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 Amenities include a pool with a competitive swim team, a fitness center offering personalized training and rejuvenating massage therapy, a plethora of group fitness classes, and an 18-hole championship golf course for the avid golfer. Loch Lloyd Residential Real Estate, Llc, Kansas City Star, 12 May 2024 And for a lazier day, 16 treatment rooms and hydro massage therapy await amidst the lush tropical forest. Anna Tingley, Variety, 7 May 2024 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, Fox News, 12 Apr. 2024 On its website, the company, which also has a Manhattan office, boasts of luxe perks like massage therapy rooms and bonus trips. Emma Goldberg, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024 And the fascination for the classical world ripples through society in unexpected ways: There are now museums in subway stations, ancient aqueducts are being repurposed, and Athenians are drawing on the past for inspiration in art, gastronomy, even massage therapy. Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2024 Physical Therapy: Techniques such as massage therapy, hydrotherapy (water exercises), heat/cold therapy, and gentle stretching can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 10 Nov. 2023 Players had their legs in massage therapy boots at 1 a.m. after the semifinal. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2024 If your lovable bundle of joy is a senior, massage therapy can be included. Matt Keenan, Kansas City Star, 30 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'massage therapy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near massage therapy

Cite this Entry

“Massage therapy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/massage%20therapy. Accessed 20 May. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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