How Common Is Massage Therapy Today? Who’s Getting It, and Why More People Are Trying It Than Ever2/23/2026  Massage therapy isn’t just a “treat-yourself” splurge anymore. Across the U.S., more people are trying massage for everyday stress, chronic tension, soreness, and overall wellness—and many are building it into their regular self-care or pain-management routine. At The Wellness Hub, we see the same trend locally: clients aren’t only booking for special occasions. They’re using massage as a practical tool to feel better in their bodies, sleep more deeply, manage stress, and stay active. Below is a snapshot of how many people are getting massages, who’s most likely to seek it out, and why so many people are making it part of their health routine. How many people are actually getting massage therapy? National health survey data show that about 10.9% of U.S. adults used massage therapy in 2022—more than double the percentage in 2002. A large analysis of the 2022 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that 11.1% of U.S. adults visited a massage therapist in the past year. The same dataset found 6.0% used massage specifically for pain and 8.5% used it to help “restore overall health.” That’s not a niche number. In practical terms, it represents tens of millions of adults using massage in a given year. Who’s most likely to get a massage? Demographics by age and gender Gender Massage therapy is used by all genders, but national data consistently shows higher usage among women:
Industry survey summaries often show a similar pattern—commonly described as roughly “1 in 4 women vs 1 in 5 men” in the past year. What this means for Jacksonville clients: if you’re a man who’s been “massage-curious” but unsure if it’s for you, you’re far from alone—and interest from men is growing, especially for athletic recovery, desk-related tension, and stress management. Age Age matters, too. In the NHIS analysis:
That doesn’t mean older adults don’t benefit—many do—but it does suggest barriers like access, cost, mobility, or uncertainty about what type of massage is appropriate. (A good clinic can help tailor pressure and positioning so massage is comfortable and supportive at any age.) Why are people seeking massage therapy now? One of the biggest shifts is why people book. Massage is increasingly seen as health-supportive—not just pampering. According to AMTA’s consumer research (12 months ending June 2025):
In other words, people aren’t only booking when they’re desperate or when something “goes wrong.” They’re booking because it helps them function better. The most common goals: stress relief, pain relief, and feeling “normal” again 1) Stress reduction and nervous system “downshifting” Modern life is loud—mentally, digitally, and emotionally. Many clients come in carrying stress in their shoulders, jaw, and low back, or noticing shallow breathing and restless sleep. AMTA’s industry fact sheet reports that common mental-health related reasons include relaxation and stress reduction as a leading motivation. 2) Soreness, stiffness, and chronic pain management A huge percentage of people seek massage for musculoskeletal discomfort—everything from desk posture tension to workout soreness. AMTA reports top health-related reasons include soreness/stiffness/spasm and chronic pain relief/management. On the research side, the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) notes massage is commonly used to manage health conditions or enhance wellness, and summarizes research on pain conditions like low-back pain and neck/shoulder pain (often showing short-term benefit, with stronger results when sessions are appropriately frequent and long enough). 3) Taking a “less meds, more tools” approach A lot of people are trying to build a toolkit that includes movement, sleep, hydration, stress regulation, and hands-on care. Massage fits naturally into that wellness approach because it’s tangible: you feel the change in real time. 4) Performance and recovery (even for non-athletes) You don’t have to be a marathon runner to want your body to recover better. Weekend pickleball, gardening, lifting kids, standing all day at work—these are all athletic demands. Massage is increasingly used to support:
Why “regular massage” tends to work better than “once in a while. ”Many people try massage once and love it—but the real magic often happens when it becomes consistent. Regular massage can:
Think of it like dental cleanings: a one-time visit helps, but consistency is what changes the trajectory. If you’re trying massage for the first time: what to expect If you’re new, you don’t need to know every massage style. A good therapist will help you choose based on your goals—stress relief, neck/shoulder tension, low-back tightness, recovery, or a combination. A simple first-step goal:
From there, many people find a rhythm like:
Helpful resources (evidence + consumer trends) If you like to read the research and national stats, here are trustworthy sources:
Ready to try massage therapy in Jacksonville? Whether you’re looking for stress relief, help with chronic tightness, or a routine that supports your overall wellness, The Wellness Hub is here to help you feel better and move easier—without guesswork. ---- We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond. Call Us (904) 512-7551
0 Comments
