Massage is a "hands on" treatment in which a therapist manipulates muscles and other soft tissues of the body to improve health and well being. Varieties of massage range from gentle stroking and kneading of muscles and other soft tissues to deeper manual techniques. It helps relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. Although massage affects the body as a whole, it particularly influences the activity of the musculo-skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Sports and remedial massage can particularly focus on problem areas highlighted by the client, although the practitioner will treat these issues from the perspective of the body as a whole.