Survey Study on the Perception, Cost Acceptability, and Future Utilization Intentions of Individuals with Experience in Manual Therapy

Purpose: This study investigated the public awareness of manual therapy, perceptions of its nature, cost acceptability, and future usage intentions among individuals with prior experience.Methods: A survey was conducted with 150 adults who had received manual therapy between October 2024 and January 2025.The questionnaire assessed awareness, whether it was perceived as a massage or medical treatment, cost acceptability, payment methods, and future intentions.The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and correlation analysis.Results: Most respondents (95%) were aware of manual therapy, and 79% viewed it as a legitimate treatment, while 13% equated it with massage.Most (87%) relied on private health insurance to cover costs.The future usage intention was high (96%), particularly among those who recognized it as a treatment.A stronger belief in its effectiveness was linked to a greater willingness to pay.Conclusion: Manual therapy was widely recognized as beneficial, but a minority perceived it as massage.High willingness to continue its use, combined with reliance on insurance, suggests the need for public education on the benefits and strategies to reduce financial barriers.Policy measures, including broader insurance coverage and educational outreach, may improve access.Further studies should confirm these findings in more diverse populations.