Improved circulation and relief of muscle soreness are claims that are often heard when discussing the benefits of massage. However, the science has never really been able to validate such claims, until now. A recent study by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago showed that massage therapy improves general blood flow and alleviates muscle soreness after exercise.

“Our study validates the value of massage in exercise and injury, which has been previously recognized but based on minimal data,” said Nina Cherie Franklin, UIC postdoctoral fellow in physical therapy and first author of the study. “It also suggests the value of massage outside of the context of exercise.”