Common Myths About Massage
Throughout the years, I’ve heard a lot of outdated ideas that stop people from truly enjoying the benefits of massage therapy. Below, I’ll share a few and let you know what’s really up.
3. It’s only a Sexual thing…
I'm all for you having fun in the bedroom, but your massage therapist is not the target for advances and neither should it feel like you're being hit on either. Unfortunately in our culture that is starved for touch, oftentimes any kind of touch can be misconstrued as sexual, especially when you're in a vulnerable position on the table.
I always ask several questions related to medical history and goals for the massage. This keeps the whole session on task. I would look for therapists that ask questions centered on your medical history and what you’re experiencing now.
If you’re looking for someone, I would get recommendations for therapists in your area. And feel free to ask for a license number or to see a copy of their license when doing intake work.
7. I should just put up with the pain
My rule is if you can't breathe through it, it’s definitely too much. It is common to feel sore after a massage. It can feel like after a workout. It is your job to communicate with your therapist. If they ask you about pressure or you feel like it’s bad pain then you need to say something. Although I can usually tell when someone is tensing up too much under my pressure, sometimes I can't tell or there's a sensitive place that will sneak up on me. If you don't communicate it could end up in injury. So make sure that if you go from having good pain to bad pain you say something.
11. Massage is unsafe for pregnant women or postpartum.
This is just straight-up a lie. Massage and bodywork have been done for pregnant women for as long as we have memories. Old traditions talk about the massage and bodywork that was necessary to help a woman go through this transition and to help her rebalance afterward. Although there are a few precautions, massage can be not only safe but extremely beneficial! Just follow the regular precautions of lying down. Your therapist should have you side-lying and taking care around acupressure points that could stimulate labor if they are overworked.
12. Pain meds are enough to control the pain
From personal experience and the experience of many many of my clients, pain meds barely put a damper on the pain. They can have a place of getting you through the day until you can get additional help, but it’s only temporary and can actually contribute to more intense pain later not to mention the negative effects on your gut. Pain is a signal from your brain to let you know something isn’t right. When you take pain pills and do nothing else for the pain, your body starts to yell more loudly, eventually, you’ll need more and more meds to dampen the pain.
It's a luxury only for wealthy people
Massage is an accessible way to deal with chronic or acute pain. Often massage therapists have available deals that make it more affordable. Some major surgeries can be completely avoided by proper massage work. Not to mention the less pain you are in the more productive you can be, you’ll be more friendly, and you'll sleep better.
2. Massage should hurt
Massage can bring awareness to painful, tender areas, even ones you didn't know existed. My clients and I like to joke that it’s good pain. But the pain shouldn’t be unbearable.
And when I work with my clients, my rule is that if they can't breathe through it and relax then it’s too much pressure. So make sure to communicate with your therapist. If they refuse to lighten up, it’s time to get off the table.
It’s normal to have some soreness and tenderness post-massage, which is like being sore after a workout. I tell my clients it might be a good time to use one of those massage guns, get some magnesium oil, take a turmeric supplement, or use something like “deep blue” from doTerra.
4. You need a massage in the areas that are painful at the time
I like to think of muscle pain like the bully and the victim on the playground. One area will hurt and cry to you, but the real cause of the problem is some other kid on the playground. Common examples of this are upper back pain caused by the shoulders collapsing forward and the head falling forward.
When you get a massage from a well-trained therapist, they may suggest working in areas that don’t necessarily seem related. Like working in the hips if you have low back pain.
5. Deep tissue = hard pressure
Deep tissue is designed to get through the layers of tissues. This usually takes time. And although the pressure can be heavier pressure, it doesn't mean your therapist should dive in deep with their elbows right away.
And deep tissue can start with much lighter pressure to break through connective tissue that’s stuck on the surface.
6. Massage is a massage no matter where you go
Every massage and massage therapist will be different. Some massage styles are great for relaxation, while others are more therapeutic. And you definitely won’t get a good massage from a robot. A huge part of the massage is the intuitive and relational process that develops with bodywork. Your therapist should become attuned to your body responses and be able to adjust to your needs.
8. Massages can't help migraines, rotator cuff injuries, sciatica, etc.
Actually, through several studies, researchers have found that pain is created through the brain and exhibited in the muscles. Sometimes trigger points can mimic serious medical conditions. And once they're released, the pain that is supposedly a joint issue, a migraine headache, a nerve problem, etc. was really a muscle issue.
So my suggestion is to not get to attached to a diagnosis, and be willing to see what the possibilities are with your pain in general. Because even arthritis is helped by massage.
9. Massage just helps muscles
Muscles joints and nerves grow together in the womb and when the muscles tighten they can throw everything off mimicking nerve pain and other severe medical issues. Massage can also help with scar tissue, lymphatic movement, stress, digestion, etc.
10. I can't get a massage because I don't feel comfortable undressing.
Although dressing down can be super helpful for certain styles of massage, there is definitely plenty of work that can be done with stretches, compressions, and neuromuscular techniques.
If there are any more myths, questions, or want anything else explained send me a message and I’ll get that answered for you!
