As a licensed Massage Therapist I have to agrue the benefits of massage: :

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:
Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
Ease medication dependence.
Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
Increase joint flexibility.
Lessen depression and anxiety.
Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
Reduce postsurgery adhesions and swelling.
Reduce spasms and cramping.
Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
Relieve migraine pain.
A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:
Decreased anxiety.
Enhanced sleep quality.
Greater energy.
Improved concentration.
Increased circulation.
Reduced fatigue.
Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:
Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
Preterm infants have improved weight gain.
Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

Last evening I worked on a lady with fibromialgia and she was delighted with the pain realse and euphoira she experienced from release of endorphins. The was nothing sexual about this it was simply the result of streaching all the muscles in her body. The comments on massage just being extensive forplay are very repulsive to to anyone in my profession.

After accidents and physical therapy, I'm sure this has a degree of medical value. . .but once again, I can't ignore the percentage of women who seem to be okay with paying for nothing more than extended foreplay. . .

I approve of massage. It is helpful and does not oversell itself. It is scientific in that it can help people relax, relieve aching muscles, and temporarily lift a person's mood. That is massage. Massage therapy is a whole different ballgame. Massage therapy is often a massage plus a metaphysical explanation about some sort of energy or structure being balanced, unblocked, transferred, harmonized, tuned up, or aligned. Massage therapy also claims to heal and cure disease. Unfortunatly no scientific proof backs up these claims except for anecdotal testimonials. People make claims that a certain therapy can heal disease or make cures or have some metaphysical result, without scientific proof, have to speak more loudly as I hear that troublesome duck loudly quacking in the background!

I don't care if it is considered quackery by some (probably never tried it)...when you’re suffering from tension, stress and have a knot the size of a baseball in your back and someone has the ability to work it out - sans drugs - then I'm all for it. I have a certain amount of faith in the medical professions but, I don't buy everything they say hook, line and sinker. There are scam artists of every ilk out there – some with credentials some without. I think the best way to proceed with any of them is to educate yourself as much as possible and proceed with caution. But, never ever underestimate the therapeutic advantages of a good massage when you are physically and mentally maxed out!

I'm holding off on the "happy ending" joke...

There's nothing really "new age" about Massage.It's benefits have been enjoyed for thousands of years and today its many benefits have been well researched.Insurance companies are even starting to cover it in certain instances.Although not a "cure all",most people can benefit from Massage Therapy.It is a proven stress-reducer,it stimulates circulation,lowers blood pressure,facilitates recuperation from injury and releases toxins built up in the muscles.Some techniques also help to drain the lymphatic system.Of course,certain people need to check with a Doctor before getting a Massage.If you have a Heart Condition,Blood pressure complications,Varicose Veins,Cancer,Diabetes,Osteoporosis or other health issues it may be contraindicated.Many athletes experience improved performance when regular massage is added to their regimen.It is important to educate yourself about different kinds of massage,and also to check out the credentials of the Massage Therapist.If he or she does not ask fairly specific questions about your health first,beware.