Relaxation of the muscles due to the warmth created, the response of reflexes and due to the removal of waste that may have built up.

The blood is pushed along aiding with carrying oxygen and nutrients to muscles and removing deoxygenated blood and waste thus improving the muscle condition.

Reduced pain and muscle fatigue when there is a build up of metabolic waste following anaerobic exercise.

Warms muscles and helps them contract more easily improving performance, and reducing the risk of injury such as sprains and strains.  Most useful when performed as part of the warm-up with stretching for exercise.

Elasticity of muscles improved due to the manipulation allowing fibrous adhesions to be broken down and stretching of fascia around fibres and bundles allowing the muscles to function normally

Deep massage movements will stimulate blood flow to the periosteum (a layer of connective tissue covering bones) and indirectly increase blood supply to the bones

Circulation around joints will be increased and joint structures will become nourished

Any adhesions in structures around joints will be loosened such as friction movements across a ligament.

Full range of movement will be maintained, especially with passive movements.

Increased release of synovial fluid around joints and possible reduction of inflammation in the case of injury or local trauma

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Increased blood flow which provides more oxygenated blood and removed deoxygenated blood

Increases speed of blood flow and releases any accumulation of metabolic waste

Dilated arterioles and capillaries which in turn improves the metabolic rate and condition of tissues

Warmth due to increase blood flow

Reduced viscosity of blood

Reduced blood pressure

Cooling of the body when the surface capillaries respond to gentle stroking

Increases speed of lymph in the lymphatic vessels

Increased and faster transfer of fluid across vessel walls thus preventing oedema and swelling of tissue.

Increased rate of removal of larger particles of waste and blockages

Increased relaxation as the sensory nerve endings are soothed by massage

Increased vigour and energy when sports massage is delivered in vigorous and brisk manner

Effect on pain sensors if massage is too hard or too light causing pain or tickling accordingly.

Temporary pain relief to nervous impulses causing a numbing sensation in the local area where pressure may be applied.