Physical therapist Geeta Peethambaran says the therapy is used mostly for people who have had lymph nodes removed. There is loss of oxygen in the tissue and then that causes a delay in healing. We facilitate the lymph to get it back through existing channels and permanently teach the body to handle it again. But most people seeking a massage are looking for simple relaxation or relief from stress-induced aches or other minor pain. If you're dealing with major pain, says Anderson, you probably should look for someone who has more than basic training.
Most massage therapists can deal with minor aches, though.
There is increasing palpable literacy when you're a massage therapist.