Massage and bodywork are both therapeutic approaches that involve manipulating the body's soft tissues to improve overall health and well-being, but there are some differences between the two.
Massage is a more general term that typically refers to a hands-on technique that involves kneading, stroking, and pressing the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. Massage may involve the use of oils, lotions, or other products, and it can be performed on the whole body or on specific areas that are experiencing pain or tension.
Bodywork, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a variety of therapeutic approaches that aim to improve the body's overall function and balance. Bodywork may include techniques such as massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, among others.
While massage is often focused on relieving tension and promoting relaxation, bodywork may be more focused on correcting imbalances and promoting optimal function. Bodywork may also be used to address specific health concerns, such as chronic pain, injuries, or postural imbalances.
In general, massage is a type of bodywork, but not all bodywork involves massage. Medical Massage bridges the gap between the two in my opinion. But Bodywork incorporates more movement and breadth work, and might also have more dry work, or oil-less as that can interrupt or alter a nervous system receiving stimuli.
