What are the health benefits of massage? - CrowdScience, BBC World Service podcast

Massage has been used for thousands of years to soothe our aches and pains and help us relax. But which techniques are backed up by evidence?
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CrowdScience listeners Catherine and Stacy are keen for us to untangle this knotty issue, so presenter Caroline Steel selflessly ventures from her desk to the massage table all in the name of science.
Is there such thing as a muscle 'knot' and can massage help to get rid of them? Does lactate build up in our muscles and need to be released? And why does rubbing sore muscles feel so good? We dig into the physiological and psychological aspects of what's happening in our bodies when we get a massage.
With scientists only beginning to study massage in recent decades, we put the research to the test with our many questions and even a bit of myth-busting. Can massage help us avoid injury or recover faster when we exercise? Does drinking water after a massage flush out toxins? Is self-massage or massage from a friend or family member just as good as that from a professional massage therapist? Can children benefit from massage?
Caroline talks to medical professionals and experts to find out what works when it comes to treating a stiff neck and tight muscles and unpacks the importance of touch in relieving the tensions of modern life.
Presented by Caroline Steel and produced by Sam Baker for BBC World Service.
Featuring:
● Cecillia Ljunggren, London School of Massage
● Mark Tarnopolsky, McMaster University
● Tiffany Field, Touch Research Institute, University of Miami Health System
● Wichai Eungpinichpong, Department of Physical Therapy, Khon Kaen University
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[@ddkratochvil5593]

Just sent this to my massage therapist. I have a standing appointment every two weeks. It’s great relaxation and has such positive benifits.

[@successwithnick]

It really gave me resonativr and serene way of listening and feeling the massage with my body

[@johneli495]

Massage can definitely reduce muscle pain

[@theresaombienetre]

Thank you so much for all those detailed informations ! Much appreciated!!

[@esparda07]

Yes

[@rvaremoval]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@alicelovescats888]

No mention of changes to muscle tone or joint range of motion, cross fibre or longitudinal stretching, or drainage of retained fluid?

[@knoxtan325]

Thanks👍

[@giangtrantra4727]

I have to give it a try

[@lilianaturaproject]

Great episode! Would have loved to hear about studies on massage and the lymphatic system.

[@CYR888]

Im too ticklish for a massage. I tried getting a full body one recently, and it was great, but as soon as she worked on my back, i just couldn't stay still and laughed at every touch. Weird.

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

Massage the important areas : 1. Head Area (deep press) on the important area can Prevent Stroke. 1. Head Scape, Side Temple (2 Sides), Tense Frozen Shoulder (2 Side), Frozen Tense Neck Back, Back (Entire). Muscle Artery Damage, Injury, Block, Frozen Tense area can aid speedy recovery. If the pressing finger is too tired to press hard enough. I recommend use Osim Hand Massager. I have very high HBP at 180-220 red reading but I never have head stroke and body damage from stroke. I use hand massager press directly to these tense area, painful till pain gone and tense area relief (entire head scape, temple, entire face, shoulders, back, butt area, kidney area). Good Blood Circulation, Relief Tenseness, if hands cannot bring up, shoulder side back area. After relief, hand can raise up. Believe me or not, can prevent heart stroke if apply control pressure at a sustainable time on the heart area which has blockage. Face Stroke (facial droop) happen to many women due to some kind disease that damage the facial nerve. Faster recovery. Home DIY Hand Massager (Osim Brand)

[@TarVongmatavee]

it works for me. it makes me feel relaxed.

[@MonikaMonika-yp6wf]

Beautiful

[@josiejung6751]

It works for me

[@erikpeterson25]

Worked for me 👍

[@ashokshinde4555]

Massage is incredible helling power it's really helpful

[@nicolebuckingham7659]

Such cool information! I’m glad more scientific studies are being done to see the true effects of massage. Love this!

[@wedablacks6425]

People should not use others to massage themselves

[@nicolebuckingham7659]

I am a massage therapist 😆. I enjoy helping people this way, and get paid well for it! And very much enjoy massages myself 😁

[@SoulStar47]

This is nonsense. Do yourself a favor and talk to a professional.

[@SoulStar47]

Toxins = Enocrine system and lymphatics...this interview sounds a bit lacking in evidentiary support. Talk to an actual massage therapist who has studied.

[@laurasarten6621]

I agree, borderline miss information

[@NealWilliams]

It's really odd that this popped up about an hour before I'm getting a massage! 😮😂

[@Uiiiiuybn]

Me too

[@josiejung6751]

Me too, i think they know everything

[@cesaravegah3787]

Massage is a very important part of therapy, it works

[@berryblulight]

does massage work ...come on...of course it works...it s one of the best things you can do for your body

[@Mckmeow]

@@moo8972though I agree, I think massage helps improve all those things you listed tenfold

[@kokopepito8152]

​@@moo89721:42

[@kokopepito8152]

​@@moo89721:42

[@thetechlibrarian]

@@moo8972any one of those things by them self's may not help but taken together as a whole

[@petersparshot4997]

Yes it works for me, a sports massage with a happy ending from a lovely thai lady

[@donnajazz7726]

What are the benefits of Nuru massage?

[@julienrocher1]

Classic Thai massage from Wat Po organisation is very different to Swedish. They massage your muscles as well as stretch your tendons.

[@rutchs7734]

A Massage by a certified masseur/masseuse does help ease your muscle tensions. I stick to Thai masage coz it works for me. Again, I must stress the importance of using the service of experts.

