Therapeutic massage involves the manipulation of the soft tissue structures of the body
to prevent and alleviate pain, discomfort, muscle spasm, and stress; and, to promote
health and wellness. AMTA defines Massage as, "a manual soft tissue manipulation
that includes holding, causing movement, and/or applying pressure to the body."
Massage therapy is " a profession in which the practitioner applies manual
techniques, and may apply adjunctive therapies, with the intention of positively affecting
the health and well-being of the client." (AMTA)
Massage therapy improves functioning of the circulatory, lymphatic, muscular, skeletal,
and nervous systems and may improve the rate at which the body recovers from injury and
illness. Massage involves holding, causing movement of soft tissue, and/or applying
pressure to the body.
Massage comes in many forms, including: