The intrinsic benefits of touch through the medium of massage have long been recognised. It is the oldest and simplest of all complementary health therapies, and in traditional cultures it is accepted as natural that people of all ages benefit from regular massage.

Therapeutic Massage Therapy is defined as the mobilisation of soft tissue (e.g. muscle, fascia and body fluids etc.) to restore normal systemic and biomechanical / functional use. It can be used to assist in the treatment of most musculo-skeletal and associated problems and contributes towards improved circulatory, lymphatic and neurological functioning. It can be stimulating or soothing depending on the technique, depth and speed used and is both safe and effective when carried out by a trained registered therapist who, with the co-operation of the patient, helps to create balance and harmony from within. Today, given the high levels of stress under which many people live, therapeutic massage is not only a most beneficial therapy, but is also the healthiest option/approach to improving the quality of your life.

It is important to choose a registered Therapeutic Massage Therapist with care, to be sure that you are in the hands of a therapist who will treat you with the necessary consideration to touch, in a sympathetic, and caring way and in a safe professional environment. Members of MTA are required to abide by a Code of Ethics that ensures patients are treated according to recognised professional and ethical standards.

Therapeutic Massage is indicated as a relevant choice of health care in the following areas:

• Health maintenance and/or health promotion - Promotes general tissue health and encourages lifestyle and general health awareness.
  
  
• Stress management - Helps relieve associated muscular tension and encourages general relaxation.
  
  
• Post-operative care - Helps reduce recovery period and speeds up elimination of anaesthetic, as well as reducing pain and stiffness associated with bed-rest.
  
  
• Emotional and/or psychological disorders- Releases endorphins that help to uplift and reduce depression.
  
  
• Terminal illness - Helps reduce pain and discomfort associated with long term bed-rest as well as providing support and reducing the effects of emotional stress for the patient as well as the family.
  
  
• Chronic pain - Helps break the "pain - spasm" cycle whilst reducing associated muscle tightness.
  
  
• Care of the disabled - Provides emotional support as well as assisting in the maintenance of general tissue health.
  
  
• Pre and/or post-event sports' participation - Improves performance and recovery and reduces the likelihood of serious injury.