Massage therapy is proven effective in easing tightness and pain in lightly to moderately stressed muscles--it is also used in alleviating chronic pain. A 2001 study in the Archives of Internal Medicine discovered that massage was far superior to acupuncture in relieving chronic lower back pain. After 10 weeks, nearly three-fourths of the 262 patients studied said massage was "very helpful" in relieving their pain. Patients who got regular massage treatments were four times less likely to become bedridden due to chronic pain. The authors of the study concluded, "massage might be an effective alternative to conventional medical care for persistent back pain."

Massage is also extremely safe. When performed by an experienced, licensed professional, therapeutic massage can relieve pain, tension, knots, and soreness in the body. Those suffering from open wounds, eczema, broken bones, or advanced osteoporosis should talk to a doctor before making an appointment with a massage therapist, for some massage may cause further damage in frail bodies. This is especially true with more forceful forms of massage like shiatsu. Still, massage is overwhelmingly beneficial for most patients, and can help ease the majority of aches and pains one may have.