Massage reduces muscle stiffness

Muscle soreness after exercise is painful and disabling. Eccentric exercise (stretching muscle contractions) such as downhill walking or negative repetitions often cause muscle soreness by inducing muscle injury and secondary muscle inflammation. Most studies have concluded that popular remedies such as ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Advil) and heat do not accelerate healing and recovery. Several studies have found that massage reduces inflammation after eccentric exercise and promotes recovery, especially when massage is performed immediately after exercise.

An Australian study showed that massage reduced muscle stiffness even in people who had not exercised. The scientists measured calf muscle stiffness using a technique called ultrasound shear elastography. The massage only reduced stiffness for a short period of time, but it was effective.

(Scandinavian Journal of Medicine Science Sports, published online December 8, 2014)