A spa massage is a straightforward session using classic Swedish techniques. Your therapist will usually use light to medium pressure, at your preference, and the session's goal is to help you relax. The environment of this kind of massage is geared towards creating a blissful experience with soft lighting and soothing music. There are usually add-on treatments such as body scrubs, mud applications, and hand and foot treatments, and may be scheduled in packaged visits. Therapeutic massages are different. The setting is more likely to be in a clinic, private practice office, or hospital. First-time clients may spend part of the session, or extra time, providing details of current and past health issues and complaints. Although this kind of treatment may provide a strong element of relaxation, the many advanced techniques employed by a registered massage therapist are designed to address chronic health and pain issues. It is also likely that subsequent and frequent sessions will be recommended to improve the status of the conditions in question. Your physiotherapist, primary care provider, or massage therapist/RMT will design a treatment plan catered specifically to your needs. Both areas of massage therapy can have tremendous benefits to your overall health and wellness, and the more you know about the specific differences between the two will help you get exactly the treatment you are seeking.