What is massage therapy?

Massage involves rubbing and putting pressure on muscles, connective tissues, tendons and ligaments. When massage is used to improve someone’s health, it is known as massage therapy.

Massage therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, help with pain, relax the muscles and rehabilitate injuries. For many healthy people with no chronic conditions, massage is simply enjoyable.

Massage is mainly thought of as a complementary or natural therapy offered by massage clinics or wellness spas. Many people find massage immediately calming and relaxing. Massage reduces levels of cortisol (a stress inducing hormone), while increasing other hormones that have a positive effect on wellbeing (including dopamine and serotonin).

Massage can also be used to treat problems with muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can be used to address other health problems including:

back pain

neck or shoulder pain

headache

osteoarthritis

depression and anxiety

digestive disorders

strains or soft tissue injuries

sports injuries

arthritis

anxiety and depression

addiction

Hospitals are increasingly offering massage therapy to help people cope with illnesses like cancer, heart disease or chronic pain.

What are the different types of massage therapy?

Swedish: The top layers of muscles are kneaded with soft, long strokes, or the muscles are hit or tapped. This can relieve muscle tension and may help after an injury. Learn more about Swedish massage.

Pregnancy: This is used to reduce stress, swelling, muscle and joint pain that sometimes appear during pregnancy. Learn more about pregnancy massage.

Remedial: This is used to treat damaged or painful muscles, tendons, ligaments or connective tissues. Massage aids the body’s healing and helps to restore function. Learn more about remedial massage.

Sports: Developed to help athletes in training, sports massage increases flexibility and prevents injuries. It is also used after an injury or strain. Learn more about sports massage.

Neuromuscular therapy: Problem areas are manipulated to treat chronic pain, tender muscles, circulation, trapped nerves, problems with posture or injuries caused by repetitive movements.

Deep tissue: Slow strokes are used to put pressure on muscles or tendons deep under the skin. This helps with specific trouble spots such as muscle injuries or back sprains.

Shiatsu: Pressure is applied with the fingers to specific parts of the body called acupressure points.

Reflexology: The therapist uses hands, fingers and thumbs to stimulate certain areas of the feet.

Hot stone: The therapist places warm stones on certain parts of the body to soothe and relax muscles.

What are the risks of massage therapy?

Massage is not a replacement for assessment and care by a doctor. It is also important to let your doctor know if you are trying massage to reduce the symptoms of a health issue. Your doctor can help you determine which type of massage may be helpful.