General Benefits of Massage
General benefits of massage:
Musculoskeletal System - p90 applied force…recovery of muscle properties, some influence on muscle remolding and protein turnover during muscle disuse. Massage may reduce muscular tension, reduce hypertonicity, improve soft tissue function, decrease stiffness and fatigue after exercise, improve exercise performance, decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and reduce serum creatine kinase post exercise. Several studies have indicated increased range of motion (ROM) after massage, which may be the result of decreased pain or stiffness, decrease muscle tightness, or changes in the joint itself. Although most studies do not indicate improvement in flexibility after massage, there is evidence that massage reduces tension in muscle tendon units which may influence how muscles lengthen. Massage to trigger points has been shown to relieve pain, increase ROM, and restore function. Pressure over trigger points has been shown to affect parasympathetic nervous system activity and influence heart rate and other factors, such as reduce headaches and back and neck pain. Increased blood flow and temperature may also optimize muscle function and decrease muscle spasm and tightness. Massage after athletic events has been though to decrease post exercise soreness (DOMS). Massage may improve muscle health and function, especially when combined with active or passive movements. Massage has also been reported to influence balance and postural control. Massage reduces spasms and assists in restoration of symmetric neuromuscular functioning. Restoration of joint motion, increased circulation, decreased muscle spasm, and other massage benefits may influence bone health or healing.
Cardiovascular System - Massage has been reported to decrease blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and cause variations in heart rate (heart rate variability). Changes in blood pressure might result from reduced activity of the sympathetic nervous system by physiologic and psychological mechanisms, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortical axis function, and increased blood flow, which affect endothelial function. Massage is safe for individuals with cardiovascular disease who are undergoing treatment, surgery, or rehabilitation. Early studies demonstrate increases in blood platelet count after massage, which suggest massage promotes tissue healing. Improved blood circulation from massage theoretically enhances delivery of metabolic fuel, promotes removal of metabolic by-products, and improves gas exchange.
Connective Tissue - Focusing on loose and dense connective tissues, deep cross-fiber friction may help in reduced scar tissue formation, decreased adhesion formation, and treat tendinitis.
Skin - Massage increases skin temperature though changes in peripheral blood flow, which might indicate improvements in eczema, including decreases in redness, lichenification (rough, thickened, dry skin), scaling, excoriation (crusting skin),and pruritus (itching). Massage also reduced scarring after burns.
Nervous System - Induce neural inhibition and decreases pain. Decreases in neuromotor excitability after massage, suggesting massage reduces muscle tension through changes in nuromotor excitability. Shifts away from sympathetic to parasympathetic nervous system activity - relaxing and refreshing effect, decreased anxiety, and may be used to provide comfort. Neurotransmitters may be effected - endorphins (reduce pain), serotonin (regulates mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, and muscle contraction), dopamine (helps regulate heart rate and blood pressure and indirectly affects pituitary function and muscle movements).
