5 Massage Myths Debunked

Manual therapy of any type including massage therapy is considered one of the oldest healthcare practices. This treatment is defined as the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Massage therapy techniques involve applying fixed or variable pressure on muscles and body tissues using the hands and fingers. 

To ensure that the public understands the significance and benefits of this treatment and put an end to any reservations they may have about its benefits, here are a few massage therapy facts.

What Is Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy is the manipulation of skin, muscles, tendons, and ligaments by a licensed therapist to promote wellness, range of motion and many other health benefits. However, there are many myths surrounding the science of applied massage therapy, so it is important to educate yourself and get to know this therapy better and how it can improve your body and your life.

How Is Massage Therapy Used?

Massage therapy has a wide variety of uses and benefits for both adults and children. However, its primary purpose is to improve blood flow and reduce muscular tension. Here are some ways on how the therapy is used to benefit the body:

  • Used to improve posture

  • Helps in reducing emotional or physical stress 

  • Promotes feelings of well-being

  • Reduces muscle tension and stiffness

  • Helps relieve muscle spasms

  • Increases joint and muscle flexibility

  • Helps in promoting deeper and easier breathing

  • Enhances blood circulation and lymph movement

  • Relieves tension-related headaches and eyestrain

  • Allows soft tissue injuries to heal faster

  • Reduces the chances of scar tissue from forming

  • Promotes healthy skin

Massage therapy has various benefits for the body and the mind. Unfortunately, a number of myths surrounding massage therapy have surfaced. 

Here are 5 Common Massage Therapy Myths:

1.Massage Therapy Only Affects the Muscles

Massage therapy generally involves the muscles, so it’s easy for some people to arrive at this conclusion. However, science has proven that the treatment can do much more for the body than just simple muscle manipulation.

Here are the different ways in which massage therapy can affect certain parts on the body:

  • It stimulates lymph nodes and enhances the flow of lymph (the fluid that helps fight infections) throughout the body, consequently reducing inflammation.

It increases blood circulation, allowing nutrients to be distributed throughout the body, which promotes natural healing.

2. A Massage is a Massage No Matter Where You Go

This is a common misconception among people, or at least those who have never tried a massage before.

The truth: the type of treatment you receive depends on you, your condition, the practitioner and the facility. Different types of massages are designed to address specific muscle conditions and ailments. Here are some examples of the different kinds of massages:

Swedish Massage: This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you. Swedish is for those who wish to relax and relieve stress, it may also improve circulation and lower blood pressure.

Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage uses slower, deeper strokes to target the underlying layers of muscle and connective tissue commonly helps with muscle damage from injuries and improve range of motion.

Sports Massage – This type of massage has been specifically developed for athletes or people who regularly do sports. It helps prevent or treat injuries and can be used to prepare and invigorate the body before an activity.

Orthopedic Massage – This massage is designed for rehabilitation. It helps people recover from injuries sustained in an accident.

Trigger Point Massage or A.R.T. (Active Release Techniques) – This type of massage focuses on tight muscle fibers that develop from an injury or overuse of the muscles. It can release scar tissue to help the muscle, tendon or ligament regain function and relieve pain.

3. The Effects Don’t Last Long

Skeptics would say that the benefits of massage therapy are minimal and don’t last long, especially for pain relief. The fact is that an expert massage therapist can “train” the muscles to be stronger and more flexible. This reduces the amount of pain and stress it receives in the future. The effects last and can be further prolonged with regular massage sessions. This is the reason why some professional athletes are able to push their muscles way beyond normal levels.

4. Massage is Only for Pampering Yourself and is a Luxury.

Only if you consider taking care of the only body you have a luxury, then No! Massage therapy has many benefits!

  • Massage can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and can even help relieve symptoms of insomnia.

  • Massage can help the body heal from injury, improve, or even speed up rehabilitation.

  • Massage is a great way to maintain wellness and fitness even when you are not in pain.

  • Some massage techniques can relieve headaches.

  • Studies have also proven that massage can help lower blood pressure through long-term and consistent use.

5. Massage is Too Expensive.

Most sessions are 60 to 90 minutes long and can range in price quite tremendously. Therapeutic bodywork will be more expensive but is designed to relieve pain, scar tissue, tension, align posture and improve quality of life. If you think massage can help you feel better, try making a massage budget for the month or ask your therapist about discounts for massage packs or memberships to save money. Some establishments have monthly massages included in their fitness or recovery memberships that you can take advantage of that decrease the cost of the massage quite drastically. And truly: what is your health and wellness worth to you?

Book your next massage with Generator here!

Delfin Ward