Health Benefits of Massage

People often wonder if there are any real health benefits associated with massage therapy. At Pain.com our concer is what are the pain releif benefits associated with massage? According to a WebMD article, "Many types of massage offer benefits beyond simple relaxation." 

Below is a list of health features associating massage with pain relief.

• Back pain: A 2003 study demonstrated massage worked better than acupuncture or spinal modification for persistent low back pain,  reducing the need for painkillers by 36%. Other studies reveal a correlation of back pain relief to massage.
• Headache: Multiple studies have shown a clear relationship with the relief of headache pain to massage. Massage therapy can improve sleep and may reduce migraine frequency.
• Osteoarthritis: In the first clinical trial looking at the effectiveness of Swedish massage for knee osteoarthritis, participants who received a one-hour massage either one or two times a week had improvements in pain, stiffness, and function. The control group had no such change.
• Cancer: Used as a complement to traditional, Western medicine, massage can promote relaxation and reduce cancer symptoms or side effects of treatment. It may help reduce pain, swelling, fatigue, nausea, or depression, for example, or improve the function of your immune system.
• Anxiety: A review of more than 12 studies shows that massage helps relieve depression and anxiety. It lowered levels of cortisol by up to 50%. And massage increased levels of neurotransmitters that help reduce depression.

Caution: Always consult your doctor or health care professional prior to pursuing any therapeutic strategy.

Ref: WebMD. Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits. Health and Balance. Accessed online November 27, 2009