Massage has been around for thousands of years and has many therapeutic benefits, but sometimes the advice or cautions that we hear can be a little misleading. Today, we are setting the record straight and sharing five common myths surrounding massage.
Myth #1: A sign of a good massage is next-day soreness.
Truth: Soreness is no indication of how good a massage is. Soreness may occur after your very first massage or if you have been inactive for a period of time. However, if you’re a relatively active person or get massages regularly and are very sore the day after, your massage was too rough. Other reasons for next-day soreness include:
- Massage therapist working deeply to break up lactic acid.
- Massage therapist triggering points in your body.
- Client failing to drink enough water.
Myth #2: Massage can induce labor.
Truth: Massage is perfectly safe for all trimesters and can be beneficial for mom and baby during normal pregnancies. However, there are no trigger points that can induce early labor. Prenatal massage can help the mom-to-be relax and rejuvenate during a physically and mentally tiring time.
Myth #3: A good massage will flush toxins from your body.
Truth: This is probably the most popular myth. The human body has its own ways of coping with toxins. For example, every time we go to the bathroom or sweat, our body releases toxins. The liver, kidneys and skin get rid of these “toxins” on a daily basis; however, massage does increase blood supply and stimulates circulation, pushing waste from the body with the help of that extra boost of blood.
Myth #4: Massage has to hurt to be effective.
Truth: There is no truth to the rumor that a massage must be painful in order to be effective. If your massage therapist is inflicting pain, speak up and say something immediately. However, you need to distinguish between pain and discomfort. You may feel uncomfortable while a massage therapist applies deep pressure to release a “knot” of muscle tissue, but you should never be in pain.
Myth #5: The effects of massage are temporary.
Truth: Muscles have a long memory. Holding your muscles in an awkward position – such as slouching in a work chair and craning your neck forward to see a computer screen – train your muscles with bad habits. A good massage therapist does more than address temporary aches and pains, he or she will want you to be comfortable long after the massage’s effects wear off. Regular massages will address pain patterns and re-educate muscles to improve body mechanics and posture.
We live in a fast-paced world that is often stressful and overwhelming. With National Relaxation Day on August 15, it’s the perfect excuse to schedule a massage to help unwind and decompress. FBN
For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, visit massageenvy.com, call 928-526-ENVY (3689), or visit one of Arizona’s 35 Massage Envy Spa locations including the new Massage Envy Spa in Prescott. The Flagstaff location is at 1235 S. Plaza Way in the University Plaza Shopping Center off Milton Road next to Ross and Safeway.
Mark Love is co-owner of Massage Envy Spa. For more information on the benefits of massage, visit MassageEnvy.com.