Muscle massage may speed healing

Molecular benefits to rubbing overworked areas include reduced inflammation

Offering a modern take on an age-old remedy, scientists report that the satisfaction one gets from rubbing sore muscles seems to have tangible roots. Massages might lessen pain-inducing inflammation in muscles and boost healing in the process.

Researchers from Ontario and California have found clear molecular signs that overworked muscle cells respond to being manipulated by massage.