Does Massage Actually Work, or Is It Just Relaxing?

As a massage therapist, I rarely see clients who come in simply because they want to be pampered. Most people walk through my door because something hurts. Their neck is so tight they can't comfortably turn their head while driving. Their lower back aches every time they bend over. They're recovering from an injury, surgery, or months of sitting at a computer. They aren't looking for luxury—they're looking for relief. 

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is watching someone walk into the treatment room moving cautiously and then leave standing a little straighter, turning their head more easily, or simply looking relieved that their body isn't fighting them quite so much anymore.