Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is one of the oldest pain-relief practices in human history. Today, more Americans use it than ever before. 

Overview

Massage therapy involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body to help manage a health condition or enhance wellness. Massage has been practiced in most cultures, both Eastern and Western, throughout human history, and was one of the earliest tools that people used to try to relieve pain.

Massage therapy has grown significantly in popularity. The most common form of massage therapy in Western countries is Swedish or classical massage, which forms the core of most massage training programs. Other styles include sports massage, clinical massage to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms, and massage traditions from Eastern cultures, such as Shiatsu and Tuina.

Types of Massage Therapy

The term “massage therapy” includes many techniques:

  • Swedish or classical massage: the most common form in Western countries and the core of most massage training programs
  • Sports massage: designed to support athletic performance and recovery
  • Clinical massage: used to accomplish specific goals such as releasing muscle spasms
  • Eastern traditions: such as Shiatsu and Tuina
  • Lymphatic drainage massage: studied for conditions such as migraine
  • Aromatherapy massage: combines massage with essential oils

Getting Started with Massage Therapy

Before beginning a massage therapy program, ask about the training, experience, and credentials of any massage therapist you are considering. In states that regulate massage therapy, 45 states and the District of Columbia, therapists must get a license or certification before practicing massage. State regulations typically require graduation from an approved program and passing an examination.

Some massage therapists obtain certification from the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. To do this, they must meet specific educational requirements, undergo a background check, and pass an examination.

You should also ask any massage therapist you are considering working with about the number of treatments that might be needed, the cost, and insurance coverage.

Potential Medical Uses

Researchers have studied massage therapy for a range of health conditions. However, you should not use massage therapy to postpone seeing a healthcare provider about a medical problem. Psychological and physical complementary health approaches such as massage therapy are generally safe for healthy people if performed appropriately, but people with medical conditions and people who are pregnant may need to modify or avoid some practices.

If you are unsure whether massage therapy would be appropriate for you, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, who may also be able to help you select a massage therapist.

Massage therapy may be helpful for the following:

Learn more about talking with your doctor about complementary health approaches.

Safety Considerations

The risk of harmful effects from massage therapy appears to be low. However, there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture. Some of the reported cases have involved vigorous types of massage, such as deep tissue massage, or people who might be at increased risk of injury, such as older adults.

Find Clinical Trials

Clinical trials uncover better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and understand diseases and conditions. To ensure results apply to everyone, volunteers of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds, including both healthy individuals and those with specific medical conditions, are needed. Find clinical trials on massage therapy.

Research Information

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world. NIH invests most of its budget in medical research seeking to enhance life and to reduce illness and disability. NIH-funded research has led to breakthroughs and new treatments helping people live longer, healthier lives, and building the research foundation that drives discovery.

NIH supports research to investigate various aspects of massage therapy and its applications to health.

Find NIH-funded research projects using NIH RePORTER, a searchable database of current and past research projects supported by NIH and other federal agencies.