 Baymeadows, located about 10 miles south of Downtown Jacksonville, is a varied urban/suburban area with a residential section, commercial buildings, retail stores and much more. If you live or work here, then you must know that it's pretty close to The Avenues Mall and St. John's Town Center, both of which offer a lot in terms of shopping and dining. Plus, there are also many parks and outdoor amenities in this area. Baymeadows is also a part of Southside, a region in southeastern Jacksonville, Florida where you'll find residential and commercial neighborhoods. Plus, Southside has access to medical centers, the two largest probably being Ascension St. Vincent's Southside, and the Baptist Medical Center South. If you live, work or study in Baymeadows or the larger Southside area, then any search for "massage near me" will show you The Wellness Hub, where you can fulfill all your wellness needs. From massage therapy and acupuncture to facials and chiropractic care, The Wellness Hub can be your one-stop shop for anything wellness-related. Who Needs Massage Therapy in Baymeadows/Southside? Massage therapy in Jacksonville can be useful to people in many fields, from those who work at their desks and athletes to commuters and people with chronic pain. Plus, massage therapy is also generally useful for people who want to decrease stress and increase their wellness quotient. Here are some of the people in Baymeadows/Southside who may be in need of massage therapy: 1. Office Workers If you work in an office or a bank (such as JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank) in Baymeadows/Southside, you might be hunching over your computer all day long, in a sitting position. This can lead into stiffness in the back, neck and shoulders which can be alleviated with massage therapy. 2. Athletes and Fitness Enthusiasts The Southside has a number of gyms, yoga studios, running groups and outdoor trails which are great for people who like to work out and stay fit. However, there may be times when you work out so much that your body gets stiff and achy, in which case a massage is the perfect solution. Plus, massage therapy can also help athletes to avoid injuries in the future by keeping the body limber and flexible. 3. People Working Physical Jobs If you're working as a construction worker, a food service worker or a healthcare support worker, you might end up having to carry heavy things which can be bad for your back, especially if you don't do it with correct form. Plus, you may also suffer from repetitive strain injuries from performing the same motion over and over. In all these cases, it helps to do a search for "massage near me" and book a massage at The Wellness Hub. Not only does a massage relieve pain, but it can also help in healing injuries you got on the job. 4. Professionals and Commuters There are a number of salespeople and business owners in Baymeadows, in addition to office workers. People in these occupations might have many aches and pains due to too much standing or sitting. Plus, commuters are also cramped into their car seats for significant periods of time, which can lead to stiffness. For stress busting and pain relief for professionals and commuters, there's nothing like a relaxing massage with hot stones and aromatherapy. 5. Chronic Pain and Health Conditions Some people end up having chronic pain in their necks and shoulders, simply due to their desk jobs, whereas others might be suffering from conditions like migraines, arthritis or fibromyalgia. These conditions can be greatly helped by massage therapy in Jacksonville, Florida. Keep in mind that it's best to consult your doctor first to get their go-ahead on what might and might not work for your body. 6. Prenatal Massage If you're pregnant and living/working in Baymeadows or Southside, then you are likely to benefit greatly from a prenatal massage. A classic prenatal massage will help with general relaxation and wellness during pregnancy while an advanced one can help with sciatica, headaches and round ligament pain—all issues that might arise during pregnancy. The fact is that we all live such busy lives, and we all have some degree of stress. So anyone living in Baymeadows/Southside is likely to benefit from a massage, no matter what their occupation might be. Types of Massage at The Wellness Hub If you're wondering what type of massage will be suitable for your particular needs, keep in mind that there are several types of massage offered at The Wellness Hub. Classic Massage If you're suffering from usual the stress of our modern world, then a classic massage can be relaxing and restorative. Although this massage is not aimed at healing any particular medical conditions, it does have a preventative effect because it counteracts the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle and prevents aches and pains from developing into full-blown injuries. Plus, it's extremely enjoyable, with optional aromatherapy, hot stones and hot towels. Advanced Massage The advanced massage can include cupping, trigger point therapy, cupping, assisted stretching and more. Depending on what your needs are, you can have the massage therapist work one of these techniques into your massage.
Specialty Massage If you have certain areas that you want to address, such as nervous system regulation and lymphatic drainage, you can opt for a specialty massage.
