Print Overview Massage Enlarge image Close Massage Massage Massage is a type of integrative medicine in which a massage therapist rubs and kneads skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. In massage therapy, a massage therapist rubs and kneads the soft tissues of your body. The soft tissues include muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin. The massage therapist varies the amount of pressure and movement. Massage is part of integrative medicine. Medical centers often offer it with standard treatment. It can be used for a wide range of medical conditions. Studies of massage benefits have found massage can: Help reduce stress. Lessen pain and muscle tightness. Increase relaxation. Improve the work of the immune system. At Mayo Clinic, medical providers may recommend massage therapy to help people cope with the pain and stress of conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stomach problems or fibromyalgia. Massage Therapy at Mayo Clinic By Mayo Clinic Staff Massage therapy care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & Departments March 03, 2023 Print Show references Massage therapy: What you need to know. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/massage-therapy-what-you-need-to-know. Accessed Jan. 5, 2021. AskMayoExpert. Massage therapy. Mayo Clinic; 2019. Rodgers NJ, et al. A decade of building massage therapy services at an academic medical center as part of a healing enhancement program. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2015; doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2015.07.004. Dion LJ, et al. Development of a hospital-based massage therapy course at an academic medical center. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. 2015; doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v8i1.249. Clark SD, et al. Effect of integrative medicine services on pain for hospitalized patients at an academic health center. Explore. 2019; doi:10.1016/j.explore.2018.07.006. Zhihong L, et al. Benefits of hand massage on anxiety in preoperative outpatient: A quasi-experimental study with pre- and post-tests. Explore. 2020; doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.08.016. Brown AY. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Jan. 6, 2021. Liu C, et al. The effect of massage therapy on pain after surgery: A comprehensive meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2022; doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102892. Related Alternative cancer treatments: 11 options to consider Colic Dystonia Meningioma Migraine Mouth cancer Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) Parkinson's disease Restless legs syndrome Show more related content News from Mayo Clinic Artificial intelligence massage therapy? Meet the robot being studied by Mayo Clinic March 16, 2023, 04:00 p.m. CDT Massage therapyAboutDoctors&DepartmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. NEW: Listen to Health Matters Podcast - Mayo Clinic PressNEW: Listen to Health Matters PodcastMayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20155220 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Massage therapy