DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I’d appreciate hearing what you have to say about massage. I had practiced my tennis serve for hours every day for more than a week. I developed a pain in my back at the lowermost part of the shoulder blade. I tried everything to get rid of it — Aleve, ice, heat and rest — but it didn’t get better. I even saw a doctor, who called it a muscle strain but didn’t have any advice for treatment. He said time would heal it. I finally decided to have a massage. After one session, I felt so much better, I couldn’t believe it. After two sessions, the pain had all but gone. I am now devoted to massage. How about you? — A.J.

ANSWER: Massage has been around since human history has been recorded. I’m for it — for some conditions. I had a situation similar to yours, and massage got rid of it for me. I don’t think it’s appropriate for all illnesses, but I do believe it works for some. Most of the evidence in favor of massage is anecdotal, supported only by testimonials of people. That’s not scientific evidence.

However, recent scientific studies have shown that massage gets results for many conditions. It has been effective in relieving pain and increasing the range of motion for some people with osteoarthritis of the knee. It has been demonstrated to have success for low back pain — not for all, but for a number of people. It definitely relieves muscle spasms. I wonder if a preventive massage would stop the muscle cramping that happens to many older people when they’re in bed?

Massage increases blood flow to muscles and tissues, and that encourages healing. It reduces swelling, which is another factor that enhances healing. If you intend to use massage for an injury, first check with your doctor to see if there are contraindications to it.

Massage techniques are many. Effleurage employs smooth, gliding strokes. Petrissage is a kneading and rolling technique. Tapotement involves striking the body with cupped hands. Practitioners often employ a combination of strokes.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: I gave blood for the first time last week. How long after blood donation should you rest?

I’m a runner. I want to continue to give blood, but I want to continue to run, too. — D.E.

ANSWER: The donation center should have given you instructions covering activity.

Most people are allowed to be as active as they care to be after one day of rest. The blood count takes a full month to get back to normal. The amount of blood taken isn’t enough to reduce you to prolonged inactivity.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Some time ago (it could have been a couple of years ago), you had a recipe for making your own sports drink. Will you please repeat it? — W.M.

ANSWER: I’ll give you one that I have used in the past. I have more. I didn’t devise any of them.

Add one tablespoon of sugar, a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of orange juice to 8 ounces of cool water. After you stir the mixture, refrigerate it. If you’re doing hard work in hot weather, you’re going to have to mix more than one batch.

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: A group of us older men, all of whom have had heart surgery, walk daily and on most days swim. None of us has any trouble with the walk. I have trouble with the swim. I’m out of breath before reaching the end of the pool. Why? — L.P.

ANSWER: Walking at 3 miles an hour burns around 5 calories a minute. Swimming the crawl burns about 9 calories a minute. It’s much more demanding exercise than a slow walk. I think that’s the reason for your breathlessness. Have you been cleared for exercise by your doctor? Just asking. If you haven’t, get clearance.

Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com.

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