Massage, in essence, is a physical activity where the connection between client and practitioner is mediated through touch. Any communication takes place primarily at the level of tissue and physicality. This can lead to a view of massage as the application of standard techniques to physical tissues, in particular skin, muscles and bones, with little scope for feeling or energy. This can also exclude relationship, whether between giver and receiver or self and body.

     Such physical approaches include the tradition of routine massages such as are often found in the beauty therapy salon or the sauna rub-down. There is also technically highly proficient massage, employing sophisticated skills, performed by sports therapists and bodyworkers who still see their work as an interventionist or 'fix it' activity. This can become impersonal in intention and execution, approaching the human body in the same way as a mechanic might service a car!