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Massage therapy is a practice that dates back thousands of years. There are many types of massage therapy like Pressing, rubbing, and moving muscles and other soft tissues of the body, primarily by using the hands and fingers. The aim is to increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the massaged area.

All involve manipulating the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. In the United States, massage therapy is sometimes part of conventional medicineMedicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses.

In other instances, it is part of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. This Backgrounder provides a general overview of massage therapy used as CAM and suggests some resources.

1 Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) and D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. An example of massage therapy as conventional medicine is using it to reduce a type of swelling called lymphedema.

2 CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. While some scientific evidence exists regarding some CAM therapies, for most there are key questions that are yet to be answered through well-designed scientific studies. An example of massage therapy as CAM is using it with the intent to enhance immune system functioning.