What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is one of the oldest forms of healing, with roots tracing back more than 4,000 years from the East. Over centuries, it spread across the world, evolving into the diverse techniques practiced today. Massage uses manual manipulation to the muscles and connective tissue to relieve pain and restore function to the body.

At Canopy Clinic in Portland, our licensed massage therapists provide individualized treatments that address both the body and mind. By combining evidence-based techniques with a patient-centered approach, massage therapy helps improve function and ease tension, while promoting whole-body health.

How Does Massage Therapy Work?

Massage therapy works by applying pressure, movement, and specific techniques to the body’s soft tissues - muscles, fascia, connective tissue, and accessing the nervous system. Massage methods release tension and encourage the body’s natural healing processes. Massage therapy restores balance by:

• Reducing muscle tightness and adhesions

• Improving blood flow and lymphatic circulation

• Accessing the parasympathetic nervous system to promote stress reduction and relaxation

• Enhancing mobility and flexibility

• Reducing inflammation

• Improve lymphatic circulation

• Decreasing pain and discomfort

Common Massage Therapy Techniques

• Deep Tissue Massage – targets deeper layers of muscles tissue.

• Manual Therapy - medical massage techniques to restore function.

• Myofascial Release – addresses restrictions in fascia to increase mobility and decrease pain.

• Trigger Point Therapy – relieves pain patterns by releasing trigger points.

• Neuromuscular therapy - guided movement with trigger point techniques to retrain muscle function and movement

• Therapeutic Massage – blends techniques to support recovery, alignment, and function.

• Relaxation Massage (Swedish) – promotes deep relaxation and stress relief using Swedish techniques.

Benefits of Massage Therapy

People seek massage therapy for many reasons, from pain relief to relaxation. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Relief from chronic or acute pain

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved sleep quality

• Headache and migraine relief

• Increased flexibility and mobility

• Faster recovery from injury or surgery

• Reduced muscle soreness and stiffness

• Enhanced immune function and circulation

• Greater overall sense of well-being

Conditions Massage Therapy Can Help Treat

Many of our Portland patients come to massage therapy for support with:

• Back, neck, shoulder, hip, and limb pain

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Headaches and migraines

• Stress, anxiety, and depression support

• Insomnia and fatigue

• Sports injuries or repetitive strain injuries

• Recovery after surgery or trauma

• Postural imbalances and workplace strain

• TMJ tension

• Hypermobility related discomfort

• Inflamed muscles, fascia, and connective tissue

• Repetitive use injury

If you’re wondering whether massage therapy can help with your specific condition, we’re happy to talk with you.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment begins with a brief consultation to discuss your health history, current concerns, and treatment goals. From there, your therapist will create a customized massage session tailored to your needs.

• Sessions typically last 60 minutes (longer appointments may be available).

• You’ll lay on a heated massage table

• You’ll be comfortably draped under linens, and your therapist will undrape the are of the body they are working on.

• Your get to relax while your LMT applies massage techniques to reach your goals.

• Pressure and techniques are always adjusted to your comfort level.

• You’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed, and more mobile.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Intake Conversation – Review your health history and goals.

2. Treatment Plan – Your therapist selects techniques best suited to your needs.

3. Massage Session – Gentle to firm techniques applied with your input.

4. Aftercare Guidance – Stretches, hydration, or follow-up recommendations.

Massage Therapy FAQs

Q: Does massage therapy hurt?
A: Your therapist will adjust pressure based on your comfort level. Some techniques like deep tissue can feel like a ‘good-hurt’, but should never cause injury or harm.

Q: Is massage therapy safe?
A: Yes. Licensed massage therapists are trained to provide safe, effective treatments and will review your health history before beginning.

Q: How often should I get a massage?
A: It varies. Some people come once a week for chronic issues, while others benefit from monthly sessions for maintenance. Your therapist will help create a plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Q: Will I be covered during my massage?
A: You may undress to your level of comfort. Professional draping with sheets is always used to ensure privacy, and only the area being worked on is uncovered.

What Massage Therapists Are Trained In

• Anatomy – Structure of the human body, with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system

• Physiology – How body systems function and interact as a whole

• Pathology – Common conditions, injuries, and contraindications relevant to massage therapy

• Kinesiology – Biomechanics of movement and joint function

• Trauma-Informed Care & Consent – Principles of safety, autonomy, and ethical client considerations

• Clinical Assessment – Postural analysis, movement observation, and tissue evaluation

• Massage Techniques – Application of foundational approaches such as Swedish, deep tissue, therapeutic, and myofascial techniques, as well as energetic-based methods.

• Therapeutic Application – Selection and modification of techniques to support clinical goals

• Advanced Training - Required professional training that builds advanced techniques beyond foundational massage education and develop specialized clinical skills.

Massage therapy is more than relaxation, it’s a natural, evidence-based way to relieve pain, reduce stress, and restore balance in the body. At Canopy Clinic in Portland, our massage therapists are committed to providing expert care tailored to your unique needs.