There is surprisingly little research--real research--into how, why, or if massage actually helps with pain.
Why is that? Well, for one thing, a study needs a control group--people who think they are getting a treatment or medication, who aren't. Well, how do you do 'fake' massage? You can't--the person in the control group will know if they are being massaged or not!
Most of us know, instinctively, that massage feels good, is calming, is helpful for the nervous system. It is a rare person who does not crave a good shoulder rub when neck and shoulders are stiff and painful from sitting, driving, schlepping little kids around, digging ditches, milking cows, pruning trees (personal experience here!)
Here is the study--one of the better ones on the subject.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3570565/
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