Benefits of massage
Massage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative
medicine. It's increasingly being offered along with standard treatment
for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of
massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of
massage, some studies have found
massage may also be helpful for:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people
enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and
connection.
Despite its benefits,
massage isn't meant as a replacement for
regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying
massage and be
sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.