The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) reports that massage can help release contracted muscles and lengthen tight ones. In addition, the Mayo Clinic concurs that massage is useful in the treatment of stiff and sore muscles.

The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that deep-tissue massage is more effective and affordable for relieving chronic pain than conventional medical remedies. Because deep-tissue massage increases the flow of blood through the body, it helps reduce the inflammation that causes pain.

Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise and improving vascular function in people who do not exercise, suggesting massage has benefits for people regardless of their physical activity level.

According to a study at Vanderbilt University, Massage Therapy also increases the circulation of blood. If the muscles are too tense, circulation often slows, decreasing the amount of nutrients in the body thus slowing down the excretion of toxins and wastes. This impaired circulation causes illness, a less rapid healing process, and problems involving the structure and function of the body. Massage therapy can aid the lymphatic system to excrete wastes when injured and aid the body in the removal of toxic by-products.

For those people who suffer from chronic stress, and all of its various, possible side-effects like tension headaches, rigid shoulders and tight muscles; massage can be a relief. Massage can help increase the body's production of serotonin, the hormone that promotes happiness and good feelings.

Massage helps ease stress and tension, which can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure. According to a University of Maryland Medical Center study, people who had a deep-tissue massage saw their systolic pressure drop by an average of 10.4 mm Hg and their diastolic pressure drop an average 5.3 mm Hg.