Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsTypes of MassageSide Effects and RisksCostFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Types of Massage
Side Effects and Risks
Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Cultures around the world have used massage since ancient times. It is one of the oldest techniques humans have used to treat pain. Today, massage therapy treats stress,anxiety, and certain health conditions.
There are many different types of massage therapy, each with its own unique approach and benefits. During massage therapy, a massage therapist will use their hands, fingers, elbows, forearms, or a massage device to manipulate your body’ssoft tissues(muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia).The process releases tension and may relieve some symptoms and heal muscle injuries.
This article explains massage therapy benefits, types, side effects, and cost.
Jon Feingersh Photography Inc. / Getty Images
Health Benefits of Massage Therapy
People use massage therapy for pain, muscle injuries, and supportive therapy for some health conditions. The overall benefits of massage may include:
Research supports massage therapy for back, neck, and shoulder pain. However, most studies show that it is most useful for acute pain and less effective at treating chronic pain.
Benefits and Techniques of Oncology Massage
Depending on your situation, you may benefit from one of a variety of types of massage therapy. Some styles focus on overall relaxation and relieving muscle tension, while others focus more specifically on injured soft tissues. Often, massage therapists utilize multiple techniques as needed.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage, also called “classic massage,” is the most well-known massage technique in the world. It utilizes a variety of massage styles, including:
Massage strokes move from the extremities inward, toward the heart. The main benefits of this massage style include:
Studies have confirmed some benefits of Swedish massage. For example, in a 2017 quasi-experimental study, 48 intensive care unit (ICU) patients received a 30-minute Swedish massage. Immediately after and 30 minutes after, they showed reduced anxiety and improvedvital signs.
In addition, in a 2013 experimental randomized controlled trial, 16 participants withhigh blood pressurewere evaluated to see if Swedish massage could reduce blood pressure. Half of the participants received an hour of Swedish massage a week for four weeks, while the control group received rest at the same intervals.
After the trial, rest and massage reduced blood pressure and heart rate. However, Swedish massage had a more significant and sustained effect.
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Deep Tissue Massage
As the name suggests, deep tissue massage focuses on deeper muscles and soft tissue. While it uses a lot of the same style of strokes and movement as Swedish massage, it feels less relaxing and can sometimes be uncomfortable or painful. The purpose of this type of massage is to offer pain relief fromknotsor other soft-tissue-related pain and injury.
Some research supports deep tissue massage for pain relief, especially in the short term. For example, in a 2019 randomized controlled trial, researchers put 619 adults with neck pain into one of four groups: deep tissue massage, exercise, exercise and massage, or advice to stay active.
After one year, there were no significant clinical changes in pain. However, pain intensity in the massage and combination groups was improved in the shorter term (seven and 12 weeks) compared with the advice group.
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1:35Click Play to Learn More About Deep Tissue Massages
1:35
Click Play to Learn More About Deep Tissue Massages
Sports Massage
Athletes often receivesports massageto help with performance or rehabilitation from a sports-related injury. This type of massage focuses on the particular muscle groups relevant to the athlete’s sport.
Some research supports the use of sports massage in athletes. For instance, a 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis included 29 randomized studies that measured the effect of massage on sporting performance and recovery. While researchers found no evidence that sports massage directly improved performance, it did improve flexibility and delayed onset of muscle soreness.
Massage Therapy: What You Should Know
Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage utilizes unique stones that are heated and placed on your body. In addition, a massage therapist may hold the stones while they use a variety of massage styles. This style of massage typically promotes relaxation.
Some research has found benefits of hot stone for this purpose. For example, in a 2019 randomized controlled trial, 60 people on maintenancehemodialysis(kidney diseasetreatment in which blood filters through a machine) were assigned to a hot stone massage or control group.
The massage group received massages three times a week for four weeks. At the end of the study, participants who received massage showed significant improvements in their sleep quality compared with the control group.
Aromatherapy Massage
This type of massage promotes relaxation and pain relief. Some research supports this type of massage for these purposes. For example, in a 2017 randomized controlled clinical study, 46 people withneuropathic pain(a nerve dysfunction) were placed in a massage or control group.
The massage group received aromatherapy massage three times a week for four weeks, while the control group received routine care. The massage group’s pain scores significantly decreased compared with the control group, and their quality of life improved.
If you have fragrance sensitivity or a known allergy to scents, you should avoid an aromatherapy massage.
Pregnancy Massage
Apregnancy massage, also called a prenatal massage, can help people with the discomforts of pregnancy. Benefits of pregnancy massage include:
The massage style your therapist uses will probably be one or more of the Swedish massage styles, although they may incorporate others that suit your situation.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) considers pregnancy massage a safe choice that promotes relaxation and circulation.However, it is always best to check with a healthcare provider to evaluate your specific situation before scheduling one to be sure it is safe in your circumstance.
Unless the table has a cutout for your tummy, ACOG recommends lying on your side rather than your stomach. Seek out a massage therapist trained to work on pregnant bodies, and be sure to inform them that you are pregnant.
Reflexology
Reflexology stimulates the reflex maps on the hands, feet, and ears. A reflexologist uses their fingers and thumbs to put pressure on an area away from the reflex point to energize other body parts.
Thebenefits of reflexologyinclude:
While there is little research supporting it, people have experienced positive benefits from the therapy anecdotally. Since there is little risk, it is widely accepted.
Recap
Scalp Massage: Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Usually, massage therapy is safe. However, rarely, there may be some risks associated with it, including:
Due to the vigorous nature of the therapy, deep tissue massage may pose a greater risk. In addition, older people, who generally have higher health risks, may be more susceptible.
The cost of massage therapy varies depending on the massage therapist you choose and your geographic location. However, the national average price is $60 for a one-hour session.
Since costs can vary widely, check around and compare the prices and staff training. Referrals from people you know can also help you find someone who is reputable and affordable.
Summary
People use massage therapy for relaxation, pain management, and recovery from injuries. There are many types of massage therapy, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, prenatal massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy massage. Each has unique benefits, and research supports some types more than others. There is little risk associated with massage, but if you are at high risk of bone, nerve, or circulatory problems, you may want to check with a healthcare provider first.
A Word From Verywell
If you feel stressed or have a tight muscle, massage may be an excellent option to consider. Ask friends, coworkers, and family members for referrals to reputable massage therapists in your area, and be sure to tell your massage therapists about any health risks you have. In addition, let them know what makes you comfortable. For example, let them know what kind of pressure you prefer, and speak up if anything hurts.
Frequently Asked QuestionsA massage therapist gives massages. Most states regulate the industry, and therapists must be licensed or certified before practicing.How frequently you receive massages is a personal decision that depends on several factors, including the type of massage and your budget. Your massage therapist may recommend a frequency. Some people enjoy massages weekly, every other week, or monthly.
A massage therapist gives massages. Most states regulate the industry, and therapists must be licensed or certified before practicing.
How frequently you receive massages is a personal decision that depends on several factors, including the type of massage and your budget. Your massage therapist may recommend a frequency. Some people enjoy massages weekly, every other week, or monthly.
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18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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