Updated: September 2026 Arthritis is not one condition. Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have different causes, risks and treatment pathways. Massage may help some people with surrounding muscular tension, comfort or...
Updated: September 2026 Lymphatic drainage massage is often marketed as a way to “detox” the body, flush out toxins or reset the lymphatic system. That language is misleading. The lymphatic system is part of the body’s fluid-management and immune network, and...
Updated: September 2026 Tension-type headaches are common. They often feel like pressure or tightness around both sides of the head, face or neck and may be associated with scalp or neck tenderness. Massage may help some people with relaxation and muscular discomfort,...
Updated: September 2026 Myofascial release is a broad term used for hands-on or self-treatment techniques applied to muscles and connective tissue. It may help some people with short-term pain, stiffness or range of motion, but claims that it “breaks up fascia”,...
Updated: September 2026 Massage can feel calming and may help reduce muscular tension, but anxiety and depression are medical conditions that require a more careful explanation than “massage boosts feel-good hormones.” Massage is best viewed as a complementary...
Updated: September 2026 Massage may help some people feel more relaxed and physically comfortable before sleep, but it is not a treatment for insomnia or other sleep disorders. The strongest reason to use massage for sleep is indirect: reducing muscular tension,...
