Massage therapy involves the manipulating of the soft tissue of the body to improve a person's circulation and muscle condition. There are over 80 different types of massage therapy styles with some of the most popular being Swedish, deep tissue, acupressure and sports massage. Most massage therapists are trained in several types of massage, called modalities, in order to address the individual health needs of their clients.

Massage therapy is delivered in a variety of venues including athletic clubs, hospitals and rehab centers, as well as private offices and even client's homes. Depending on the type of massage provided, the client is most typically undressed but covered by a sheet with only the part of the body exposed that is being worked on. Therefore, it is important for the massage therapist to provide a safe and trusting environment for the client. Good communications skills are essential as well as a personable nature.

Training varies greatly from state to state and by program. There are many schools, ranging from postsecondary education to college level programs, from which to choose. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, hands on training in techniques, as well as business and ethics studies. The majority of states regulate this profession in some way. Licensure typically includes passing the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB) and completion of an accredited program.