Massage used to only be available at high-end spas or health clubs. Some people viewed it as a luxury for the wealthy or a code word for illegal activities. Now massage is widely available and viewed as an important tool in promoting mental and physical health.

Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure. It's generally considered part of integrative medicine.

For most patients, massage therapy is an important part of specific medical treatment plans to help them return to daily activities. For example, massage therapy is helpful after joint replacement surgery or injury.

Physical benefits of massage include:

1. Improved circulation
2. Decreased muscle stiffness
3. Decreased joint inflammation
4. Better quality of sleep
5. Quicker recovery between workouts
6. Improved flexibility
7. Less pain and soreness
8. Strengthened immune response