What is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is a hands-on therapeutic practice that involves the manipulation of muscles, soft tissues, and joints in the body to promote relaxation, alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

Massage therapists use a variety of techniques and strokes to address the specific needs of their clients.

Massage therapy can encompass a wide range of modalities, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, and many others, each with its own techniques and benefits. Treatment plans are customised based on individual client preferences and any specific issues or conditions they may have. Massage therapy is used for both relaxation and as a complementary therapy for various medical and health-related purposes. It can be a standalone service or integrated into a broader healthcare plan.

Massage is often used to treat problems with muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can be used to address other health problems including:

  • back pain
  • neck or shoulder pain
  • headache
  • osteoarthritis
  • depression and anxiety
  • digestive disorders
  • strains or soft tissue injuries
  • sports injuries
  • arthritis
  • anxiety and depression
  • addiction

The Athlete’s Guild provides a range of massage therapies that include: