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The popularity of massage therapy has been on the rise for some time, but even then, there are still some myths and misconceptions that persist. There are still misconceptions about, say, people who would take a mindfulness course Sydney companies have, or see a psychiatrist.
While not inherently bad, such myths and misconceptions result from lack of information. Here, we look at some of the more common myths about massage therapy and the truths that disprove said myths.
Massages are All the Same
Some people believe that one massage is just like any other, no matter where you go. Given how many different massage styles there are, this couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s so much variety, from the well-known Swedish massage that many can get whenever they need stress relief to prenatal massage that’s designed specifically for expectant mothers.
All massage serves a purpose, too, so it’s not “just a massage”. Relaxation massage is intended to relax both mind and body; meanwhile, trigger point massage is meant to release tension in overused or tight muscles that are causing referred pain in a different part of the body.
Massage Just Works On the Muscles
While it may appear at first that this is true, massage does in fact do more than manipulate the muscles. For example, it can manually move fluids and loosen joints and reduce swelling. It can stretch and help relax areas of the fascia that have tightened over time.
It can also improve the flow of lymph, which is a fluid that usually moves through the body to fight infection. Finally, it helps increase blood circulation, which can then speed up healing as it delivers nutrients throughout the body and eliminates waste products.
A Massage Has Only Temporary Effects
There’s a reason the phrase “muscle memory” exists. The fact is, muscles have a long memory. Holding them in a certain position will ‘train’ your muscles to stay in said position and can eventually cut off nerve pathways, triggering tension and pain in the affected area or areas.
A good massage therapist can help relieve pain in that moment, but they do more than relieve such temporary aches. Ultimately, their goal is to help their clients be as comfortable and pain-free as possible after the initial effects wear off.
Don’t Interrupt the Therapist, Even When It Hurts
Any good, well-trained massage therapist won’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to their clients, so they’ll want to know if something doesn’t feel good. That way, they can adjust what they’re doing without compromising the overall outcome of the massage.
So the next time you get a massage, pay attention. If you feel anything other than the ‘good’ kind of pain – the one that tells you the therapist is working their magic – don’t be afraid to speak up. Your therapist won’t be embarrassed or angry; they’ll thank you for your honesty.
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