, AMTA works with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Service Agencies, and the Department of Defense to expand awareness, integration, and accessibility of massage therapy within military and veteran healthcare systems. AMTA has also been urging Congress to address a VA payment policy that could limit access to massage therapy, reinforcing the association's ongoing commitment to ensuring veterans can receive the care they need and deserve.

"The latest research continues to strengthen the evidence supporting massage therapy as a safe, effective, and nonpharmacological healthcare option for veterans," said James Specker, Senior Director of AMTA Government & Industry Relations and a United States Marine Corps veteran. "At AMTA, we're committed to ensuring that veterans are aware of and can access the massage therapy benefits available to them through the VA when clinically appropriate. As a veteran myself, I am deeply invested in helping those who served our nation experience greater health, healing and quality of life."

About the American Massage Therapy Association
The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is a nonprofit 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]

Citations:

1. Munk N, Daggy JK, Slaven JE, Foote T, Garner M, Evans E, Laws BV, Matthias MS, Bair MJ. Therapist delivered massage for Veterans with chronic neck pain: a randomized control trial. Pain Med. 2026 Feb 1;27(2):160-169. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaf118. PMID: 40875586.

2. Tracy L Rupp, Maxwell Amoako, Kevin Johnson, Winifred Rojas, Krista B Highland, Massage Therapy Utilization in the Military Health System, Military Medicine, Volume 190, Issue 1-2, January/February 2025, Pages e20–e26.

3. Crosier AK, Tracy E, Bell AG, Eliasen KM, Peterson TJ, Allard RJ, Rupp TL. A Scoping Review on the Efficacy/Effectiveness and Utilization of Complementary and Integrative Health for Pain in the Military Health System. J Integr Complement Med. 2025 Aug;31(8):705-725. doi: 10.1089/jicm.2024.1013. Epub 2025 Mar 5. PMID: 40040529.

SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association