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In a 2021 survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), more than half of respondents said they got their last massage for health and wellness reasons. Of those people, 63 percent said massage was part of their doctor’s or medical provider’s treatment plan. So, let’s look at how massage therapy’s benefits can go beyond relaxation.

What is massage?

The AMTA defines massage as “the manual manipulation of soft tissue intended to promote health and well-being.” A trained, certified massage therapist uses pressure and movement across different body areas to treat issues from muscle tension to more serious conditions.

There are many different types of massage, with Swedish, deep tissue, and sports massage among some commonly known techniques.

How is medical massage different?

Medical massage, also called therapeutic massage, complements standard treatment for various medical conditions. It involves more focused work than a relaxation massage, promoting healing and encouraging overall wellness.

In many cases, patients’ providers have recommended massage therapy as part of an integrative care approach, which sometimes also includes acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, pain management, or physical therapy.

Benefits of massage

Research studies show that massage can help lessen pain and muscle tension, improve mood, and enhance immune function. Specifically, some studies suggest it can be helpful for:

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Arthritis
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Low back pain
  • Pain associated with cancer treatment
  • Sports injuries

The risks of massage therapy are low when performed by a trained practitioner; however, massage may not be appropriate for people with certain preexisting conditions. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your medical provider to determine whether massage is right for you.

What to expect at a massage therapy session

Because a massage therapy session is tailored to your unique needs, it doesn’t involve a set routine. Your session length can vary depending on the type of massage and how much time you have.

Before a session begins, your therapist will review your medical history, ask you about your symptoms, and discuss what you’d like to get out of the session. Your therapist also will encourage you to speak up during the session if you’d like more pressure or less or to focus on a particular area.

Finding a massage therapist

If massage is appropriate for you, ask your medical provider for a therapist recommendation. Your provider should be able to point you toward qualified therapists who are licensed or certified to practice massage. In addition, it’s a good idea to:

  • Learn about your potential therapist’s training and experience
  • Ask how many massage therapy sessions you may need
  • Find out what a session costs and whether health insurance will cover it

Whether as a complementary treatment option or simply for relaxation, massage therapy can play a valuable role in your health and overall well-being.