Which of the following is NOT an effect of massage?

• A. Promotes relaxation
• B. Increases muscular flexibility
• C. Decreases scar tissue in tendinitis and pain
• D. Reduces blood flow to skin

Answer: (D)

Massage tends to increase blood flow to the skin and underlying tissues, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients, promotes a relaxed state through the parasympathetic response, and can improve tissue pliability. It may also aid remodeling of scar tissue by breaking down adhesions and guiding collagen alignment, contributing to pain reduction in tendinous problems. The idea of decreasing blood flow to the skin is not aligned with how massage works; the typical vascular response is increased perfusion, not reduction. So the statement about reducing blood flow to the skin is not an effect of massage.