There is much research that validates that massage therapy is an important component of a wellness program:
According to the American Psychological Association:
Source article: http://www.amtamassage.org/statement3.html
Bless This body
Therapeutic Massage
312-241-0329
LOCATION:
5115 N. Ravenswood Ave. #18
Chicago, IL 60640
(Inside the Dragon Life Systems building)
Millions of people around the world play sports and exercise, from the elite professional athlete to the novice just starting a walking program for general health and wellness benefits.
Sports massage can be used to improve athletic performance, speed recovery, and can be utilized by all individuals who participate in any athletic and/or exercise program to help improve conditioning and maintain peak performance. Research has shown that in relation to exercise and athletic participation massage can:*
Reduce muscle tension 4, 18, 19
Help athletes monitor muscle tone 4, 19
Promote relaxation 4, 18, 19
Reduce muscle hypertonicity 4, 18, 19
Increase range of motion 4, 14, 18, 19
Improve soft tissue function 4, 18
Support recovery from the transient immunosuppression state 6
Support the recovery of heart rate variability and diastolic blood pressure after high-intensity exercise.7
Decrease muscle stiffness and fatigue after exercise 8, 18, 19
Improve exercise performance 8, 9, 18, 19
Decrease delayed onset muscle soreness 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19
Be the most efficient intervention for maintaining maximal performance time in subsequent exercise tests when combined with active recovery from maximal exercise 12
Reduce serum creatine kinase post exercise 13
Reduce swelling 17, 19
Reduce breathing pattern disorders 18
Enhance athletic performance 4, 18, 19
May help prevent injuries when massage is received regularly 18, 19
Individuals who participate in exercise and athletic programs who seek enhanced performance, improved conditioning, faster recovery, injury prevention, and assistance in maintaining peek fitness can benefit from massage therapy given by professional massage therapists working within their scope of practice.
Source article: http://www.amtamassage.org/approved_position_statements/Massage-Therapy-for-Those-Who-Exercise.html