What is it?

People have used massage since ancient times and there are many different types of massage, from traditions around the world. Usually, a therapist will ask you to lie on a massage table and techniques include rubbing, stroking, kneading or pressing.

How might it help?

Many people use massage just to relax. Athletes also rely on massage to stay in shape. Massage is often used to ease pain. There is a theory that it could help with depression and constipation but more evidence is needed. 

What about safety?

Massage is not suitable if you have certain problems. Some of these include varicose veins, a history of blood clots or bleeding disorders, or weak or broken bones. People with cancer should only receive treatment from a specially trained massage therapist, with the approval of their doctor. If you have wounds or bruises you should wait until these are healed.

Massage therapists are not currently regulated by law. You will need to check that your therapist has a valid qualification.

Where can I learn more?

General Council for Massage Therapies www.gcmt.org.uk where you can search online for a nearby therapist and also find website links to several other professional organisations for massage therapy.

We would like to acknowledge the use of information taken from the European Parkinson’s Disease Association website http://www.epda.eu.com