Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe to Massage Therapists?

Artificial Intelligence may have the business world buzzing with uncertainty as more and more roles become obsolete, but one industry is almost certain AI won’t be able to replicate — the healing hands of massage therapy.

Why AI Can’t Touch Massage Therapy

Besides the obvious reasons why most people probably do not want a robot pounding away on their spine, a recent study conducted by Microsoft looked at which jobs were most and least likely to be impacted by AI. As you might have guessed, massage therapy was in the latter category.

The study, titled Working with AI: Measuring the Occupational Implications of Generative AI, created an AI Applicability Score to gauge how much certain jobs could be impacted by AI. Jobs with the highest AI Applicability Score included customer service representatives, phone operators, market research analysts, web developers, and more administrative, technical, and data-driven roles. On the other hand, jobs that require a lot of manual applications, such as phlebotomists, surgical assistants, roofers, and, of course, massage therapists, received the lowest AI Applicability Scores.

These hands-on specialties just can’t be “touched” by AI!

The Healing Hands Behind Massage Therapy’s Success

A good massage can help reduce pain, stress, and even boost immunity, but this healing practice requires in-person, human interaction. Only a massage therapist has the skills to feel where those tense muscles are, which techniques will work best, and how much pressure to apply. And most importantly, they can take feedback in real time, whether it’s a client’s verbal request or the subtle body language cues that just can’t be read by machines.

While AI may still have a place in the massage therapists’ bag of tricks, it can help you market your services online, schedule appointments, manage inventory, or even pick out the best new pillow for your massage table — it will never replace the healing hands of a skilled massage therapist.

An AI-Proof Career in Massage Therapy

Ready to take the next step in securing an AI-proof career? Explore the Lexington Healing Arts Academy Massage Therapy Training Program. Our accredited program gives students the skills to succeed with hands-on training and real-world experience to prepare for a rewarding, lifelong career in massage therapy.