For many years, massage therapists have been taught to approach cancer with considerable caution. Some older massage texts even describe cancer as an absolute or relative contraindication to massage. One of the main fears has been that massage might somehow “spread” cancer by increasing circulation or physically moving cancer cells through the body. Other concerns
Massage is usually thought of as something that works on muscles, joints and other tissues. But pain is not produced only where an injury occurs. Chronic pain also involves changes in the spinal cord and brain. A recent animal study explored whether massage might influence these central pain-processing systems. The study focused on neuropathic pain,
Massage Therapy for Post-Exercise Muscle Repair Massage is widely used to reduce soreness, improve recovery and help clients feel better after exercise. However, some of the traditional explanations for why massage works are not well supported by current research. A review of the physiological evidence suggests that massage can have useful effects, particularly on soreness