Registered massage therapy is one of the oldest healthcare practices known to humankind. The history of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BCE (or earlier) in India, where it was considered a sacred system of natural healing. Used by Hindus in Ayurveda “life health” medicine, massage therapy was a practice passed down through generations to heal injuries, relieve pain, and prevent and cure illnesses. It offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind, including stress relief, improved circulation, and enhanced overall well-being. Despite its widespread popularity and proven benefits, massage therapy is shrouded in myths and misconceptions. These myths can deter people from experiencing its advantages or create unrealistic expectations.
To set the record straight and help you make informed decisions about massage therapy, here are ten common myths debunked.
What Is Massage Therapy?
Before we debunk myths revolving around Registered Massage Therapy, we have to understand what RMT is first, how it can benefit us, and why we need to make it a part of our regular holistic wellness and health journey. Massage therapy is a hands-on technique involving the systematic manipulation of soft tissues. Using various techniques, therapists apply fixed or variable pressure on muscles and tissues using their hands and fingers. This ancient practice has evolved to serve numerous therapeutic purposes.
How Is Massage Therapy Used?
Massage therapy benefits both adults and children in various ways. Its primary purpose is to enhance blood flow and reduce muscular tension or flaccidity. Here are some of the many benefits of massage therapy:
- Improves posture
- Reduces emotional and physical stress and anxiety
- Promotes feelings of well-being
- Reduces muscle tension and stiffness
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Increases joint and limb flexibility
- Promotes deeper and easier breathing
- Enhances blood circulation and lymph movement
- Relieves tension-related headaches and eyestrain
- Accelerates the healing of soft tissue injuries
- Reduces scar tissue formation
- Promotes healthy skin
It is essential to receive massage therapy from a licensed professional. Ensure that you book your appointment with a reputable establishment to get the best care.
Common Massage Therapy Myths
Rumors can often lead to misconceptions about massage therapy. Here are ten of the most common myths and the truths behind them:
1. An Effective Massage Is a Painful Massage
Myth: “No pain, no gain” applies to massage therapy. A good massage should hurt.
Fact: A good massage does not have to be painful. While some discomfort might occur due to deep and concentrated pressure on knotted areas, it should not persist throughout the session. The aim is to release tension and promote relief, not to cause pain. Before the session, a therapist will typically ask about your preferred pressure level to ensure your comfort. Remember, this is your body and your wellness journey, no one deserves to tough out the pain.
2. You Can’t Interrupt a Therapist During a Session Even if You are In Pain
Myth: Once the massage session starts, you cannot interrupt the therapist and if you do, it is considered rude.
Fact: A skilled therapist ensures that the client feels comfortable throughout the session. You are encouraged to communicate any discomfort or request adjustments to the pressure. Therapists often ask for feedback to tailor the massage to your needs. If anything other than a “good hurt” is felt, the massage therapist should know right away. They will not be embarrassed or angry; they will be grateful.
3. The Body Feels Sore a Day After a Good Massage
Myth: If you don’t feel sore the next day, the massage wasn’t effective.
Fact: Soreness depends on the type of massage and your muscle condition. It is normal to feel tender the day after a massage, but it is equally normal not to experience soreness. Both scenarios can result from an effective massage.
4. Massage Therapy Only Affects the Muscles
Myth: Massage therapy only benefits the muscles.
Fact: While massage therapy primarily involves muscle manipulation, it offers numerous other benefits. It stimulates lymph nodes, enhancing lymph flow and reducing inflammation. Additionally, it increases blood circulation, promoting the distribution of nutrients and natural healing.
5. All Massages Are Practically the Same
Myth: All massage types are the same and provide identical benefits.
Fact: There are various types of massages designed to address specific conditions and ailments. At InPrana Clinic, I specialize and perform the following types of massages: deep tissue massage, swedish massage, face massage, shoulder massage and relaxation massage.
6. Massages Are Just Meant For Pampering
Myth: I should only get massages when I’m wanting to have a self-care day because it’s only for relaxing.
Fact: While massages can be an excellent form of self-care, it is not their only purpose. Many people use massage therapy to treat a myriad of different health issues and there are several different types of massages for several different areas of concern. Here’s 3 different ones, and these examples only touch the surface.
Sports Massage: Developed for athletes, this massage prevents and treats injuries and conditions the body for sports.
Orthopedic Massage: Aimed at rehabilitation, it helps recover from injuries.
Trigger Point Massage: Focuses on tight muscle fibers from injuries or overuse.
7. Massages Are Ineffective Against Migraines
Myth: Massages cannot help with migraines.
Fact: Massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for migraines. By applying pressure to specific trigger points (neck, shoulders, head, face), it releases muscle tension and improves blood flow to the brain, alleviating migraine symptoms such as headaches, light sensitivity, vision problems, and nausea.
8. Getting a Massage Helps You Lose Fat
Myth: Regular massages can help you lose fat.
Fact: Massage therapy targets muscle fibers, not fatty tissues, and does not burn fat. While it can enhance muscle recovery and improve exercise performance, weight loss requires a combination of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.
9. The Effects Don’t Last Long
Myth: The benefits of massage therapy are minimal and short-lived.
Fact: With regular sessions, massage therapy can train muscles to be stronger and more flexible, providing lasting pain and stress relief. This is why professional athletes often incorporate massage into their routines to maintain high performance levels.
10. Massages Aren’t For Me
Myth: Massages are for everyone else but not for me.
Fact: Massages are for anyone at any time. Whether you are looking for a little rest and relaxation or you’re looking to treat an injury, massage therapy can be right for you! You don’t know until you ask or try.
Massage therapy is a versatile and beneficial treatment that goes beyond just muscle manipulation. Debunking these common myths helps to understand its true potential and set realistic expectations. Whether you seek relief from stress, pain, or muscle tension, or want to improve your overall well-being, massage therapy can be a valuable addition to your health regimen. Here at InPrana Clinic, we are always looking for the best way to target your specific needs, so contact us today to find out how massage therapy can help your in your holistic wellness journey.
– Dana Kil, Registered Massage Therapist –