Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It is increasingly offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension. These studies have found massage may also be helpful for:
Anxiety
Digestive disorders
Fibromyalgia
Headaches
Insomnia related to stress
Myofascial pain syndrome
Soft tissue strains or injuries
Sports injuries
Temporomandibular joint pain
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, you will enjoy massage because it produces feelings of caring, comfort, and connection. Despite its benefits, massage is not meant to replace regular medical care. Let your doctor know that you are trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans that your doctor prescribes.