The term massage therapy is used when talking about health and healing practices that involve touch and movement. It is a profession in which the therapist applies some manual techniques, and may apply at adjunctive therapies. These techniques when applied have the sole intention of trying to positively affect the health and well-being of the client.
In the United States massage therapy became popular for a variety of health purposes in about that mid 1800's. Around the 1930s and 1940s massage therapy fell out of favor. This was because of scientific and technological advances in medical treatments. Massage therapy interest was revived in the 1970s. Athletes were the one who mainly used this form of therapy back then.
There are a variety of massage techniques that are used to help with the following:
- Reduce Tension and Pain
- Improve Blood Flow
- Relax Muscles and provide a sense of well-being and relaxation