What Are The Common Massage Myths?

Myths You Hear About Massage

There are a lot of myths around about massage. Some are like the Terminator and come up again with “I’m back.”

Here are some of the more popular ones and why they simply are not true.

Massage Myth 1. Massage Is Meant To Hurt

If you are after a deep tissue massage and it will include some trigger point work, then it may hurt. However, it should never hurt so much that you are screaming on the table in agony.

Massage should never be a form of torture! If the pressure or pain is too much always speak up and the massage therapist can change what they are doing to suit you.

If you are after a more relaxing massage, then it definitely should not hurt. You don’t want to come out of your massage more stressed than when you went in.

Again, if the therapist is applying too much pressure, just let them know. They really won’t mind and would prefer to know. Honestly.

Massage Myth 2.

All Massage Therapists Are Identical

Nothing could be further from the truth.

There are many massage therapists in Australia, but some have done nationally accredited massage courses and some have only done a couple of days study.

Some are remedially trained for deep tissue work, whilst some are trained to Certificate IV and do a more relaxation style of massage. Then there are pregnancy massage therapists and sports massage therapists the take extra training for these specialized treatments.

So when booking, check you are booking a therapist suited to the style of massage you would like.

Massage Myth 3.

The Affects Of Your Massage

Will Only Last A Day

So here is the good news. Massage is a very powerful treatment for your body and its affects can last much longer than twenty-four hours.

A deep tissue massage can unlock muscles that have been tight for a while and this may last weeks.

Sometimes a follow up massage booking is needed to fully bring mobility back to the body.

A relaxation massage can have you smiling for a week. So don’t think you have to shell out for a massage every week, just book one when your body lets you know its time.

Massage Myth 4. Massage Removes Cellulite

Oh only if it did! Unfortunately, and I’m sorry to break this news to you, massage won’t break down or remove cellulite.

It may temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite, but a few hours after your massage this affect will disappear. Sorry.

Massage Myth 5.

Massage Only Works On The Muscular System

Massage works on all the systems of the body. For example, it will affect the digestive system when we massage the stomach and can help relieve constipation.

Similarly, a lighter style massage affects the lymphatic system which can help if your lymph nodes are sluggish.

Massage Myth 6.

You Have To Completely Undress

Nup, not true. There are many styles of massage to choose from if you don’t want to take your clothes off.

A seated chair massage, sometimes done in offices, you leave all your clothes on and the massage therapist works through them. Similarly Shiatsu massage is done fully clothed.

Massage Myth 7.

I Have To Get On A Massage Table

Again not true. An experienced massage therapist can work around any situation.

If a client is bed ridden or in palliative care and can’t get out of bed, there are massage treatments that can still be performed.

Or if disabled or injured, again a good massage therapist will work out a way to do the massage and personalize it to your needs.

So if your ankle is broken and you really can’t get onto the table, don’t stress, we can do a massage seated for you in your favorite armchair.

Massage Myth 8. Massage Therapists Can Read Your Mind

Massage therapists can tell a lot about your body simply from looking at it.

We can tell if you are dehydrated (your skin will really soak up the oil) and your posture will give us clues as to what is going on in your body.

However, being a psychic is a whole different job. Unfortunately we don’t carry crystal balls with us.

As we can’t know everything that is going on in your body or mind so it’s always best to speak up.

A qualified therapist will chat to you before your massage and ask about any health or medical issues, what you were looking for in your massage and which areas of your body you would like to have massaged.

Massage Myth 9.

A Single Massage Will Fix Chronic Muscular Problems

If you have a frozen shoulder or chronic back pain, one massage may not be enough.

Therapist may suggest a series of massage where they will gradually address whatever issue you have.

Massage Myth 10.

Massage Therapists Are Healers For All Ailments

Whilst a qualified therapist is a health care professional (and we much prefer to be called massage therapist instead of masseuse which is a whole different industry) we do have a scope of practice.

If a therapist says to you “I can heal you” then run a mile. A good therapist would never say such words.

So, if you have questions about a viral infection or other medical issues not related to your muscles, we aren’t the people to ask.

And possibly Google isn’t the place to ask either.

A good therapist will then refer you to the right medical professional who can help you.

Massage Myth 11.

A Massage Therapist Can Crack Your Back

Again, well outside of our scope of practice, you need a chiropractor for that.

Occasionally when we work on muscles you may here a faint pop as your spine moves, but we definitely don’t manipulate the spine or readjust it.

Again, just not our thing. If that’s your thing, make sure you go to someone who is fully qualified in that field.

Massage Myth 12.

Pregnancy Massage Tables

With The Hole Are Better

If you prefer one of these then book a therapist that has one. But we prefer not to use them as they do put more pressure on the spine and can decrease circulation.

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Massage Myth 13.

Massage During Pregnancy Causes Miscarriage

So this myth has been around for a long time.

There is no evidence that massage during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage, but it is advised that you get your massage from someone qualified in pregnancy massage.

Sometimes if you have had complications during the pregnancy, we may suggest you double check with your doctor.

Just so anything we do isn’t contraindicated with their health care of you.

Massage Myth 14.

A Short, Petite Massage Therapist

Can’t Give A Deep Tissue Massage

So you show up for a massage and your therapist is a short, thin woman. Don’t prejudge as you maybe in for the best deep tissue massage you have every had.

The size or stature of your therapist has no bearing on how firmly they can massage. This is because massage therapists really don’t massage with their hands but more so with their body weight.

So, a shorter therapist will have a lower table and should still be able to do a deep tissue massage if they have been trained in that style.

And Finally, Massage Myth 15.

You Can’t Get A Massage If You Are Very Hairy

No problem, we will just use a lot more oil, so we don’t snag or pull your hair when we massage, or leave you with dreadlocks on your back.

If you have any questions or unsure of anything about massage, always ask your therapist, we are more than happy to chat about what massage can and can’t do.

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Hi Ali, the treatment was wonderful. Chrissy was lovely and very professional.

She understood what pressure I required for the massage.

The other treatments were divine, my skin feels so much softer.

Thanks to Chrissy and Ripple.

Carol, Frankston VIC

Massage Frankston

★★★★★ 5/5

5 out of 5
December, 2016

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Author Biography – Ali Saoirse – BEc University Sydney, GradDipPsych Bond University, Diploma Remedial Massage, Certificate IV Massage, Level 7 Kahuna Massage, Qualifications in Pregnancy Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology from Gold Coast TAFE.

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