Massage
Massage therapy is a system of structured palpation or movement of the soft tissue in the body.
Your typical massage may include, but is not limited to, such techniques as stroking, kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, vibration, or compression. In addition, you will find that your massage therapist may introduce passive or active stretching within the normal anatomical range of movement.
Also, many massages will have effleurage, petrissage, or tapotement. Your therapist may utilize essential oils, lotions, salt or herbal preparations, hydromassage, thermal massage, or a massage device that mimics or enhances the actions possible by human hands.
The primary purpose of getting a massage is to improve the general health and well-being of the recipient. Massage does not include the diagnosis of a specific pathology, the prescription of drugs or controlled substances, spinal manipulation, or physical therapy acts outside the scope of massage therapy.