Massage therapy is an alternative healthcare solution that has been used for centuries to promote healing and well-being. Massage therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including muscle pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, and more. Massage therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients feel better. Some of the most common techniques used in massage therapy include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and trigger point massage.

1. Stress Reduction:

Studies have shown that massage therapy can help alleviate stress and anxiety.2,3 Massage therapy can help to increase the production of endorphins, which are natural opiate-like chemicals that can decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. Massage therapy also can improve the body’s natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

2. Post-Exertional Myalgia Syndrome (PEMS):

Post-Exertional Myalgia Syndrome (PEMS) is a condition that can occur after strenuous or over-exertional activity.5 The condition is characterized by pain in the muscles and joints after activity. While there is no specific treatment for PEMS, massage therapy can be used to help reduce the discomfort associated with the condition.

3. Headaches:

Massage therapy has been shown to help treat headaches. For example, a study published in the journal, Headache, found that massage therapy can be as effective as prescription medications for the treatment of migraine headaches.

4. Neck and Back Pain:

Massage therapy can be used to help alleviate back and neck pain. A study published in the journal, Physical Therapy, found that massage therapy was just as effective as acupuncture and as effective as traditional Western physical therapy for the treatment of chronic neck pain.

5. Cervical Dystonia:

Cervical Dystonia is a condition that can cause neck and shoulder pain. Massage therapy can help to relieve this type of pain. A study published in the journal, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that massage therapy was effective for treating chronic cervical dystonia.

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the joints.10 Massage therapy can be used to help reduce the pain and stiffness associated with this condition. A study published in the journal, Rheumatology, found that massage therapy was effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints.12 mybodyshop  therapy can be used to help alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with this condition. A study published in the journal, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, found that massage therapy was effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia.

8. Arthritis:

Massage therapy can help to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Massage therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis.

Conclusion:

Massage therapy can be used to help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain during cancer treatment.17 Studies have also shown that massage therapy can help to improve a patient’s physical and psychological recovery following a cancer diagnosis.