What is Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is such a broad term it is difficult to describe in just a few words. What is Massage Therapy? Simply stated, massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue to improve the body’s health and well being.

American Heritage dictionary says “massage is the rubbing or kneading of parts of the body to aid circulation or relax the muscles.”

What is Soft Tissue?

Soft tissue is made up of connective tissue - ligaments, tendons, fascia, fibrous tissues, fat, synovial membranes and muscles, nerves and blood vessels (which are not connective tissue). Many of the glands in the body and some of the organs could also fall in this category for the argument of massage therapy.

Specialize to Make Earning Opportunities

Every area mentioned in the above paragraph has certain massage “types” or massage modalities that specifically target treatment of that part of the body. Because of this, massage therapists often specialize in certain types of massage. This allows for a great diversity in what each massage therapist might offer within a massage practice making opportunities for the therapist almost endless.

There are many types of massage. Learning a wide variety of massage therapy modalities can prepare you to be a successful Massage Therapist that can land you some great spa jobs.

More of What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy benefits include everything from improved circulation to greater flexibility.

There is also another segment of massage therapy that doesn’t pertain to soft tissue directly, but is widely accepted and practiced by the massage therapist. This includes modalities such as reflexology, reiki aromatherapy, healing touch and many other types that utilize work in energies and / or not touching the body directly.

Types of massage that are most popular in America today include Swedish massage, Deep tissue, Full body massage, Area specific, Hot Stone , Aromatherapy, Shiatsu, Thai, Sports massage and Reflexology. Chair massage is also very popular.

Two very simple massage techniques can be done by anyone and can help restore a person's energy level and sense of wellbeing in just 15 minutes are

Back Massage and foot massage are two very simple massage techniques that can be done by anyone and can help restore a person's energy level and sense of wellbeing in just 15 minutes.

Some of the Reason Demand is Growing

So, when answering the question of "What is Massage Therapy?" Massage therapy is used for many reasons and this is why demand is growing. Treating body aches and pains is what often comes to a person’s mind when discussing massage therapy. Treating those aches and pains is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to massage therapy benefits. Tension release, muscle tone, prevention of injury before a sporting event, relaxation, improving circulation and healing of tissue are just a few of the reasons.

Human touch can and does work miracles in the human body. This is one area that will never be duplicated or truly replaced by machine or computer. This is job security for the massage therapist profession.

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