Massage therapy is a treatment which involves the manipulation of soft body tissues for therapeutic purposes. The patient's body is manipulated with pressure, tension, motion, or vibration, either manually (with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet) or with the help of tools. Tissue treated may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, and even organs of the gastrointestinal system. The patient, either fully or partly clothed, may be treated while lying on a massage table or a mat on the floor, or sitting in a massage chair. Many different types of oils can be used during a massage, and salts are sometimes used in order to remove dry skin. Massages can be performed by a massage therapist, chiropractors, osteopaths, athletic trainers, or physical therapists. There are a great variety of massage techniques, most notably acupressure, reflexology, and shiatsu.

Although massage therapy may be sought for a series of ailments, its greatest benefit is pain relief. It is also proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduce blood pressure and heart rate. Massages activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is said to stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, preventing fibrosis or scar tissue, and improving sleep. Massages combined with aromatherapy also appear to stimulate the immune system.