5 Common Massage Myths That Clients Have

 

Did you know that massage therapy has been around for five thousand years? That’s right, the history of massage therapy dates back to 3000 BCE. So, of course, there has been plenty of time for pervading myths to come up and linger on today.

Read on to debunk the five most common myths about massage therapy that most clients ask us about…

1.    Massages are all the same.

At first glance, all massages might appear the same due to the relaxing setting, scented oils, and a licensed professional using their hands, elbows, and forearms to work out the knots in your back, arms, and legs.

However, every massage therapist or massage business offers all sorts of different massages. At Massage Now we offer thirteen types of massage, including other beneficial services like facials and therapeutic cupping.

Each type of massage offers different benefits. Take a look at our services and the descriptions of each massage—all massages are relaxing, but some offer deep tissue, improved flexibility, total body rejuvenation, and more.

2.    If you’re not sore the day after a massage, it didn’t “work.”

The amount of soreness you feel after a massage depends on your body and the intensity of the massage. It’s more common for people to feel sore after deep tissue manipulation, if you are on the more sensitive side, or new to massage.

A massage therapist will work on all of your major muscles group, and there may be some muscle groups you don’t usually use, which can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)—and it’s totally normal.

Soreness will pop up in places where you hold a lot of tension.

In the end, whether or not you feel soreness after a does not mean it wasn’t effective.

3.    Massage is not safe for pregnant people.

Pregnant people can experience an abundance of benefits from massage therapy. Pregnancy is a significant life event and can be very stressful physically and mentally. Some benefits of massage while pregnant are a heightened sense of wellness, improved relaxation, and better sleep.

If you want to incorporate massage during your pregnancy, it is crucial to seek out a massage therapist who is experienced in prenatal massage.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

  • The American Pregnancy Association says you can get a massage at any time during your pregnancy, but please consult with your doctor and your massage therapist.
  • If you are considered a high-risk pregnancy—uncontrolled high blood pressure, preeclampsia, etc.—talk to your doctor first.
  • Make sure your massage therapist specializes in prenatal massage.

4.    You must drink water after a massage.

Many massage therapists will tell you to drink water after your massage in order to flush out ‘the toxins released during the massage.’ If your kidneys and liver are functioning normally, they’ll do that work for you—a healthy body does not need help to rid itself of anything, especially toxins.

It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the day but especially prior to your massage appointment. Drinking water before your massage will prevent any muscle soreness.

5.    Massage flushes out toxins and cleanses the body.

Massage therapy has plenty of benefits but flushing out toxins in your body is not one of them.

The many benefits of massage include:

  • Reducing stress, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • Decreasing muscle soreness and joint pain
  • Increases endorphins and immune function

Merriam-Webster defines a toxin as “a poisonous substance that is a specific product of the metabolic activities of a living organism and is usually very unstable, notably toxic when introduced into the tissues, and typically capable of inducing antibody formation.”

Toxins mainly get into the body through ingestion, injection, inhalation, or absorption. Luckily, the human body has five organs that process toxins and waste: the skin, lungs, kidneys, liver, and intestines. And the body expels them in three ways:

  • Catabolic waste – this is why we need to stay hydrated.
  • Metabolic waste – this is why we exhale.
  • Digestive waste – this is why we have regular bowel movements.

Toxins and waste leave the body with or without a massage.

Want to come debunk these myths yourself? Book a massage today, or give us a call! We’re always happy to answer questions and discuss our services.