Therapeutic massage 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. They 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. Practitioners learn specific techniques for massage and use their sense of touch to determine the right amount of pressure to apply to each person and locate areas of tension and other soft-tissue problems.

When muscles are overworked, waste products such as lactic acid can accumulate in the muscle, causing soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasm.

Massage improves circulation, which increases blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen to body tissues. This can assist the elimination of waste products, speed healing after injury, and enhance recovery from disease.

Therapeutic massage can be used to promote general well-being, while boosting the circulatory and immune systems to benefit circulation and muscle tone.It has been incorporated into many health systems, and different massage techniques have been developed and integrated into various complementary therapies.