It is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the body by movements of the hands such as stroking, rubbing, kneading, pressing, rolling, and tapping. It is not a manipulation of the bones or joints. Massage can relieve some kinds of pain by relaxing the muscles and allowing improved circulation of both the blood and lymphatic system. It increases muscle tone and helps break down the body's products resulting from injury or trauma, thus causing pain. This means that there is an improved oxygen flow to, and a more effective process of waste elimination from the constricted area.
Digestion is improved, as is the immune system, and blood pressure can be lowered.
All this aids in the body's resistance of illness and disease. Regular massage or touch therapy is particularly beneficial with the aging pet, with the treatment arthritis and most importantly the maintenance of good health. The process of touch also stimulates the sensory receptors within the skin and the body's endorphines, the natural pain-killers, are released. Tissues and muscles are passively stretched, allowing for further relaxation of the area, hence more nutrients to the tissues. Touch is important in promoting socialisation.