Massage therapy is the systematized manipulation of soft tissues for the purpose of normalizing them. Practitioners use a variety of physical methods including applying fixed or movable pressure, holding, or causing movement to the body. Therapists primarily use their hands, but may also use their forearms, elbows, or feet. The basic goal of massage therapy is to help the body heal itself and to increase health and well-being.

Touch is the core ingredient of massage therapy combining science and art. Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply and are able to llocate areas of tension and pain patterns.  Touch also conveys a sense of caring, an important component in the healing arts. When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm.