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Massage Therapists - Washington, DC

We found 161 massage therapists near Washington, DC. See refinement options below.

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gastrointestinal problems (digestive disorders) (1) , mental health therapy (1) , diagnostic evaluation (1) , musculoskeletal problems (1) , lymphatic diseases (1) , rheumatic diseases (1) , edema (swelling from fluid retention) (1) , women's health issues (1) , complementary or alternative therapy (1) , mental health issues (1) , upper extremity problems (1) , immune disorders (1)

in Nearby Locations

Greenbelt, MD Bowie, MD Rockville, MD Alexandria, VA Herndon, VA Fairfax, VA Edgewood, WA Chevy Chase, MD Kensington, MD Takoma Park, MD Falls Church, VA Cheverly, MD Riverdale Park, MD Capitol Heights, MD Manassas Park, VA

Other Providers in Washington, DC

Acupuncturists Cardiac Surgeons Dental Anesthesiologists Dermatologists Family Therapists Internists & Internal Medicine Doctors Midwives Neurologists Pain Management Doctors & Specialists Pediatric Endocrinologists Pediatric Hospitalists Pediatric Ophthalmologists Sleep Doctors & Specialists Transplant Hepatologists Trauma Surgeons

What is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is a specialty that uses soft-tissue manipulation (massages) to improve patients' physical and emotional wellbeing. Massage therapy seeks to release physical tension by applying pressure and movement to the skin, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and body tissue.

Patients may visit massage therapists as complementary treatment to clinical medical care. Generally, massage therapists complete massage therapy education and are certified by their respective state, but some states permit massage therapists to practice without a license.

While any individual can receive massage therapy, it may particularly ease negative symptoms associated with some chronic and acute conditions such as fibromyalgia, cancer, heart disease, and digestive disorders. Research has found massage therapy may lower blood pressure and heart rate, as well as increase blood circulation. Additional benefits of massage therapy may include:

  • Pain relief for back pain, neck and shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, and headaches
  • Relaxation, stress reduction, and improved mental health
  • Improved immune functioning
  • Decreased fatigue and insomnia
  • Toxin release from the soft tissues

A massage therapy session begins with an initial evaluation where a massage therapist might ask the patient about his or her medical status and potential pain symptoms. Massage therapy techniques may include:

  • Swedish or classical massage
  • Lymphatic drain massage
  • Clinical massage
  • Sports massage
  • Acupressure massage
  • Eastern massage methods, such as Tuina and Shiatsu

Massage therapists may collaborate with physical and occupational therapists, rehabilitation medicine specialists, rheumatologists, and pain medicine specialists.