Massage is that the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Massage techniques are commonly applied with hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, feet, or a tool . the aim of massage is usually for the treatment of body stress or pain. an individual who was professionally trained to offer massages was traditionally referred to as a masseur (male) or a masseuse (female), but those titles are outmoded[citation needed], and carry some negative connotations. within the us , the title massage therapist has been recognized as a business norm for those that are professionally trained to offer massages. In professional settings, clients are treated while lying on a massage table, sitting during a massage chair, or lying on a mat on the ground . In amateur settings, a general purpose surface sort of a bed or the ground is more common. Aquatic massage and bodywork is performed with recipients submersed or floating during a warm-water therapy pool.