A doctor might recommend massage therapy as a complementary treatment for certain physical and mental health conditions.

Massage therapy involves a variety of techniques for manipulating muscles and other soft tissues throughout the body.

While once viewed as primarily a relaxation technique, massage therapy is now used for a variety of purposes. Some people might try massage as a complement to conventional medical treatments, or for therapeutic purposes.

Overall, the risks of massage therapy are low, especially if you work with a qualified practitioner who is aware of your medical history and any underlying conditions you might have.

It’s still a good idea to talk with a doctor before getting massages to make sure they are safe for you, though. Common risks associated with massage therapy include muscle soreness, bruising, and skin irritation. Less common risks include bone fractures, blood clots, and nerve injuries.

Although rare, massage therapy can also carry the risk of bone fractures, blood clots, and nerve injuries.

Keep reading to learn more about massage therapy, its possible benefits, and common applications.

Different types of massage therapy

Massage therapy is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of types and techniques. Some of the most common forms of massage therapy include:

  • Reflexology: Instead of body-wide tissue manipulation, reflexology involves working with specific points on your hands, feet, and ears for pain and mood management.
  • Swedish massage: Also known as “classical” or relaxation massage, Swedish massage is used for a variety of purposes ranging from pain relief to stress management. It’s also the most common type of massage therapy practiced in the United States.
  • Deep tissue massage: As the name suggests, deep tissue massage works with deeper tissues in the body to help address underlying tension.
  • Sports massage: Similar to deep tissue massage, a sports (athletic) massage addresses deeper tissues, but may focus on specific injuries in the body.
  • Aromatherapy massage: An aromatherapy massage is a relaxation technique that uses diffused or topical essential oils during other types of massages, such as Swedish or deep tissue massage.
  • Lymphatic drainage massage: This type of clinical massage is primarily used to treat lymphedema, although some people choose to have a lymphatic drainage massage to increase lymph movement more generally.
  • Chair massage: As the name suggests, a chair massage is a modified technique performed while sitting in a chair instead of lying down on a massage table.
  • Myofascial massage: Also called myofascial release, this type of massage addresses tight fascia related to injuries or repetitive movements that may impact your mobility.

Massage therapy is arguably increasing in popularity as an alternative or complement to other pain management modalities. Some people also seek massage therapy due to concerns about taking long-term pain medications.

While massage therapy has a lot of anecdotal backing for pain management purposes, current research suggests that the practice is perhaps most helpful for lower back and neck pain. Some practitioners may also try to treat osteoarthritis pain with massage therapy.

Massage is another possible treatment modality for headaches and migraine. However, there isn’t enough solid clinical evidence to conclude that massage therapy is guaranteed to help with these types of pain.

Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, and sports massages are among the types of massages practitioners will likely use for pain management.

For some people, an occasional massage can help promote feelings of relaxation to better cope with everyday stress.

At the same time, massage therapy is also being studied for its possible role in anxiety management. While more research is needed, massage therapy may reduce anxiety symptoms when used as a complementary treatment.

Swedish, deep tissue, and aromatherapy massages are among the types of massages a practitioner might recommend for stress and anxiety relief because of their possible relaxing effects for both body and mind.

Massage therapy’s potential for relaxation can help reduce stress and anxiety, and it may also help with depression management.

In particular, massage therapy for depression might help with related symptoms such as fatigue, sleep problems, and muscle aches. The effects of certain types of relaxation massages could also possibly help alleviate stressors that contribute to depression.

The benefits of massage therapy for depression warrant more clinical studies, but researchers do have an idea of how the practice might help. As one previous study noted, massage therapy may help boost serotonin levels in the brain while also decreasing cortisol.

Some people may also explore massage therapy for treating pain and fatigue related to cancer and its treatment. Massage is classified as a physical type of complementary therapy for cancer, and it’s sometimes combined with aromatherapy, too.

So far, research suggests that massage may help with short-term pain relief, as well as relaxation. However, more studies are needed to support massage therapy as a potential treatment for cancer-related depression, fatigue, and nausea.

A practitioner might suggest a variety of massage therapies for these purposes, including:

  • Swedish massage
  • deep tissue massage
  • aromatherapy massage

Massage therapy may also be a tool for helping athletes with injury recovery and prevention, as well as improving flexibility and range of motion.

According to a 2023 systematic review, massage therapy also has psychological benefits for athletes by reducing stress and fatigue while improving mood and focus. Massage therapy also has the potential to increase the perception of injury recovery.

While sports massages are perhaps the most obvious methods for athletic recovery and performance, other types of massages might also be used for such purposes. These include deep tissue massages and myofascial release.

A lymphatic drainage massage is a specialized type of massage therapy that solely focuses on the movement of lymph fluid in the body. It helps to target lymph fluid stagnation, especially with lymphedema.

Sometimes lymphatic drainage massage is promoted for other purposes, such as weight loss. However, there is no evidence that this — or any other type of massage — will help you lose body fat.

Relaxation massages may also help with insomnia. A 2025 study found that massages help induce feelings of relaxation before bedtime, both mentally and physically.

Massage therapy was also noted for helping to improve anxiety-induced insomnia.

In theory, any type of massage therapy that promotes relaxation could also possibly help reduce insomnia. You might consider Swedish, aromatherapy, deep tissue, or chair massages as ways to possibly help promote relaxation and better sleep.

Massage therapy is a complementary treatment that may help you find relief from pain, stress, and other ailments. A practitioner can also help determine which type of massage therapy is best for your situation.

Before trying massage therapy to treat any health problem, it’s important to talk with a doctor first. They can determine whether massage therapy is safe for you, and recommend a qualified practitioner.