First, like most bodywork therapies, the technique serves to relax muscles and connective tissue. Of course, this alone is sometimes reward enough. Any patient who has had a recent operation likely felt some nervousness regarding their preoperative condition and the surgery itself. Someone with an injury or pain may have been “guarding” the affected area (creating tension or experiencing spasms) for some time. Nervousness and guarding can lead to chronic muscle tension and contractures at a surgical site. Furthermore, major surgeries, such as amputations or the removal of large organs, can throw off the body’s center of gravity. Medical massage can help the patient to compensate and reestablish a sense of balance more quickly. Another benefit of post-surgical massage is its ability to loosen adhesions and scar tissue. Adhesions occur after a procedure when swelling causes normally separate tissues to fuse together irregularly. Moreover, scar tissue forms around incisions, not just externally but also internally, encouraging the formation of adhesions with internal structures. Tissue fusion can limit movement and result in a great deal of pain. Correct post-surgical medical massage can break up adhesions and reduce pain. Medical massage also stimulates blood circulation. This brings oxygen and nutrients to the wound site to help the body repair itself. Not to be underestimated is the ability of medical massage therapy to provide emotional comfort to the patient. This may be because of an increase the production of pain- relieving endorphins in the body. The simple matter of human contact in a non-judgmental environment is invaluable for alleviating anxiety and depression.