Asgardian Massage and Fitness: Definition of Massage and Massage Therapy

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Definition of Massage and Massage Therapy

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. Several Organizations 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 also possibly apply adjunctive therapies), with the intention of positively affecting the overall health and well-being of the client."

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:

	Swedish a gentle, relaxing massage;
	Pressure point therapy for certain conditions or injuries; and
	Sports massage which focuses on muscle groups relevant to the particular sport.