Massage therapy consists primarily of hands-on manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, specifically, the muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and joints for the purpose of optimizing health. It has a therapeutic effect on the body and optimizes health and well-being by acting on the muscular, nervous and circulatory systems.
Registered Massage Therapists use their knowledge of anatomy and physiology to combine massage techniques with exercise and other therapies to treat their clients.
People use massage for a variety of health-related purposes, including to relieve pain, rehabilitate sports injuries, reduce stress, increase relaxation, address anxiety and depression, and aid general wellness.