Membership Program at The Wellness Hub If you're ready to commit yourself to your wellness goals in the Baymeadows/Southside area, then you might benefit greatly from the membership program at The Wellness Hub. By opting for membership, you'll get special member pricing on massages, facials, nutritional supplements and full body red light therapy. One full-body red light therapy session is already included in the membership packet, and you'll also get $10 off on acupuncture sessions. By opting for membership, you can treat yourself to relaxation and pain relief, in addition to putting aside an hour or more just for yourself whenever you're in need of some me-time! ---- We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond. Call Us (904) 512-7551
 Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. At its core, glaucoma involves damage to the optic nerve, often driven by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Standard care focuses on lowering IOP with medications, laser, or surgery to protect vision long-term. But could acupuncture play a supportive role alongside these treatments? While acupuncture is not a replacement for conventional glaucoma therapy, emerging research suggests it may have potential as an adjunctive therapy—especially in influencing ocular blood flow and, in some studies, transient reductions in IOP. Below, we’ll explore what the science says, how acupuncture might fit into a glaucoma care plan, and what patients should know before considering this approach. Understanding Glaucoma and Intraocular Pressure Glaucoma refers to a group of optic neuropathies characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerve damage. Elevated IOP remains the most significant modifiable risk factor in glaucoma management. Lowering IOP has been clinically proven to slow disease progression and preserve vision. That’s why any complementary approach aiming to influence IOP or ocular perfusion draws interest from patients and practitioners alike. What Research Says About Acupuncture and Glaucoma 1. Acupuncture and IOP Reduction One of the most frequently cited clinical studies examined the effect of acupuncture on intraocular pressure. In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, researchers found that glaucoma patients experienced significant decreases in IOP at 60 minutes after acupuncture or electroacupuncture compared with sham treatment. The study also reported that after multiple sessions, patients in the acupuncture groups showed larger reductions in IOP than those receiving sham acupuncture. This trial applied acupuncture at points near the eyes (e.g., BL1 and extra point Qiu Hou), and while the observed effects were short-term, they suggest acupuncture may have measurable physiological effects on IOP in controlled settings. 2. Acupuncture as Adjunctive Therapy Under Investigation An ongoing randomized controlled trial protocol is actively studying acupuncture’s effectiveness as a supportive therapy in glaucoma care. This research aims to evaluate changes in IOP before and after treatment sessions over a series of weeks, comparing real ophthalmic acupuncture with minimal stimulation on non-eye-related points. 3. Systematic Evidence and Limitations While individual trials show promise, systematic reviews indicate that the evidence for acupuncture’s effect on IOP is limited and mixed. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that acupuncture did not consistently reduce IOP compared with standard treatments. However, it noted that acupuncture may increase the overall “effectiveness rate” of glaucoma treatment—likely reflecting outcomes beyond pressure alone. This means that while some studies suggest short-term IOP changes or benefits in related measures, larger, higher-quality trials are needed to make firm conclusions. How Might Acupuncture Work in Glaucoma? Although the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, research points to several theoretical avenues: 1. Ocular Blood Flow and Perfusion
2. Nervous System Modulation
3. Patient Comfort and Stress
Regardless of the potential mechanism, acupuncture remains a complementary option that should always be coordinated with eye care professionals. What This Means for Glaucoma Patients Before considering acupuncture, it’s important to understand: 1. Acupuncture is not a standalone glaucoma treatment Acupuncture cannot replace glaucoma medications, laser therapy, or surgery. Its role is supportive and complementary to conventional care. 2. Effects on IOP may be short-term. While some studies show immediate post-treatment reductions in IOP, the longevity and clinical significance of these changes are not yet well-established. 3. Always consult your ophthalmologist first. If you’re interested in acupuncture for glaucoma, discuss it with your eye doctor to ensure it fits into a safe, coordinated care plan. 4. Quality and consistency of evidence vary. Some trials show positive results; others find minimal or no effect. High-quality clinical evidence is still developing. How Acupuncture Might Be Integrated Safely If both you and your eye care provider agree that adjunctive therapy makes sense, acupuncture can be:
A collaborative approach ensures that you continue to receive evidence-based treatment while exploring potential complementary support. Summary: What Patients Should Know
Final Thoughts Acupuncture is garnering scientific interest as a potential supportive therapy for glaucoma—particularly for transient changes in intraocular pressure and ocular perfusion. As research continues to evolve, informed decision-making and collaboration with qualified providers remain crucial. If you’re curious about acupuncture in Jacksonville, FL, and how it might fit into your glaucoma care plan—as complementary therapy or for general well-being--The Wellness Hub is here to answer questions and support your health journey. ---- We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond. Call Us (904) 512-7551
