Massage

Conditions
Evaluation
Treatment

Conditions

Research studies have shown that the benefits of massage include reducing heart rate, lowering blood pressure and increasing blood circulation and lymph flow. It also relaxes muscles, improves range of motion and increases endorphins, which all can enhance medical treatment. Therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, although it can stimulate weak and inactive muscles, which helps to compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity caused by illness or injury.

Massage can be used to treat a variety of stress-related physical conditions, including:

• Fatigue
• Anxiety and depression
• Pain, including muscle tension, back, shoulder and neck pain
• Headaches and migraines
• Repetitive stress injuries

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007