Massage has been around for thousands of years, but the myths about massage are still widespread. We today are going to debunk all those misconceptions to give you a clear picture of whether massage is good for you or not.
Myth 1: Pain the next day is a sign of a good massage.
Truth: Pain is not an indication of the quality of a massage.
Some people will have pain after their first massage or if they have been sedentary for a while. Along with that, if a massage therapist is working diligently to break down lactic acid or trigger points in your body, or if the client is not drinking enough water.
However, if you get regular massages, there is a good chance you won't be in pain the next day, she says. And, you should never be so sore that you're in bed the next day.
Some people will have pain after their first massage or if they have been sedentary for a while. Along with that, if a massage therapist is working diligently to break down lactic acid or trigger points in your body, or if the client is not drinking enough water.
However, if you get regular massages, there is a good chance you won't be in pain the next day, she says. And, you should never be so sore that you're in bed the next day.
Myth 2: As long as I am feeling well, there is no need to consume water after a massage therapy
Truth: It is beneficial to drink water after a massage, as it reduces pain.
One way to increase your chances of not being in pain the next day is to increase your water intake after your date. It helps move the waste that the practitioner has processed from your muscles into the circulation.
However, don't think stopping at the bar on the way home is a good idea. You should never drink alcohol or smoke after receiving a massage. Because massage increases circulation, so if you have consumed nicotine and/or alcohol, then it may have a stronger effect after the massage session.
One way to increase your chances of not being in pain the next day is to increase your water intake after your date. It helps move the waste that the practitioner has processed from your muscles into the circulation.
However, don't think stopping at the bar on the way home is a good idea. You should never drink alcohol or smoke after receiving a massage. Because massage increases circulation, so if you have consumed nicotine and/or alcohol, then it may have a stronger effect after the massage session.
Myth 3: Don’t take massage if you're pregnant
Truth: Prenatal massage therapy can be enjoyed in all trimesters of a normal pregnancy and may actually be of benefit.
Many people believe that massage can induce labor, but the truth is that there isn’t any point in the body that can induce labor when you touch it. There is no way to induce labor pain, even if a woman asks for it. For normal pregnancies, massage therapy is perfectly safe. And it's wonderfully relaxing for mother and baby.
Many people believe that massage can induce labor, but the truth is that there isn’t any point in the body that can induce labor when you touch it. There is no way to induce labor pain, even if a woman asks for it. For normal pregnancies, massage therapy is perfectly safe. And it's wonderfully relaxing for mother and baby.
Myth 4: You have to hurt to be effective.
Truth: There is absolutely no truth in this. If a massage therapist hurting a client, then that is an assault, which is completely unacceptable.There is a difference between pain and discomfort and you must be able to distinguish between them. If you feel uncomfortable, then that is somewhat unacceptable, but pain, never.
If your practitioner inflicts pain on you, say so immediately. Many clients assume that a practitioner knows when it hurts, but something needs to be said.
If your practitioner inflicts pain on you, say so immediately. Many clients assume that a practitioner knows when it hurts, but something needs to be said.
Myth 5: My massage therapist didn't ask about this, so I don't need to talk about it.
Truth: Talk to your massage therapist about your personal medical history, including any health issues, surgeries, and medications.
Disclosure of your medical information is extremely important. If you have heart disease, if you are taking antidepressants, if you have metal in your body, if you took pain reliever an hour before your appointment, we need to know. Such information will help your massage therapist to design a better massage therapy session for you.
Even if your massage therapist doesn't ask you to, give them a brief medical history before your massage begins.
Disclosure of your medical information is extremely important. If you have heart disease, if you are taking antidepressants, if you have metal in your body, if you took pain reliever an hour before your appointment, we need to know. Such information will help your massage therapist to design a better massage therapy session for you.
Even if your massage therapist doesn't ask you to, give them a brief medical history before your massage begins.