Massage therapy is defined as "the manual manipulation of muscular structure and soft body tissues of the human body (including muscle, connective tisssue, tendons and ligaments). Massage modalities have been used for thousands of years by people living all over the world as a means of naturally treating both mental and physical body ailments.

Today, scientific studies show that massge therapy improves functions of the lymphatic system, reduces stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body, helps regulate hormones and can prevent many injuries.

The subject of prevention and fitness is extremely important. Many sportsmen and women choose to have regular massage treatments not only for injury and workout recovery but also as a preventative treatment and for improved performance. In addition to targeting specific problem areas, having regular treatments also helps you achieve an all-round feeling of wellbeing.

​Massage involves two types of responses:

• mechanical responses as a result of pressure and movement as the soft tissues are manipulated
• reflex responses in which the nerves respond to stimulation.

Effects on the Skeletal System

• Massage can help increase joint mobility by reducing any thickening of the connective tissue and helping to release restrictions in the facia.
• It helps to free adhesions, break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation. As a result it can help to restore range of motion to stiff joints.
• Massage improves muscle tone and balance, reducing the physical stress placed on bones and joints.

Effects on the Muscular System

• Massage relieves muscular tightness, stiffness, spasms and restrictions in the muscle tissue.
• It increases flexibility in the muscles due to muscular relaxation.
• It increases blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle. This reduces muscle fatigue and soreness.
• It promotes rapid removal of toxins and waste products from the muscle.

Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Massage can:

• improve circulation by mechanically assisting the venous flow of blood back to the heart
• dilate blood vessels helping them to work more efficiently
• produce an enhanced blood flow; delivery of fresh oxygen and nutrients to the tissues is improved and the removal of waste products, toxins and carbon dioxide is hastened via the venous system
• help temporarily to decrease blood pressure, due to dilation of capillaries
• decrease the heart rate due to relaxation
• reduce ischaemia (ischaemia is a reduction in the flow of blood to body parts, often marked by pain and tissue dysfunction).

Effects on the Lymphatic System

Massage helps to:

• reduce oedema (excess fluid in the tissue) by increasing lymphatic drainage and the removal of waste from the system
• regular massage may help to strengthen the immune system, due to increase in white blood cells.

Effects on the Nervous System

• Massage stimulates sensory receptors: this can either stimulate or soothe nerves depending on the techniques used.
• It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and the reduction of stress.
• Massage helps to reduce pain by the release of endorphins (endorphins are also known to elevate the mood).

Effects on the Skin

Massage can bring about:

• improved circulation to the skin, increased nutrition to the cells and encouraging cell regeneration
• increased production of sweat from the sweat glands, helping to excrete urea and waste products through the skin
• vaso-dilation of the surface capillaries helping to improve the skin’s colour
• improved elasticity of the skin
• increased sebum production, helping to improve the skin’s suppleness and resistance to infection.

Effects on the Respiratory System

• Massage deepens respiration and improves lung capacity by relaxing any tightness in the respiratory muscles.
• It also slows down the rate of respiration due to the reduced stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system

Effects on the Digestive System

Massage can:

• increase peristalsis in the large intestine, helping to relieve constipation, colic and gas
• promote the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which stimulates digestion.

Effects on the Urinary System

• Massage increases urinary output due to the increased circulation and lymph drainage from the tissues.

Massage can help to:

• reduce stress and anxiety by relaxing both mind and body
• create a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem
• promote positive body awareness and an improved body image through relaxation
• ease emotional trauma through relaxation