A study published in Annals of Family Medicine in 2014 found that 60-minute therapeutic massage sessions two or three times a week for four weeks relieved chronic neck pain better than no massage or fewer or shorter massage sessions.

Massage relaxes both muscles within the body and the nervous system. This combination of release assists in chiropractic treatment by lessening stiffness and tension before adjustments.

Massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness, especially after exercise, according to a study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

An increase in range of movement happens during a massage due to increased muscle and myofascial tissue elasticity which reduces muscle tightness, tension, and overall pain.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association; in a study on the effect of trigger point therapy, there was a significant decrease in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure.

Massage therapy decreases delayed onset muscle soreness, in addition to any stiffness and fatigue after a strenuous activity such as a sporting event allowing for a quicker recovery time and better flexibility.