Massage therapy is the manipulation of the body's soft tissues. Manipulation (application of pressure) of the body's soft tissues is used to help the body heal itself and to increase a state of overall health and well-being.

Chiropractors or massage therapists apply pressure, either fixed or movable, to different areas of the body, thereby increasing circulation. This increased circulation in turn increases blood flow and oxygen to your body tissues.

When applying pressure, a therapist will primarily use their hands but can also use their forearms and/or elbows. When done correctly, massage therapy can aid in the elimination of waste products from the body, speed healing and assist in recovering from some diseases.

An increasing number of research studies show massage therapy reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation, relaxes muscles, improves range of motion, and increases endorphins. Although therapeutic massage does not increase muscle strength, it can stimulate weak, inactive muscles and, thus, partially compensate for the lack of exercise and inactivity resulting from illness or injury. It also can hasten and lead to a more complete recovery from exercise or injury.

Research has verified that:

1. Office workers massaged regularly were more alert, performed better and were less stressed than those who weren't massaged.
2. Massage therapy decreased the effects of anxiety, tension, depression, pain, and itching in burn patients.
3. Abdominal surgery patients recovered more quickly after massage.
4. Premature infants who were massaged gained more weight and fared better than those who weren't.