What is Massage Therapy?

Massage is one of the oldest, simplest forms of therapy and is a system of stroking, pressing and kneading different areas of the body to relieve pain, relax, stimulate, and tone the body. Massage does much more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it also works on the soft tissues (the muscles, tendons, and ligaments) to improve muscle tone. Although it largely affects those muscles just under the skin, its benefits may also reach the deeper layers of muscle and possibly even the organs themselves. Massage also stimulates blood circulation and assists the lymphatic system (which runs parallel to the circulatory system), improving the elimination of waste throughout the body.

Massage therapy, also known as Swedish massage, is the most common form of massage therapy in the United States. It uses kneading, stroking, friction, and hacking movements on the skin, working the muscles beneath.

Massage therapy stimulates circulation by bringing oxygen and other nutrients to body tissues. It relieves muscle tension and pain, increases flexibility and mobility, and helps clear waste, such as lactic acid, which reduces pain and stiffness in muscles and joints.

Massage therapy also relieves stress. It helps the body's stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.