From exaggerated claims about the benefits to misunderstandings about the actual effects, massage is surrounded by myths and misconceptions.
So today I’m going to try to separate fact from fiction, to give you a clearer understanding of the real benefits and potential of massage therapy and how it can be used effectively to enhance your wellbeing.
1. Massage is only for pampering
Yes, it’s true that a skillful and customised massage can be blissful. That calm, relaxed and euphoric state achieved after a great massage could be seen as a treat but in the right hands, there’s much more science behind this type of physical therapy than just relaxation.
You probably already know that massage is an effective way to manually manipulate tight muscles to help them relax but did you know that some massage techniques are applied to directly calm your nervous system? A calm nervous system lowers your body’s stress response and pain sensitivity, like turning down the dimmer switch on a light. Less pain means that protective muscle spasm can relax naturally, and you will be able to move more easily afterwards.
Massage techniques reduce the release of stress hormones and increase the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and oxytocin. These are the body’s natural pain killers. They’re both linked with lower levels of depression and anxiety and have a calming effect which helps to reduce both your blood pressure and your heart rate.
Massage also increases circulation which helps to improve the flow of nutrients and repair substances to muscles to help them recover after injury. Increased blood and lymph flow also helps the body remove waste products – produced when part of your body is inflamed – to support detoxification in the kidneys and liver which helps with healing.
So, although we do want you to float out of the door feeling amazing, massage shouldn’t just be viewed as a luxury. There are lots of great reasons why you might consider it an investment in your long term physical and mental well-being.
2. No pain – no gain, massage should hurt to be effective
Honestly, there is no conclusive evidence that massage must hurt to be helpful and I’ve written about this before. Everyone is different and will respond to a massage differently.
Many of our patients have great results with lighter pressure and some prefer deeper techniques, it really is a preference, but it should never so painful that you are clenching your teeth to get through a particular area.
It’s also important that the therapist checks in with you regularly about pressure and the way you are feeling and that you speak up if you don’t like the way something feels. There are many ways to work with your tissue, so that you can experience the benefits of massage therapy without being in pain.
3. Massage gets rid of toxins
It’s a common myth that a massage ‘flushes toxins and waste products from your body’ but that’s not exactly accurate. While massage does increase blood flow and lymph circulation, it’s primarily the liver and kidney that are responsible for the detoxification. So, while increased circulation does support the process a little bit, detoxification is a complex function which is mainly handled by other systems in your body.
4. Massage during pregnancy can cause harm
Recent studies showed that massage during pregnancy isn’t harmful at all and may provide significant relief to some of the common discomfort caused due to pregnancy.
There are so many recognised benefits to prenatal massage:
- Reduced anxiety and decreased symptoms of depression
- Relief of muscle aches and joint pains
- Improved labour outcomes and newborn health
- Better mood balance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced joint and limb swelling
However, there are some precautions that needs to be considered during the last two trimesters, therefore it’s important to have a massage therapist that is trained to work specifically with antenatal patients and knows how to adapt and take care of patients’ special needs during pregnancy.
Whether you are seeking relief from muscular pain, a recent injury, feeling stiff and immobile, you have sore muscles after a strenuous workout or you’re simply in search of a moment of peace to reduce stress, massage has so many benefits, both mentally and physically.
Be curious and ask your therapist questions to get the best out of your massage session. And get in touch if you’d like me to answer anything else!
This blog was written by Fran Ammann, a senior staff member at our clinic and an experienced remedial and pregnancy massage therapist. Fran sees patients of all ages and backgrounds here and she loves using clinical massage for pain relief and relaxation. She’s also a Clinical Pilates Instructor, so she might persuade you to try a session or two of Pilates, so you don’t have to see her for a massage as often!