The capable hands of a massage therapist can knead away tension, stress and pain, but more serious issues are often treated by a clinical massage therapist. This practitioner uses techniques specifically designed to help injuries heal, improve range of motion, and increase muscle function.

Clinical massage treats the soft tissues of the body with techniques that include myofascial release and trigger point therapy — which help relax connective tissues and muscles.  The ultimate focus is on functional outcomes. There is an evidence-based reason why a therapist applies one modality over another and most importantly, results must be measurable. Client satisfaction is often not assessed until the completion of a limited number of treatments, referred to as “treat and release,” or the achievement of a specific therapeutic outcome. Finally, the length of the session is often shorter and the number of minutes that are spent with the hands on the body is not a focus point for the session.