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
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.
Massage: Try massage therapy for short-term relief of discomfort, tension, and stress. Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 18 Feb. 2025 Combined with practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, and massage therapy, retreats help participants significantly lower stress levels. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 The massive Health & Wellness Centre has 70 treatment rooms and a Watsu massage therapy pool, along with multiple fitness and movement studios and a bathing pavilion complete with steam rooms, whirlpools, and plunge pools. Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025 There’s on-site yoga and massage therapy, and even the occasional staff meeting at Rockies games or on the ski hill. Nick Davidson, Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2014 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 3 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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