Athletes put a lot of strain on their bodies. The constant pressure on their bodies from intense workout routines and playing sports can cause aches that are hard to endure. The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) stated that a massage helps to improve performance, can reduce aches and pain, possibly prevent injury, encourage focus and shorten an athlete’s recovery time. Massage essentially involves two response types–mechanical and reflex. Mechanical responses are a result of pressure and movement. Reflex responses are when the nerves respond to the stimulation of a massage. A study conducted by scientists at Buck Institute for Research on Aging at McMaster University in Ontario focused on the specific benefits of massage. It stated that massage reduced inflammation and promoted the growth of new mitochondria. Mitochondria are the energy-producing units in the cells that follow intense exercises and workouts. A massage can also help aid in preventing any serious injuri