It's generally considered part of integrative medicine. Massage is increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. If you have never tried massage, read on to learn about its many benefits.

But, when it comes to the medical community, the proof is in the pudding research. The latest research has shown (on a cellular level) that massage therapy helps the body heal. Even after one session, the body starts responding to massage therapy.

Studies of massage benefits have found massage can: Help reduce stress. Lessen pain and muscle tightness. Increase relaxation.

Therapeutic massages help relieve muscle and joint pain, treat specific problems, reduce stiffness, increase blood circulation throughout the body, and help heal injuries, in contrast, regular massages aim to only provide temporary relief without trying to heal the root of the problem.