So, what are the effects of massage?

• Warms the skin, subcutaneous layers and muscle tissue.
• Improves venous and lymphatic flow.
• Increases cell permeability (cells expand, the warmer membrane becomes thinner, therefore easier to take in nutrients and expel waste).
• Speeds removal of waste and supply of nutrients.
• Some techniques can be deeply relaxing (eg vibrations).
• Some techniques stimulate peripheral nerves and fight or flight (eg hyping up from tapotement)
• Erythema of skin.
• Reduces adhesions between skin and underlying soft tissues.
• Reduces muscle hypertone and decompresses tissue
• Reduces scar tissue.
• Increases range of movement.