Prevalence of visits to massage therapists by the general population: A systematic review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo systematically review 12-month prevalence of visits to massage therapists by representative samples of the general population across countries. MethodsSurveys reporting estimates of overall CAM use were included. Studies were identified via database searches. Study quality was assessed using a six-item tool. ResultsTwenty-two surveys across six countries were included. Estimates for 12-month prevalence of visits to massage therapists by adults ranged from 0.4% to 20% and the median was 5.5%. Estimates for children were 0.3%–3.8% (median 0.7%), while estimates for older adults were 1.5%–16.2% (median 5.2%). 16 surveys (73%) met at least four of six quality criteria. ConclusionsThis review summarises 12-month prevalence of visits to massage therapists in six countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore and South Korea). A small but significant percentage of these general populations visit massage therapists each year.