title: Massage--the scientific basis of an ancient art: Part 2. Physiological and therapeutic effects.
abstract: The physiological and therapeutic effects of massage are frequently questioned. This article reviews previous research into the effects of massage on blood flow and composition, oedema, connective tissue, muscle and the nervous system. Although further investigations are clearly required in certain areas, the discussion demonstrates that the use of massage in sports medicine can be justified according to orthodox scientific criteria.
authors.affiliation: School of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: G C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Goats
mesh_terms: D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D004487:Edema / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008405:Massage; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management; D010827:Physiology; D012586:Science