massage therapy

noun

: the manipulation of the muscles and other soft tissues of the body (as by stroking, kneading, or rubbing with one or both hands or an instrument) by a massage therapist for therapeutic purposes (as to relieve pain, promote healing, or improve physical functioning)
Last year, 42 percent of American adults used some type of alternative care—herbal therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy or any of a number of other methods not taught in medical school, according to a nationwide telephone survey …Jane E. Brody

Examples of massage therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Often designed to help improve employee mental health, morale, creativity and productivity, programs such as meditation, yoga, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), massage therapy and other similar programs can be highly effective. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 31 Mar. 2025 The player recovery center has two built in hot and cold tubs, a cryo-chamber, infrared sauna, massage therapy room, mental health and wellness space, and an on-site doctor’s office with X-ray capabilities. Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 24 Mar. 2025 Just throwing this out there—massage therapy/muscle activation might help him with his progress!! Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 5 Mar. 2025 While the chiropractic adjustments gave minimal help, the cranial massage therapy did provide some relief. Ashley Vega, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for massage therapy

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of massage therapy was in 1888

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Cite this Entry

“Massage therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage%20therapy. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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