According to the Massage Therapy Act (1991), "the practice of Massage Therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function or relieve pain."

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In short, massage therapy aims to treat dysfunctions and symptoms related to soft tissues (fascia, muscles, ligaments, viscera) and joints through manual manipulation techniques. This type of bodywork is typically done through applying pressure and movement to the soft tissues with the arms and hands, or massage therapy tools, to encourage circulation and relieve tension that cause pain. The role of a massage therapist is to identify your source of pain through the information given in your health history and conducting orthopaedic assessments. Once a clinical impression is formed, the massage therapist will choose and apply specific massage techniques to the indicated soft tissues to alleviate the source of the dysfunction and symptoms it may cause.