Massage is the use of friction and pressure to influence muscle and other associated tissue to encourage healing, relaxation and general well-being. Massage uses a number of techniques from mild rubbing to applying pressure to an assortment of points on the body. The tissues these techniques often involve and are meant to adjust include muscles, tendons and joints. Therapeutic massage usually includes the use of the hands, fingers, elbows and forearm to accomplish the localized pressure needed for these adjustments. There are a number of diverse modalities in the field of therapeutic massage. Over recent years, many studies have been done providing positive review of the benefits massage can provide.

A massage therapist will engage the client in designing a path of treatment. Most massage therapists will use a combination of the various massage modalities to target their customer’s specific needs.

Some effects of massage on the body include:

• Relief from pain and faster healing of musculoskeletal damage.

• The relaxation effects often reduces headache and the severity of migraines because it can decrease blood pressure and relieve muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.

• Improved mental focus, extra energy, a reduction of anxiety and enhanced.

• Less stress improves the immune system and can improve the quality of life by reducing adrenaline and cortisone levels.

The client’s needs in regard to the style of bodywork (massage therapy, therapeutic massage and even some physical therapy) are all taken into account by the therapist. A good licensed massage therapist should have the client complete an intake form and perform a consultation prior to the session. These actions provide the therapist with the knowledge needed to focus on that client’s specific needs. Some people just want an hour to themselves being pampered with a Swedish Massage, others have an injury that needs focused on. It would not do good to treat every customer the same as many large chain spas do.

Massage’s popularity can be found all across the world in the fact that massage has become an accepted alternative treatment. Massage benefits many prescribed mainstream treatments. In the United States 1 in 3 people have been reported to receive massage. With something that feels good and is considered a beneficial to one’s health, what are you waiting for? Many people remark that they utilize therapeutic massage because they feel that it helps boost the rate at which musculoskeletal and sports injury heals, reduces aches and pains, reduces anxiety and feelings of anger or depression, and by large improves mental and physical well-being.

The use of massage would be recommended as an effective alternative ‘medicine’ that relaxes and heals the body.