Massage therapy has gained a lot of ground as a complement to conventional medicine. Research studies conducted in the past decade have shown that massage has medically beneficial effects – such as lowering blood pressure and increasing oxygen absorption – in addition to its ability to relax both the mind and tense muscle tissue.

Massage therapy is the manual manipulation of the body’s soft tissue to prevent or reduce pain and stress, and to promote health and well-being. The success of massage therapy has spawned many methods, systems and types (e.g., Swedish, shiatsu, trigger point therapies).

All massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissue – kneading, pressing or stroking – by a practitioner licensed from an accredited school. Associated with relieving stress and anxiety, massage has been used to supplement the treatment or management of soft-tissue injuries, physiological and emotional disorders, and pain.

People with pre-existing conditions or diseases should consult their physician before undergoing massage therapy. Massage may not be appropriate for certain conditions, including high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain skin conditions.

Massage therapy has existed as a healing discipline for thousands of years. Although it is often associated with Eastern culture, massage therapy was practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans.

However, the father of modern Western massage therapy was a Swede named Per Henrik Ling (1776-1839). Ling developed a system that integrated massage and active and passive exercises. His system spread quickly from Sweden and is today known as Swedish massage. Swedish massage remains the most common type of massage performed around the world.

Massage is often referred to as a type of complementary medicine. This means it is used in conjunction with (and not as an alternative to) conventional medicine. For instance, a physician may recommend massage therapy following an operation or along with prescribed medication.

Generally, massage therapy improves circulation of blood and lymph. By improving the circulation of blood, a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients are distributed throughout the body. Increasing the flow of lymph helps to remove more waste and toxins.

The direct action of massage – the kneading, rubbing and so forth – mechanically helps these substances to circulate. Massage can stimulate nerves and normalize muscle contraction, which also helps improve circulation.

This can have positive effects on a large number of conditions, injuries and illnesses, including:

• Allergies
  
• Acute and chronic pain
  
• Anxiety, stress and depression
  
• Asthma and some upper respiratory diseases (e.g., bronchitis)
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
  
• Circulatory disorders
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Digestive disorders (e.g., constipation and diarrhea)
  
• Headaches and migraines
  
• Insomnia
  
• Myofascial pain
  
• Sinusitis
  
• Sports-related injuries (e.g., pulled muscles, sprained ligaments)

The University of Miami School of Medicine’s Touch Research Institute has conducted more than 100 studies on the effects of massage therapy and found significant benefits in many areas. For instance, massage therapy appears to help preterm infants to grow, decrease levels of glucose in people with diabetes, increase pulmonary function in asthma patients, improve immune functions for people with HIV and for cancer patients, alleviate depressive symptoms, reduce pain and stress hormones, and boost mental alertness and performance.

Other studies also appear to support the notion that massage therapy promotes good health. Researchers recently found evidence that massage therapy can reduce pain and improve function of knees affected by osteoarthritis.

Another study found that massage of infants 6 months old and younger facilitates sleep and reduces stress and crying episodes.

Although generally safe, massage therapy is not a cure-all, and qualified, licensed professionals do not claim it to be. In some cases, massage should not be performed, or performed only with caution. Generally, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should talk with your physician before undergoing massage therapy.

>In general, massage should not be performed if you have:

• Some forms of cancer
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the veins)
• Blood clots
• Bleeding disorders
• Cardiac conditions, such as hypertension
  
  
  
  
• Certain skin conditions, including contagious conditions
• Unhealed fractures
• Open wounds
• Burns
• Infection
• Significantly impaired sensation (check with your healthcare provider)

Many different types of massage systems have appeared. Some practitioners may apply the elements of several styles. Some styles of massage use light pressure, and some use deep pressure. Some styles utilize skin oils or lotions, while some do not. Be sure to talk with your massage therapist before your appointment to make certain you know what to expect. Also, check to make sure your massage therapist is well-trained and is licensed in the state in which he/she practices. Although the various techniques of massage are almost too numerous to count, a few of the more common massage systems include:

• Swedish massage. The most commonly used form of massage therapy. Strokes, kneading and friction are applied to the superficial layers of muscles and combined with active and passive movements of the joints. Friction is the deepest stroke in the repertoire of Swedish massage. In this technique, deep, specific strokes cause underlying tissues to rub against one another, increasing blood flow and circulation.
  
  
• Deep-tissue massage. Focuses on deeper muscle layers, using slow strokes and deep finger pressure to release tension.
  
  
• Trigger-point therapy. Concentrates on trigger points – tender or irritated areas on muscle – to alleviate muscle spasms and pain. Also called neuromuscular therapy or myotherapy, it is similar to acupressure.
  
  
• Shiatsu. A Japanese/Chinese system in which pressure is applied to special points on the body. It is similar, but not identical, to acupressure, which uses finger-pressure techniques on specific areas on the body.
  
  
• Reflexology. Focuses on the feet or feet and hands to affect other parts of the body. Points on the feet and hands are believed to be connected to certain organs and tissues; massaging these points affects the corresponding body part.
  
  
• Chair massage. Performed with the person seated in a special chair with cushions supporting the front of the body and face. It is also called corporate or on-site massage because it was originally developed for the workplace, with sessions lasting no more than 30 minutes.

Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions related to massage therapy: 

1. Do you recommend massage therapy for me?
   
   
2. What kind of massage therapy is right for me?
   
   
3. Do any of my medical conditions cause special concern regarding massage therapy?
   
   
4. What if I feel pain during my massage therapy?
   
   
5. Can you recommend a massage therapist?
   
   
6. Would massage therapy help with any of my symptoms?
   
   
7. How long should my massage session last? Will a shorter session provide the same benefits?
   
   
8. How much can I expect my massage therapy to cost?