Massage is a highly popular industry that individuals flock to release tension. What most don't know is that massage also offers many benefits on a medical level as well. While spa massage aims to reduce stress and tension, medical massage is applied to a certain area with the aim of achieving a certain result.

Massage works by relaxing the muscle tissue. This in turn reduces inflammation, spasms, and painful muscle contractions. In some cases, medical massage can also reduce nerve compression. Once the muscles are relaxed, nerves are able to function properly.

The term masseuse is a French word that refers to a female who practices massage. (Males in the industry were known as masseurs.)

: a person who practices massage therapy : a trained individual who is licensed or certified to therapeutically manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body using one or both hands or an instrument.