If the word "stressed" is the catch phrase you use to describe your life, have no fear! Massage therapy is the perfect way to relax your mind, your body and your wallet.

Stress on the body can occur for any number of reasons. Most often, people who exercise or play sports on a consistent basis tend to build up a chemical called lactic acid, which forms when muscles lack oxygen for extended periods of time. This acid accumulates and forms pockets, causing you to feel tight spots of pain, sometimes called knots but technically referred to as "trigger points."

The purpose behind massage therapy is to release these pockets of lactic acid from your muscles and allow oxygen to circulate back into your muscles. This leaves both you and your muscles feeling much more relaxed.

Dr. Kimberly Trainer, director of the American Spa Academy & Signature Clinic, 300 S. Allen St., says her regular patients most often complain of pain from soft tissue injuries.

When Trainer gives a massage, she begins by looking for muscle tightness, which indicates that the muscle is shorter than normal. By using kneading and cross-fiber friction massage techniques on the muscle, the tightness is decreased and the fibers eventually return to their normal length.

Metabolic waste is then flushed from the muscle to the lymphatic system and bloodstream.

"I encourage patients to drink at least a quart of water after a massage," Trainer explained. "The toxins released during the treatment are very concentrated. Not only does the water help flush the toxins from the body, but it thins them out."

Trainer also has walk-in clients who seek treatment for stress reduction. Long, gliding strokes known as effleurage are used in those cases. A therapist uses low, medium or deep pressure on the area, depending on the client's request. This classic technique increases activity in your parasympathetic nervous system, which is the system that tells other parts of your body to slow down. This decreases blood pressure and breathing, making you feel relaxed.

"Everything slows down in your body and sometimes people fall asleep -- that's a compliment to us," Trainer said.

She warns that because of lowered blood pressure, you should be careful in getting up to prevent dizziness.

When it comes to figuring out which type of massage therapy is right for you, David Wolin, vice president and teacher at the Central Pennsylvania School of Massage, 336 S. Fraser St., says the most popular and basic kind is the Swedish massage.

All of the strokes are directed along your circulation path toward your heart. This helps the body rid itself of waste products, even on the cellular level. Wolin says it is a very relaxing and stress relieving massage; however, each person can have a different experience afterward. Some may be relaxed for the rest of the day, and others may have extra energy and be able to focus more clearly than before.

"You play better and feel better after a massage. You're a nice human being to be around," said Wolin.

Leslie Detwiler, a massage therapist at Perfect 10 & More Day Spa, 322B E. College Ave., also recommends a sports massage, which is more vigorous and deep into the muscle and tissue. She also uses a technique called reflexology.

"Each part of the body corresponds to points on the hands and feet. By applying pressure to certain spots on the hands and feet, you can affect certain parts of the body."

She also recommends getting a massage at least once a month to keep your muscles healthy and your spirit in good shape.

Most massages cost between $30 and $40. Some therapists offer monthly rates to regular customers, and some insurance companies may cover massages as a wellness therapy. Detwiler emphasizes that price should not be a deciding factor.

"It's not just about getting a massage, she said. "It's about positive energy."