 If you’ve ever searched for “massage near me in Jacksonville, FL”, you may have been looking for relaxation, pain relief, or stress reduction. But massage therapy can support something even bigger: your cardiac health. At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida, we believe massage therapy isn’t just a luxury — it can be a powerful part of a whole-person wellness plan that supports your nervous system, your recovery, and your overall cardiovascular wellbeing. When paired with a healthy lifestyle like exercise, good nutrition, and sleep, massage can be a restorative tool that helps your body function at its best. In this article, we’ll explore the connection between massage therapy and heart health, how stress affects the cardiovascular system, and why massage can be an excellent complement to your exercise and fitness routine. Why Cardiac Health Matters (and Why Stress is a Big Deal) Cardiac health isn’t only about cholesterol numbers or blood pressure readings — it’s about how well your heart and blood vessels support everything else in your body. One of the most overlooked factors in heart health is chronic stress. When your body stays in “fight or flight” mode too often, the nervous system triggers hormonal changes that can influence:
Over time, chronic stress can contribute to elevated blood pressure and strain on the cardiovascular system. And in many cases, people don’t realize how stressed their body truly is until they finally slow down. That’s where massage therapy comes in. How Massage Therapy Can Support Heart and Vascular Health Massage therapy helps shift the body into a parasympathetic state, commonly known as “rest and digest.” This is the nervous system state where healing, digestion, tissue repair, and recovery are prioritized. While massage is not a replacement for medical care, research suggests that massage therapy may support cardiac wellness in several ways. 1) Massage may help reduce stress hormones Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline affect more than mood — they influence heart rate, blood pressure, and inflammation. Massage therapy is widely associated with stress reduction and nervous system calming, which supports more balanced physiology overall. 2) Massage can encourage healthy circulation Massage techniques (especially Swedish massage and targeted therapeutic work) can help encourage blood flow and lymphatic movement, supporting tissue oxygenation and overall circulation. For many people, improved circulation translates to:
3) Massage may help lower blood pressure in some individuals Several studies have explored massage therapy for blood pressure support, particularly when sessions are consistent and paired with lifestyle changes. Many Wellness Hub clients report feeling calmer and noticing improvements in tension-related symptoms, which often accompany elevated blood pressure. 4) Massage supports better sleep Sleep is one of the most important (and underrated) drivers of cardiac health. Poor sleep is associated with higher stress levels, increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and higher blood pressure. Massage helps relax the nervous system and muscles, which can improve:
If you exercise regularly but struggle to recover, sleep may be the missing link — and massage can help. Massage Therapy + Exercise: A Heart-Healthy Combination Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your heart. But if you want long-term consistency, you need a plan that includes recovery. Massage can be a healthy part of an exercise plan in multiple ways. Massage helps you recover so you can keep moving. One reason people fall off their fitness routine is soreness, stiffness, or pain. Massage can help reduce the “tight and stuck” feeling that builds up with:
When your body recovers better, you’re more likely to stay consistent — and that consistency is what supports cardiac health over time. Massage supports mobility and flexibility Muscle tightness can restrict your range of motion and lead to compensation patterns. That can increase injury risk and reduce workout quality. Massage can support healthy movement by improving:
Massage reduces “all or nothing” training cycles A lot of people alternate between overtraining and burnout. Massage sessions can help regulate the body’s stress response and keep the nervous system balanced — which helps you train smarter and more sustainably. Best Types of Massage for Cardiac Wellness and Active Clients At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, FL, we customize sessions to the individual — there’s no one-size-fits-all. But in general, these styles are popular for heart health support and active lifestyles: Swedish / Relaxation Massage Great for:
Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage Great for:
Sports Massage (Workout Support) Great for:
If your goal is overall wellness and heart health, we often recommend blending relaxation techniques with therapeutic work — calming the nervous system while also addressing tension patterns. Who Should Be Cautious? (Important Safety Notes) Massage therapy is generally safe, but if you have certain heart-related conditions, it’s wise to check with your medical provider first, especially if you have:
At The Wellness Hub, we always prioritize safety and can adjust pressure, positioning, and session focus to ensure the most supportive experience. Ready to Book Your Next Massage in Jacksonville? Visit The Wellness Hub If your goal is stress relief, recovery, or improving your overall health, massage therapy can be one of the most supportive habits you build. At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida, we provide massage therapy designed to help you:
If you’ve been searching for a massage near me in Jacksonville, our team would love to support you in your wellness journey. ---- We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond. Call Us (904) 512-7551
|
AuthorThe Wellness Hub Center for Massage Therapy, Acupuncture, Organic Skincare and Holistic Health in Jacksonville, Florida. A place for wellness, healing and renewal. Categories
All
Archives
April 2026
|
RSS Feed