Whether you’re experiencing back pains or just need a way to relax after a stressful day at the office, massage is the perfect way to sooth an ailing body and mind, but why does massage feel so pleasant? How do massages work at a physiological level?

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Flexing Your Muscles

Vigorous exercise and other injuries can cause micro-tears in your muscle fibers. While it repairs the injured muscle tissue, your body triggers an inflammatory response.

Inflammation is a necessary immune reaction that helps the body prevent infection, but it can cause redness and joint pains in the process. A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that massage reduces the production of cytokines, proteins that play a substantial role in the immune system and inflammatory response.

The study also found that massage stimulates mitochondria. These organelles convert glucose into usable energy for the cells, allowing for expedited repair.

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According to a consumer survey conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association in 2013:

• 26% of American adults received a massage in the last five years.

• 43% of Americans who had a massage from July 2012 to July 2013 received it for medical reasons, including:

o Injury rehabilitation

o Pain management

o Soreness/stiffness

o Overall wellness

• 32% received a massage to reduce stress.

• 88% believe massage can effectively reduce pain

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Making the Connection

The cells and tissues in your body are held together by a web of protein fibers known as the fascia.

Your fascia also repairs bones, muscle tissue, and superficial cuts.

However, when it gets too worked up, your fascia can lose its flexibility and cause pain and tightness. Stretching can alleviate this tightness, but fascia has a tensile strength of up to 2,200 pounds per square inch.

When fascia is warmed up, it can become almost liquid. When it cools, it returns to its jelly-like state. Massaging adds energy, movement, and heat to your fascia, allowing it to become more pliable to relieve the tension in your muscles.

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The 2013 AMTA consumer survey found that 62% of doctors or health care providers strongly recommended massage.

These recommendations came from:

• 53% of physicians

• 42% of chiropractors

• 41% of physical therapists

An overwhelming 96% of massage therapists believe massage therapy should be considered a part of the health care field.

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The Relaxation Response

The warm, caring, safe touch of a massage triggers the relaxation response, which is noted by:

• Reduced heart rate and breathing rate

• Reduced blood pressure

• Reduced production of stress hormones

• Relaxed muscles

• Increased levels of serotonin

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Resources:

• http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/06/how-massage-heals-sore-muscles/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

• http://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation

• http://arthritis.about.com/od/inflammation/f/cytokines.htm

• http://www.amtamassage.org/infocenter/economic_industry-fact-sheet.html

• http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/1325/The-Science-of-Massage

• http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/massage-therapy/how-

does-massage-work