Therapeutic massage has been used to gain physical and mental benefits for over a thousand years. However, more people than ever are now attending massage school, with the intention of getting massage therapy jobs.



Though therapeutic massage is prevalent throughout the world, it is more associated to Sweden from where it derives its name.

Massaging deals with the manipulation of the soft tissues associated with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, skin and several organs. Massaging is generally done on legs, arms, elbows, shoulder, face, forearms, fingers and feet. This is generally done by applying oil and stretching the muscles with hand, feet and with other mechanical devices. There have also been reported cases in Romania where a tame bear is used for massaging but perhaps your local licensed massage therapist might not offer this service!

There is a proclivity among human beings in general to rub a part of the body if they feel any pain or swelling so therapeutic massage makes a lot of sense. Though there are hundreds of therapies available, the most popular among them can be listed according to their usage as: Swedish therapy, Aromatherapy, Hot Stone therapy, Deep Tissue therapy, Shiatsu therapy, Thai massage, Ayurvedic massage, Reflexology, Sports massage, neuromuscular therapy, Myofascial release and Back massage.

Massage increases the endurance level and the vitality of the person receiving this treatment from licensed massage therapists; it normalizes the sleep and basic metabolism of the human body. It also reduces blood pressure, relaxes tight muscles, improves digestion, increases the libido, reduces inflammation and pain, promotes deeper breathing, increases pulmonary function in asthma, increases immunity, reduces the glucose level, improves posture, increases blood pressure, reduces the affects of osteoporosis, helps in pregnancy ,quick healing after injury, improves the skin condition and relieves head, knee, back pain.

Swedish massage therapy is generally performed by long, smooth strokes, kneading and other mechanisms on the muscle by applying some oil.

This helps in the improved circulation of oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues. It also relieves the muscle tension and pain thereby increasing flexibility and mobility. It also removes toxins present in the body which reduces the pain present in the muscles and joints. This has enabled its usage for relieving back pain, arthritis and tendonitis, stress, headaches, migraines, spasms, strains, sprains, carpel tunnel syndrome, asthma and also helps in post injury/surgical rehabilitation.

Aromatherapy instead concentrates on treating allergies, stress, bruises, diarrhea, premenstrual syndrome, insect bites, insomnia, menopause, bronchitis, muscle and joint pain, scars, sinusitis, colds and flu.

Hot stone therapy involves the placing of heated stones on strategically placed positions. It helps in increased blood circulation, relieving osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, stress, anxiety, tension, depression, back pain and aches.

Deep tissue massage realigns the muscles and connective tissues. It generally helps in the removal of adhesions caused by muscle tension and injury; thereby restoring normal movement and relieving the pain.

Shiatsu helps in physical comforting by relaxing the body, relieves back pain, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, neck and shoulder pain, stress, constipation, depression. It also helps in swift recovery from injury and in premenstrual syndrome.

Reflexology involves the reflex areas of the body and hence it is generally done on the feet. It restores hormonal imbalances, sporting injuries, menstrual disorders, back pain, tension and headaches, digestive problems and stress.

Watsu is generally carried out in water and many massage schools have the facilities to carry this out. It is similar to shiatsu. This for of therapeutic massage increases the flexibility of spinal column. It also offers benefits similar to those offered by shiatsu from a licensed massage therapist who has studied for massage therapy degrees or similar courses at massage therapy colleges or massage therapy schools.

Apart from all these, there are also the effects of single dose and multi dose or sports massage, reflexology massage acupressure, hand massage, hand massage etc. Massage therapy jobs can be found that specialize in all these areas or ones which compass all or some of these areas of therapeutic massage. A single session of massage by a licensed massage therapist who has completed courses at a massage therapist school can generally help for restoring the body's natural abilities for a while.

However, multiple dosages of massage can actually benefit the body over a long time. More than anything, the massage should be carried out in a proper way under a proper masseur. Hence authenticity should be verified before involving oneself in massage.