Why do I hear popping during a massage?

Massage is the practice of rubbing and kneading the body using the hands. During a massage, a trained massage therapist will apply gentle or strong pressure to the muscles and joints of the body to ease pain and tension.

During a Thai massage, the therapist uses their body to move the client into a variety of positions. This type of massage includes compression of muscles, mobilization of joints, and acupressure.

In another study involving 60 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, researchers found that 3 weeks of Thai massage provided the same pain relief as 3 weeks of ibuprofen.

Lymphatic drainage massages are gentle massages of the tissues that help to increase lymph fluid circulation. Lymph is a protein rich fluid that circulates throughout the body through lymph vessels. It carries things such as bacteria, viruses, or waste to your lymph nodes. The fluid is then filtered by your lymph nodes to remove any impurities. To increase lymph flow through your body, the massage should be done using light pressure and long strokes.

Ever wondered what cupping therapy was? Continue reading to find out more about this alternative therapy and what you can expect during treatment.

Despite its benefits, massage isn't meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you're trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have.

Before prescription medication, the main treatment for ED was prostatic massage. Some men still use it along with other treatments. Learn...

Sports massage is a good option if you have a repetitive use injury to a muscle, such as what you may get from playing a sport. It’s also a good option if you’re prone to injuries, because it can be used to help prevent them.

To increase the flow of energy along the sens, the practitioner will move your body into yoga-like positions in addition to pulling and rocking your body in various ways.

Your massage therapist may play music during your massage or talk to you, but you can tell him or her if you prefer quiet.

Muscle knots, while painful, can be treatable. We provide information about your treatment options as well as when to visit a doctor.

Deep tissue massage is best for giving attention to certain painful, stiff "trouble spots" in your body. The massage therapist uses slow, deliberate strokes that focus pressure on layers of muscles, tendons, or other tissues deep under your skin. Though less rhythmic than other types of massage, deep tissue massage may be therapeutic -- relieving chronic patterns of tension and helping with muscle injuries, such as back sprain.