Therapeutic massage helps combat the effects of aging by enhancing tissue elasticity and promoting joint flexibility.
Massage confuses the body's pain signals by sending soothing, good feeling signals to the brain along with the pain signals. The brain interprets this as less pain.
Massage also stimulates the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killer.
A study at John Hopkins showed that massage decreases the degree and length of depression people experience coping with day-to-day life.
Most athletes find that regular massage helps in the recovery time after hard training and also improves their performance and skill levels. Runners tend to improve their times.