Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Massage is a form of therapy, it can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.

Where massage is used for its physical and psychological benefits, it may be termed "therapeutic massage therapy" or manipulative therapy.Learn More.

Most types of massage can be performed with pressure ranging from superficial to deep. The ideal amount for therapeutic massage is when the receiver experiences some discomfort ("hurts good"), which activates the body's natural healing response. If it is too deep, the result may be another trauma to the body.

Some soreness after the massage is acceptable if it lasts less than one or two days, but if the soreness lasts longer, it usually means the massage was too deep.

The temporary soreness, brought on by release of toxins and an unfamiliar activity rather than injury or damage, can often be avoided by drinking extra water after the massage.