Massage and Immunity

Massage effects on immunity, related hormones and lymph activity

Coughs, colds and flu are probably some of the biggest challenges for any athlete, whether professional or amateur. The innate and adaptive immunity systems are our defence mechanisms. Hormones, being chemical messengers of the body, have a unique position in directing specific processes; research suggests that massage can affect hormones, particularly the regulation of cortisol.

Collective studies are now showing many positive effects of massage therapy on decreasing anxiety and cortisol levels, while increasing immune function in both healthy and immunedeficient people. Research at the Kessler Medical Rehabilitation Center in the USA showed that there was an immediate reaction on the body following massage, rather than after a series of treatments. The benefits appear not only in healthy individuals but also in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer.

Similar positive results have been recorded when monitoring the improvement of the lymphatic system following massage. Although it is difficult to link it directly to increased immune function, there are indirect benefits that cannot be disputed. Elkin and colleagues found that massage increased lymph flow by 7-10 times (Elkin, Herrick, Grindlay, Mann, De Forest Effects of various procedures on the flow of lymph, Archives of Physical Medicine
1953; 34:31).

So what does this mean for athletes?

Training as most people know, can upset the regulation of cortisol, through either acute or chronic training loads. This training can also lead to decreased white blood cell and NK cell numbers. Immunity is decreased, and our energy resources can be diverted towards keeping the body healthy state. Depleted energy resources, dysfunctional cortisol levels and decreased immunity levels are three states that any athlete would be wise to avoid during a period of training. Although the jury is out on so many of the supplements that are on offer, massage comes up as one of the best things that athletes can use to support themselves, not only on a physical level by ironing out aches, pains and strains, but also as a boost to the innate and adaptive immune systems. Regular massage can bring about a more flexible body, not in a musculoskeletal sense but in terms of adaptability to fight off pathogens, can lower blood pressure, can increase a sense of wellbeing and can decrease any symptoms of fatigue that, unregulated, may lead to illness.
N.B. Cortisol is usually known as the ‘stress hormone’ as it is involved in the response to stress and anxiety. It Increases blood pressure and blood sugar and reduces immune responses.

Excerpts taken from article by Humphrey Bacchus in SportEx Dynamics Issue 21 July 2009