Preparing for your treatment

The benefits of massage

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As more and more research is done on the effectiveness of the many massage therapies available, we are coming to understand that there are tremendous benefits to be achieved through regular massage treatments from a registered and fully qualified massage therapist. Whether for relaxation, reduction of muscle tension or the attaining of relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance the overall sense of emotional and physical wellbeing, especially when done over a period of time giving the body and mind time to heal. 

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Massage therapy is safe for work with a variety of clients of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury, rehabilitation and disability (Ernst, 2003; Grant, 2003). 

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General benefits of therapeutic Swedish massage:

• Helps relieve stress and promotes relaxation (Cooke et al., 2000)

• Reduces heart rate and blood pressure (Keer, 2000)

• Improves symptoms of fibromyalgia (Li et al., 2014)

• Helps relieve delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) (Zainuddin et al., 2005)

• Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and sprained ligaments; reduces pain and swelling; reduces formation of excessive scar tissue

• Reduction in pain levels, both in the short and longer term, as well as potential benefit in acute on chronic low back pain (van Tulder et al., 2005)

• Reduces back and neck pain, osteoarthritis of the knee and headaches (Busse et al., 2017)

• Effective for many persistent pain syndromes (Skelly et al., 2020)

• Improved sleep (Meeks et al., 2007)

• Improves pulmonary function (Huth et al., 2005)

• Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion (Barlow et al., 2004)

• Improves symptoms, quality of life and wellbeing in patients with chronic disease such as AIDS/HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis (Uwimana et al., 2007; Liu et al., 2008)

• Enhances the health and nourishment of skin

• Assists and improves posture

Psychological and emotional benefits of massage therapy:

• Alleviates depressive symptoms (Coelho et al., 2008)

• Reduces levels of anxiety (Moyer et al., 2004)

• Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness

• Helps relieve mental stress and promotes peace of mind

• Enhances the capacity for calm thinking and creativity 

• Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch

• Fosters a feeling of wellbeing

• Creates body awareness

• Increases awareness of mind-body connection

Specifically, manual lymphatic drainage can (Vairo et al., 2009; Korosec, 2004):

• Stimulate the lymphatic system via an increase in lymph circulation

• Expedite the removal of biochemical waste from body tissues

• Enhance body fluid dynamics thus facilitating edema reduction (i.e. reduction of fluid retention)

• Decreasing sympathetic nervous system responses thus creating a non-stressed body state 

• Promote rehabilitation and healing post-surgery 

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Specifically, research into how massage can help people with a diagnosis with cancer can be found on Cancer Research UK's website.

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.