Massage therapy is hardly a new field, with the history of the practice spanning over 4,000 years, where the first references to such massages can be found in ancient Chinese medical texts.

But with such an old and ever-evolving practice can come a whole host of misconceptions and myths about the industry. And as we care for our patients’ bodies, so too do we want to care for their minds and eliminate any confusion or doubt they may have over our practice.

So here are three common massage myths debunked:

Myth 1 – All Massages Are Created Equal

Different massages are designed to target different areas of the body, as well as alleviate various symptoms or ailments a person might experience. For example, while our Swedish massage is quite relaxing and ideal for eliminating tension in the majority of our customer base, it may not be adequate for athletes, whose bodies are regularly put under higher levels of strain. 

For them, our sports massage or barefoot deep tissue massage may be necessary, as they are deeper-reaching and designed to reduce fatigue, hasten recovery, and/or target lower back pain.

Every massage is different in how it will treat your body, so it’s important that you explore your options and discuss your specific needs with your therapist to find the right massage for you.

Myth 2 – Massages Are Only For Relaxing, So I Shouldn’t Bother

While massages are deeply relaxing, clinically proven to stimulate endorphin release, and generally uplift a person’s mood, they’re also beneficial for your overall health.

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, for example, cites massage therapy as being regularly used to treat patients with chronic pain, cancer, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, and more.

Today, some health insurance companies are also beginning to include massage therapy in their benefits, as physicians may refer their patients to a licensed therapist as a form of medical treatment. And, according to the American Massage Therapy Association, approximately 50 million Americans discussed the potential benefits of massage with their doctors last year alone!

Myth 3 – I Should Speak Up If My Massage Hurts

Discomfort, or the occasional twinge of pain, is likely to be part of your massage, seeing as your massage therapist will be actively applying pressure to knotted muscles, inflamed joints, areas or poor circulation, and more in order to stimulate their healing.

However, persistent pain is not normal, and you should absolutely speak up to your massage therapist if you are in pain during your session. Maintaining silence is not a hard rule to be followed during a session, and your therapist will want to know if an adjustment to their technique is necessary.

Interruptions are okay, so don’t be afraid to direct your massage therapist about what works best for you and your body.

Do you have further questions about massages, or are you ready to book your appointment today? Then Alpha School of Massage is ready and waiting for you! Contact us today by calling (904) 389-9117. We look forward to helping you relax.