Five Massage Myths Dispelled
Over the years, massage therapy has grown in popularity as a therapeutic technique and has been linked to several claims, all of the different veracity. Despite the numerous scientifically validated advantages of massage, there are still widespread misconceptions about it. We’re busting five widespread massage therapy myths to help clear up any confusion.
Never forget that discussing any questions you may have about massage with your doctor or a licensed massage therapist is crucial. Contact our staff at a nearby Massage Experts location.
Myth #1: Every massage is the same.
The opposite is true, as you can see! The several styles of massage, including therapeutic, deep tissue, Swedish, sports, and others, focus on distinct body parts and use techniques unique to that type of massage. While a massage’s setup may look the same, the techniques used can vary greatly, depending on the goals or conditions you are trying to address.
For instance, a deep tissue massage targets the deepest layers of muscles by employing harder pressure and slower movements. On the other hand, a Swedish massage uses more sliding and kneading motions over the body while using light to medium pressure.
Speaking with a licensed massage therapist can determine the massage most effective for you (RMT). For instance, if you are an athlete, getting a sports massage might be the ideal method to prepare for a game or recuperate afterward. This is especially true given that sports massages can enhance flexibility, lessen concerns like delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and improve performance.
An RMT can work with you to identify the problem and suggest the best kind of massage therapy if you have a particular muscle ailment or area of the body that requires attention.
Myth #2: Massages are just intended to be relaxing.
Although massage treatment can be a wonderful form of self-care, people get massages for various reasons. Many will use it to treat medical ailments, while some people just want to indulge themselves. However, it’s crucial to remember that massage can be a part of your routine and that keeping a consistent massage schedule can benefit your health and wellbeing.
Massage can undoubtedly aid in your quest for greater relaxation. The body responds to stressful situations in various ways, including physical symptoms we can feel and the release of hormones from within (such as cortisol) that, if activated too frequently, can have long-term effects. Aches and pains, tightness in the muscles, fatigue, and other physical symptoms are all signs of stress. To help you feel more relaxed generally, massage can target specific areas of tension, aid in releasing the tight knots that form in the muscles, and release “feel-good” hormones (such as dopamine).
Those who suffer from severe headaches and migraines may benefit from massage therapy. Many people who experience the challenging sensations brought on by a migraine can frequently find relief from massage therapy by focusing on certain trigger points in the head and neck while increasing circulation.
Aside from arthritis, massage therapy can also help with muscle strain and chronic pain, jaw pain (such as TMJ), and more. Even if you are not in pain, massage therapy can help your body heal more quickly after an injury, support rehabilitation procedures, and help you stay healthy and well-balanced.
Myth #3: Massages get rid of pollutants.
This widespread misconception has been going around for a while. However, no scientific proof exists that massage may genuinely rid the body of toxins accumulated there.
Massage can aid in enhancing blood and lymphatic circulation throughout the body, and healthy circulation has several benefits for the body, including assisting in removing toxins and waste. Additionally, it prevents muscles from deteriorating during exercise by keeping them strong.
Myth #4: Your body ought to hurt the following day.
Everyone has a unique way of experiencing things, including massage. The day following a massage, some people may experience some soreness, especially if the style of massage uses deeper pressure. Others might not have any post-massage soreness, but that doesn’t indicate the massage wasn’t effective or beneficial.
The type of massage given, its concentration, and how your body ordinarily responds all play a major role in any discomfort experienced after a massage. Others would much prefer a gentler touch, especially if the message is intended for relaxation or stress relief, while some people want a firmer touch to assist address specific areas of concern, such as muscle strain. In any case, since every one of our bodies is different and will perceive things in a variety of ways, discomfort does not necessarily indicate how beneficial a massage is.
Myth #5: Massages only provide temporary relief.
It is untrue that massage treatment merely provides momentary pain or tension alleviation. In some ways, massage can indeed offer rapid comfort, but it’s vital to keep in mind that with any form of treatment, you might need to receive it more than once before you feel any improvement.
RMTs can assist in training the body’s muscles to remain resilient, powerful, and pain-free with continued sessions. Massage may assist teach your muscles to feel more stretched out and relaxed thanks to what we call muscle memory, and gradually, your muscles will start to maintain this more relaxed condition for longer periods of time. Regular massage is therefore crucial, and many people use it regularly to improve their performance, speed up their recovery, or just feel better in general.