How does massage therapy affect the body

Condition analysis:
Although scientific research on massage therapy -- whether it works and, if so, how -- is limited, there is evidence that massage may benefit some patients. Conclusions generally cannot yet be drawn about its effectiveness for specific health conditions.

According to one analysis, however, research supports the general conclusion that massage therapy is effective. The studies included in the analysis suggest that a single session of massage therapy can reduce "state anxiety" (a reaction to a particular situation), blood pressure, and heart rate, and multiple sessions can reduce "trait anxiety" (general anxiety-proneness), depression, and pain. In addition, recent studies suggest that massage may benefit certain conditions.

Instructions:
Bruising Basics: Bruises, also called muscle contusions, are areas of skin where the damage occurs to underlying muscle fibers or connective tissue, causing bleeding beneath the skin. Since the skin is not broken, the blood spreads out beneath the skin, giving the appearance of black, blue or purple on the surface. The more blood involved, the larger the bruise.