Massage therapy is a set of complementary manual techniques based on a holistic conception of the body and guided by educational intervention processes.
In general, the discipline aims to assess the soft tissues (ex. skin, muscles) and joints of the body (ex. tendons, ligaments, joint capsules) in order to treat and prevent injury, pain or other physical dysfunctions that can affect an individual.
Massage therapy has many objectives:
- Developing, maintaining, increasing or restoring physical function
- Relieving pain
- Promoting health
Massage therapists use their hands, elbows, knees and various massage techniques in their work. It should be noted that physical agents such as apparatuses, needles and other tools are not used in massage therapy.