How is the Treatment?

Usually a brief medical history will be taken to determine the most appropriate form of massage for you. For some types of massage you will be asked to undress down to your underwear and lie on a massage couch, where you will be covered with warm towels or a sheet. The room should be warm enough to allow you to relax fully. Certain forms of massage, such as Indian head massage, are performed through clothing. Oils may be used as in Swedish massage or aromatherapy, and either the whole body or just a certain part, such as the feet in reflexology and pedicure, the hands in manicure will be massage.

Time taken

A massage can last anything from 20 to 90 minutes, depending on whether it's a partial or full massage, but commonly takes 30 to 60 minutes.

What is it used for?

Massage is often used to alleviate stress and aid relaxation, to relieve pain and to facilitate healing from injury. It's a part of many cancer care programmes and is also used for premature babies, infants, young children and older people. It also plays an important part in sports therapy.

What is it?

Massage involves different types of touch, pressure or flowing movements applied to the skin and underlying tissues to release muscular tension and pain, relax the body and enhance wellbeing.

What does it involve?

Touch is used to locate areas of stiffness, pain or tension and then various techniques involving pressure, friction or stretching of the skin are used to promote circulation and release tension. Oils or powder may be used to enable smooth, flowing massage movements.

How does it work?

Massage of the skin and underlying tissues increases circulation of blood and lymph fluids, which is thought to increase oxygenation of the tissues and aid the removal of waste products. Massage is believed to stimulate skin receptors and the nervous system triggering the release of ‘feel-good’ chemicals, known as endorphins that help us relax. It may also help ‘block’ pain signals.

What is the evidence?

Studies have shown that massage may help relieve stress, anxiety and pain, especially back pain and fibromyalgia (a condition with painful, stiff and tender muscles and joints) and can lower blood pressure and heart rate. It's been shown to give short-term benefits to those undergoing chemotherapy, by relieving anxiety and depression, and to offer some help for certain physical conditions such as constipation and menstrual pain.