[@shajipk8676]

am having special skill sets for these

[@yohanawu7347]

I can’t live without massage. If I have a headache, I would get a massage instead of taking an ibuprofen

[@gantulgaganhuyag717]

It works! I had horrible back pain. I couldn't get up and walk. I never had a massage before. I never knew back pain was a thing. But then, I got probably one of the best feelings getting a massage ( I guess massage is either love or hate at first experience) I never noticed I never felt my back muscles. Only after that 90 minute hot stone deep tissue massage! Great experience and I was actually able to feel my back muscles moving! Kid you not I though back muscles were not controllable 😅

[@goldwingerppg5953]

Tough assignment. What about happy ending?

[@jenskruse1475]

I have never had the same benefotnfrom selfmassage as from "real" massage.

[@PraveenkumarYadav-gr3xy]

Jai hind yes

[@axisludi]

those wavy patterns are very annoying. interesting talk but if you make a video to post on KZbin, just make a video with relevant images

[@donkeykong516]

It’s stupid question, it’s like saying does salt taste salty

[@paulnhbtx713]

I get 3-4 massages per week. I never get sick.

[@samuellured2262]

I get zero massages per week. I never get sick. Correlation is not causation

[@movement2contact]

I had 0 massages in 40 years and only got COVID last year after 20 years of no sickness... What does that mean, professor? 🤔🤓

[@paulsz6194]

@paulnbtx713……Never get sick of massage’s ? 😉

[@paulnhbtx713]

lol same

[@BBCWorldService]

Subscribe to our channel here 👉🏽 bbc.in/3VyyriM

[@wedablacks6425]

Why are you advocating to abuse human beings to make those less fortunate massage your body? Why don't you just massage your own self?

[@nicolebuckingham7659]

@@wedablacks6425 I am a massage therapist and I don’t feel less fortunate. It’s a honor to be trusted with our most precious thing, Ourselves! To be able to help people feel better, help them mentally and physically is a honor. I love massaging and being massaged. If people felt less fortunate than hopefully they would find a new job.

[@upendasana7857]

@@wedablacks6425 what are you talking about ? stop saying stupid things like this and trying to make some stupid issue about something like massage that a professional trained masseuse gets paid for.Not sure what kind of massage you are talking about but you are talking absolute shite. Listen and you might actually learn something

[@haxhiber1340]

​@@nicolebuckingham7659iɓbɓ8pb

[@user-cc5od3zk4p]

It’s expensive. All of these therapies are expensive and people struggling to survive.

[@alicelovescats888]

Massage therapists also need to make a living. It’s hard work.

[@goldwingerppg5953]

Not in Thailand, it cost the equivalent of US $9 or $10 for a 90 minute message.

[@valkeryie5650]

Massage works, get 1 monthly

[@dbsurtanicolorsnscent386]

got happy ending?

[@fahadabdurrahman6262]

no

[@tailslapguru]

They are overpriced here in California

[@chadr4013]

Medically speaking, subjective at best, nothing at worst, middle ground is still a no.

[@unknowing203]

Private massage feels a lot better with a happy ending

[@Matt-cp9wh]

lol people never had a good msg so they might not get it

[@anthonycraig274]

There is no way anyone official will say massage doesn’t work because it’s a multibillion industry.

[@thepotionfairy6289]

No because they would be wrong actually. Anyone who believes massage therapy isn't beneficial is clearly seeing the wrong one or never had one to begin with.

[@CJ-lj9fb]

This has to be the dumbest click bait title I've seen on a video lately. Of course massage therapy works if you have a good massage therapist.

[@solapowsj25]

Medical supervision. Prescription from a registered practitioner is advised.

[@nitawynn9538]

I love massage with hot stones.

[@Lee-fr7hx]

Asian massage?

[@mouna1805]

Why do massage therapists touch butts and breasts and private parts ? Is it normal or is it sexual abuse and how to react or is it abnormal and abuse and how to avoid it? Should I tell them beforehand before the beginning of the session that I don't want them to touch me in on private parts ?

[@luislaz283]

Of course

[@upendasana7857]

Are you being serious ?? or are you trying to make jokes about sexual abuse and asaault? because of you are than it is in really bad bad taste. Obviously if there is any massage therapist doing this then it is abuse but I guess thats not really what this post it about huh ?

[@saraodoherty6787]

Massage Therapists work on the butt/glutes because that area holds a lot of tension (especially in women), which can cause low back pain, tight hamstrings, and other problems. Therapists can work the pec muscles (above the breasts), but should NEVER EVER undrape or touch the breasts or genitals. If they do, then yes, this is sexual assault and the “therapist” should be reported and have their license revoked. Your therapist should ask for your permission to work the glutes/pecs. If they don’t, and it makes you feel uncomfortable, tell them you don’t want them worked on. If you’re seeing a professional therapist, then your comfort/safety is their top priority. You can always speak up - even during the massage if you feel like they’re getting too close to your personal space.

[@mouna1805]

@@saraodoherty6787 wow thank you so much for your kindness. I was traumatized by massage therapists. I needed to heal sexual abuse trauma to stop attracting sexual abuse from human devils whether they are bad sexually abusive massage therapists and other human devils. I hope I find good massage therapists soon. Thank you Sara 💓🥰

[@catspiracytheorist2138]

If the massager at the spa is touching ur genitals and private parts then it is likely a rub & tug spa but that is mostly for men not women. A lot of times women can touch men sexually when giving them massage even if the man doesnt want them to and she will get away with sexual assault.

[@petersparshot4997]

love a happy ending i think most males get one at the end if the lady is a 10

[@paulsz6194]

Yes, we can see you are speaking on behalf Of a multitude of males here…🙄

[@w.almutairi3744]

No benefits unless you have muscle pain

[@druma9691]

NO IT DOESN'T WORK

[@pinkbunny-mr6hm]

Why

[@paulsz6194]

Yes, for You and three other people…accurate representation here…