Therapeutic Massage is quite different from a spa massage. It is used to work with various medical conditions. A first time client may spend extra time at his or her session to complete a very thorough intake form detailing current and past health complaints. This type of session may retain a large relaxation element to it but advanced techniques are likely to be used for pain and chronic health issues.

People can also use this type of massage as a standalone treatment. Some people receive massage regularly to keep themselves in good physical condition; athletes, for example, regularly make appointments for sports massage, which is a form of therapeutic massage specifically designed for people who engage in athletic activities on a regular basis. Massage may be used as part of a general wellness program for people ranging from secretaries worried about muscle strain to construction workers who want to keep their muscles loose, strong, and flexible.

A therapeutic or clinical massage practitioner will see a client very frequently for the first few weeks or months. This might include hour massage two times a week, or weekly hour massage for a couple of months. Advanced techniques such as Deep Tissue Massage, Trigger Point Therapy and Myofasical Release etc. may be used in the therapeutic massage sessions.