The most important difference between these two comes from their usage and focus. In general, the spa is more focused on creating a feeling of comfort and relaxation in a private and quiet place with music. Massage, on the other hand, is mostly used for therapeutic purposes and to help physical and mental problems.

While massage experiences can be pretty hit or miss (if you know, you know), research suggests regular massage therapy can help reduce chronic low back and neck pain and relieve symptoms of depression, among other benefits.

Spa therapy can refer to a water treatment, as in a hot tub or spa. Or it can refer to any number of wellness treatments available at a spa. Massage therapy is one of those treatments. There are many types of massage therapy, but all involve rubbing and manipulating the muscles to reduce tension.

The main differences between what most people would consider a traditional massage and clinical massage therapy is the targeted nature of the massage, the level of pressure and patient involvement. Many therapeutic massages are targeted at deeper muscle groups that require greater pressure to reach.