Massage is the treatment and practice of
manipulation of the soft body tissues with physical,
functional, i.e. mechanical, medical/therapeutic, and in
some cases psychological purposes and goals.
Massage involves acting and manipulating the patient's
body with pressure (structured, unstructured,
stationary, and/or moving), tension, motion, or
vibration done manually or with mechanical aids.
:: :: The most cited
reasons for introducing massage was patient demand
and perceived clinical effectiveness.
:: :: Peer-reviewed
medical research has shown that the benefits of
massage include
pain relief, reduced trait
anxiety and
depression, and temporarily reduced blood
pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety.
Massage can be performed by a professional Massage
Practitioner, or by other
health care professionals, such as
chiropractors,
osteopath,
Athletic trainers, and/or
physical therapists. Massage therapists work in
hospitals as
allied health profession, in
nursing homes, sports and fitness facilities,
spas,
beauty salons,
cruise ships, private offices, and travel to private
residences or businesses.
