Massage therapy has come a long way in western culture but there are still some lingering massage therapy myths and misconceptions that can hold people back from reaping the amazing health benefits of regular massages. So, let’s clear up the confusion once and for all and see why you should be utilizing massage consistently in your health routine.

The Top 5 Massage Therapy Myths

Massage Therapy Myths: #1 - The benefits of a massage are temporary

How many times have we all thought this? Massage is great but I’m not getting long lasting results. While you might feel your best immediately after a massage, the effects last considerably longer than we might realize. 

See, muscle has a memory and you are training your body’s musculoskeletal system to hold itself the right way through massage therapy. With every massage you get you are either healing dysfunction or keeping your body out of dysfunction by not waiting until something is wrong. Listening to massage therapy myths can hold you back from getting the healing you deserve.

Massage Therapy Myths: #2 - All massages are the same no matter where you go

Every massage is completely different. You can have a terrible massage, an average massage with some relief, or one that can be life changing. But in order to have a good massage, the first thing you need to figure out are your goals for the session. 

By clearly communicating your goals with your therapist they can come up with an effective plan for you. Yes, sometimes the massage therapist is the problem and simply not a good fit for you, but so much of the time the therapist may be unclear about what is needed or what you are experiencing personally to complete the puzzle of how to best fit your needs.

However, it is also important to seek out a therapist who clearly communicates their specializations so you know you are going to someone who can actually help you. Whether you want help with a sports injury, lymphatic drainage, or the best spa massage of your life, doing your research and choosing the right therapist before your session will automatically help you have a better massage experience.

Massage Therapy Myths: #3 - Massages are only for relaxation

Yes, massages are relaxing and that in itself is a powerful tool in your health journey. But this is only a small part of what a massage can do for you. Typically we don’t notice something is wrong in our body until we have lost 70-80% of function in an area. Regular massage therapy breaks up pain cycles and tension throughout the body to keep this dysfunction from developing further.

Studies have also shown that massage therapy can lower blood pressure, (1) alleviate mood swings, improve blood flow, and lower your body’s stress hormone, cortisol. (2) Instead of confining massage as a nice relaxation luxury, start realizing it is active and preventive health care, adding to your well being now and in future. 

Massage Therapy Myths: #4 - You shouldn’t interrupt your therapist during a massage

Although you should try to relax and “let go” you should always be willing to speak up! Learn when something is painful with a purpose to help heal and restore versus when something just hurts. There is a difference and you should be able to tell your therapist if something doesn’t feel right. 

Also, the first couple of visits are key in forming a baseline of what you might be experiencing to help the therapist know if you are on the right track. Your therapist should be confident in their ability, but each body and issue is uniquely different and this layer of communication helps you achieve your desired outcome. As you get to know one another this will become less spoken and more understood intuitively by your therapist of what needs addressed.

Massage Therapy Myths: #5 - You shouldn’t get a massage when injured

With injuries our first instinct is to ice it, rest, and limit touch and movement. Massage is usually the last thing on our minds. However, evidence is now showing that completely isolated rest is not helpful unless something is actually broken. By doing this, we are actually setting back the healing process by not seeking out skilled therapists who can assist with range of motion to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

While it’s important to note the massage may be more painful initially, it will allow for quicker healing and decrease in pain. Be strategic in the type of massage you seek out with someone who has a background in medical massage or kinesiology/physical therapy to judge whether you are a good candidate for a massage.

Even though some of these massage therapy myths can have a little bit of truth behind them, they don't hold weight when you are properly informed. Don't let these myths hold you back and schedule a massage today!

Ready to see how massage can benefit your health? Book your next appointment here.

photo: unsplash.com

References:

1. Givi, Mahshid et al. “Long-term effect of massage therapy on blood pressure in prehypertensive women.” Journal of education and health promotion vol. 7 54. 3 Apr. 2018, doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_88_16
2. Field, Tiffany et al. “Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy.” The International journal of neuroscience vol. 115,10 (2005): 1397-413. doi:10.1080/00207450590956459