Reports Summarize Military Medicine Research from Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (Massage Therapy Utilization in the Military Health System).

A recent study conducted by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences examined the utilization of massage therapy in the Military Health System (MHS). The study found that massage therapy is an evidence-based approach for pain management, but its utilization in the MHS is limited. The majority of patients who received massage therapy were male, White, and had musculoskeletal diagnoses. Physical therapists primarily delivered massage therapy in physical therapy clinics, while massage therapists provided a small percentage of the therapy. The study suggests that access to massage therapists may be hindered by a lack of availability and the need for referrals. Future research will focus on evaluating accessibility and effectiveness of massage therapy. [Extracted from the article]