Massage has physiological effects on multiple body systems. It affects the circulatory system by increasing blood flow, velocity and oxygen content while decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. The nervous system is impacted through the release of endorphins which reduces pain and lowers alpha motor neuron excitability. Massage excites muscle contraction and tone while improving fatigue and electroexcitability. It also boosts metabolic, respiratory, excretory and skin functions by enhancing blood flow, oxygen delivery, waste removal, relaxation and temperature regulation.

1. PHYSIOLOGICAL
EFFECTS OF MASSAGE
Harishini M.G
2nd year bpt

2. CONTENT
1. Massage
2. Physiological effects of massage
◦ Effects on circulatory system
◦ Effects on nervous system
◦ Effects on muscular system
◦ Effects on metabolic system
◦ Effects on respiratory system
◦ Effects on excretory system
◦ Skin

3. Massage
1. Massage is a scientific treatment, by certain passive systemic manipulation upon the
skin of the human body
2. Act of rubbing, kneading, or stroking
3. It is for the purpose of modifying nutrition, restoring power of movement
4. Used to manipulate the body’s tissue

5. Technique
1. Stroking manipulation
◦ Superficial Stroking
◦ Deep Stroking
1. Pressure manipulation
◦ Kneading
◦ Petrissage
◦ Friction

6. Cont....
1. Vibratory manipulation
◦ Vibratory
◦ Shaking
1. Percussion manipulation
◦ Hacking
◦ Beating
◦ Pounding

8. Effects on circulatory system
1. Change in skin color due to increased circulatory flow, blood velocity & blood
viscosity.
2. Effect on BP, HR, skin temperature & oxygen consumption.
3. Increased release of histamine from mast cells , basophills , platelets from blood
initiates triple
4. response :
◦ 1. Dilation of minute blood vessels
◦ 2. Flush (flare of redness) around area
◦ 3. Slight swelling

10. Effects on nervous system
1. Spinal motor neuron excitability of spinal reflex pathways is reduced due to
decreased H-reflex.
2. Inhibitory influence on alpha motor neuron excitability but no carryover effect.
3. Releases endorphine – reduces chronic pain

12. Effects of muscular system
1. Affects muscle fatigue
2. Affects degree of muscle tone
3. Excite muscular contraction
4. Increase the electro excitability of the muscle

13. Effects on metabolic system
1. Increase blood flow
2. Increase oxygen supply
3. Provides proper nutrition supply to the system
4. Removal of waste product
5. Increase arterial blood flow and venous drainage
6. Increase various metabolic activities

14. Effects on respiratory system
1. Encourages deeper breathing
2. Calms the nervous system down
3. Loosening the intercostal muscles allowing the rib cage to expand
4. Lowers blood pressure and moves congestion
5. Generates heat to raise the respiratory rate and body temperature
6. Stimulates proprioceptors in the joints and increases respiration

16. Effects on excretory system
1. Kidney :
By deep abdominal and lumbar massage stimulates the renal plexus (which
supplies the kidneys). This will result in increased blood supply to the kidneys and there
by it helps in improving functions of the kidney.
2. Activities the urinary system.

18. Skin
1. Massage has shown increase in skin temperature, increase sweating and decrease
resistance to electrical current
2. It softens the skin
3. It directly acts on the skin causes removal of dead cells
4. Release tension and relax the muscles, reducing the appearance and development of
wrinkles

19. Thank you.......