What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is the assessment and treatment of the soft tissues of the body. Therapeutic massage is used to prevent dysfunction, to relieve pain, restore or augment function and improve health. Swedish massage techniques, which affect the circulatory, musculoskeletal, nervous, and respiratory systems, form the basis of massage therapy treatment. Hydrotherapy, remedial exercises, instruction in proper breathing, postural correction and specialized massage techniques may also be used in treatment.