Which is a therapeutic effect of massage?

• A. Facilitate healing
• B. Decreased ROM
• C. Increased edema
• D. Increased pain

Answer: (A)

Massage therapy promotes healing by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. By applying systematic manual techniques, massage increases blood flow to injured tissues, delivering oxygen and nutrients needed for repair while helping remove inflammatory byproducts. This enhanced perfusion supports the natural healing process and can reduce swelling and muscle tension, which in turn can improve movement and reduce pain over time.

Options that imply worse outcomes—such as decreased range of motion, more edema, or more pain—do not align with the typical goals of massage. Instead, massage tends to support ROM, reduce edema, and lessen pain, making facilitating healing the best answer.