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
Jane E. BrodyExamples of massage therapy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These may include acupuncture, herbal medicine and various forms of massage therapy.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 May 2025
The massage gun uses Theragun's gentle level of percussive massage therapy – perfect for those who prefer a milder, soothing massage that still provides relief.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Research shows that massage therapy, in general, decreases levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases serotonin and dopamine (feel-good brain chemicals).
—Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The day after canceling her massage therapy appointment, Arakawa searched online for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, AP and the Times report.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for massage therapy
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 19 May 2025
The massage gun uses Theragun's gentle level of percussive massage therapy – perfect for those who prefer a milder, soothing massage that still provides relief.
—Nora Colomer
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 2 May 2025
Research shows that massage therapy, in general, decreases levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and increases serotonin and dopamine (feel-good brain chemicals).
—Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025
The day after canceling her massage therapy appointment, Arakawa searched online for a concierge medical service in Santa Fe, AP and the Times report.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for massage therapy
Cite this Entry
“Massage therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage%20therapy. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share