Massage as an Alternative to Opioids

Explore the latest science on massage therapy as a nonpharmacological approach for pain relief. 

As the United States struggles with an epidemic of opioid use and its devastating effects on lives, society and the economy, AMTA believes it’s important to consider the role massage therapy can play in relieving pain. 

A recent economic modeling analysis indicates that as many as 5 million people in the United States could potentially benefit from massage therapy for pain relief, while reducing the number of people with addiction disorder by over 100,000 per year. 

Prescription opioids carry serious risk of addiction, abuse, and overdose, in addition to a number of side effects, even when taken as directed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), deaths from prescription opioids—drugs like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and methadone—have more than quadrupled since 1999. For that reason, a number of health organizations and governmental agencies are looking at new ways to manage pain. 

We are dedicated to this issue, investing membership dollars back into the profession for research, advocacy and promotion of massage for pain management.