Massage can increase flexibility and range of motion. Massage can decrease edema. Massage can stimulate lymphatic circulation, thereby hastening the elimination of waste products and toxic debris within the immune system. Massage can either sedate or stimulate the nervous system depending on the technique used. Massage relaxes muscle spasm and relieves tension.
Massage can help relieve pain or the perception of pain.
Massage can help decrease depression and anxiety. Massage increases the number of red blood cells, and can be helpful in cases of anemia. Massage helps to overcome harmful byproducts of fatigue resulting from strenuous exercise or injury. Massage improves tone and helps prevent or delay muscular atrophy resulting from forced inactivity. Massage stretches connective tissue, improves its circulation and nutrition and so breaks down or prevents the formation of adhesions and reduces the danger of fibrosis.