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MASYR
Saw provider for massage, past 12 months
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Codes and Frequencies



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Description

For sample adults in 2002, 2007, and 2012 who had ever seen a practitioner for massage therapy (MASEV) and for sample children in 2007 and 2012, MASYR reports whether the person had used massage therapy in the past 12 months. In 1999, information about massage use in the past 12 months was collected from all sample adults.

Massage was one of many alternative health treatment modalities included in the 2002, 2007, and 2012 Complementary Alternative Health Supplements. If sample respondents gave a positive response to MASYR, they were asked a series of follow-up questions. Please use the IPUMS NHIS drop-down menus and search function to learn more about these variables.

Definitions 

The 1999 Field Representative's Manual defines massage therapy as:

using touch and rubbing to reduce pain and create relaxation.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2002 Field Representative's Manual says that massage:

involves pressing, rubbing, and otherwise manipulating muscles and other soft tissues of the body, causing them to relax and lengthen and allowing for the flow of pain-relieving oxygen and blood to the affected area. Using their hands, and sometimes feet, elbows, and forearms, massage therapists may employ over 75 different methods, such as Swedish massage, deep-tissue massage, neuromuscular massage, and manual lymph drainage. Massage is considered effective for relieving any type of pain in the body's soft tissue, including back, neck, and shoulder pain, headaches, bursitis, tendinitis, etc.

This definition was not routinely shared with respondents.

The 2007 and 2012 Field Representative's Manual provides a definition that focuses on the massage therapist:

Massage therapists manipulate muscle and connective tissue to enhance function of those tissues and promote relaxation and well-being.

In 2007 and 2012 field representatives were advised to "feel free to offer [this definition] even if the respondent has not requested [it]."

The 2002, 2007, and 2012 survey questions asked whether the person had seen "a practitioner" (for sample adults) or "a provider or practitioner" (for sample children) for massage in the past 12 months. The 2007 and 2012 Manual defines an "alternative provider or practitioner" as:

someone who is knowledgeable about a specific alternative health practice. This person provides care or gives advice about its use, and usually receives payment for his or her services.

Related Variables

Additional information about use of massage therapy was collected for respondents who reported using massage therapy in the past 12 months, including variables on frequency of use and amount of out-of-pocket costs. Please use the IHIS drop-down menus and search function to learn more about these variables.

Comparability

In 2007, sample children were added to the universe for this question. In 2007 only, the sample child universe was not restricted by if the sample child had ever seen a practitioner for massage therapy (MASEV). Because of this expanded universe, the number of negative responses for MASYR is much higher in 2007. Otherwise, there are no comparability issues.

Universe

  • 1999: Sample adults age 18+.
  • 2002: Sample adults age 18+ who have ever seen a practitioner for massage.
  • 2007: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children under 18who have ever seen a practitioner for massage.
  • 2012: Sample adults age 18+ and sample children between the ages of 4 and 17 who have ever seen a practitioner for massage.

Availability

  • 1999, 2002, 2007, 2012

Weights