According to a study published online in Science
Translational Medicine by researchers from the Buck Institute for Research on
Aging and McMaster University in Hamilton Ontario, massages aid the growth of
new mitochondria in skeletal muscle, and help to reduce inflammation. Many
athletes would attest to the fact that massages help in treating pain, and
speed up recovery, but now scientists have the evidence to go along with their
testimonies.
The researchers looked at the genetic data of muscle
biopsies taken from 11 young men's quadriceps after strenuous exercise sessions
on a stationary bike. One of the 11 men was chosen to have one of his legs
massaged. Prior to the massage, biopsies had been taken of both legs, another
was taken 10 minutes after the massage, and the third, 2.5 hours later.
Massage therapy is the 5th most globally used form of
alternative medicine - with about 18 million people taking part in massage
therapy methods. Although there have been studies that say long-term massage
therapy can help with range of motion and chronic pain, the biological benefits
of massage for skeletal tissue were previously unclear.
This study was funded by the National Sciences and
Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Glenn Foundation for Medical
Research, and a donation from the Warren Lammert family.
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