Therapeutic Massage combines both science and art. The science of anatomy and physiology and the art of professional touch. The systematic application of touch, stroking, percussion, stretching, compression and other techniques require holistic understanding of the human body, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia, as well as the structures that lie within the superficial tissue.

Time and labor intensity required for massage make it difficult for physicians, physical therapists, nurses, occupational therapists and athletic trainers to include massage with their own interventions and responsibilities.