Massage myths 

There are many massage myths that I have helped to re-educate clients about over my 25 years as a massage therapist in the West Boylston area. And with social media platforms such as tick tox and Instagram sharing lots of content, I have my work cut out for me. I always tell clients if someone is trying to sell you a bunch of stuff. Do the extra leg work to research about the information they are trying to sell.  With pretty engaging posts it’s easier now more than ever for incorrect information about massage therapy topics to spread quickly. 

Myth #1 massage is just a luxury 

Lots of people are discovering the benefits of massage therapy beyond the stereotypical spa experience only for “rich” people. I graduated massage school in 2001 and this was the beginning of sharing massage therapy education to the general public. Over my career I have seen lots of positive changes to how the public sees massage therapy. Most of the clients I see for regular massages do have some ongoing pain issues.But since the Covid-19 pandemic I have been getting more clients looking to just some in for a mental break. And for many years now I have been taking Health Savings and Flex Spending cards as credit cards. It is a step in the right direction that massage therapy is being seen as a part of preventive health care for lots of people. 

Myth #2 Massage has to hurt to work

That’s a very common question I get a lot when I am talking to a new client over the phone. Many people think that a deep tissue needs to be painful, and that’s simply not true.  If there is an area that has a knot and it is tight, yes you will feel some pain/discomfort. But what you are feeling while the knot is being worked out should feel good. You should never feel tense or uncomfortable while you are having the area worked out.

During your deep tissue massage in the intake it’s important as the client that you let your therapist know about your pain, where the pain is, how long you have been in pain, and if you are taking pain medication. This will help your therapist understand the big picture of what’s going on in your body.

During your massage always please speak up if the pressure is too deep or comfortable. Don’t ever think you just need to take it! When the pressure from the massage therapists is too deep for the client, your body get tense and doesn’t allow the therapist to be able to move through the different layers of your muscle and soft tissue. By feeling you need to “take it” you are setting yourself up to be sore or even bruised the next day. And we don’t want that. Therapists are trained to watch out for those no verbal clues, but even the most seasoned therapist can be fooled. That’s why it’s important to ask your therapist to adjust their pressure if it is too uncomfortable.

After your deep tissue massage ways to prevent from being sore the next day are: Put ice on the area that has had a lot of work on. Applying an ice pack 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, while watching TV is a perfect time to apply an ice pack. And some gentle stretches at home can also prevent the muscle from getting tight again. Just ask your therapist for some suggested stretches or check out www.youtube.com there are plenty of videos to pick from.

No pain no gain is not a good mantra for a deep tissue massage. A super deep and comfortable massage is not always an option for a lot of people. You may be doing more harm than good. And the whole point of getting a great massage is to help your body heal faster.

Myth #3 Massage only helps muscles 

Massage goes beyond just helping your muscles. I wrote a whole article about Massage for Anxiety. How massage helps people feel pain free is the nervous system gets turned down. When the nervous system system is constantly being turned on the muscles never get a chance to relax and reset. This causes the soft tissue to be constantly working. It is the over stimulation of the nerves that cause constant pain for people. Massage can help with those racing thoughts. When we keep going over situations in our brains the neck, shoulders and jaw become tight. People subconsciously tighten those areas under stress. Massage helps you feel your tightness. Then you can become more aware of what you are doing when life throws you a curve ball. 

Myth #4 One massage will fix chronic pain

If you are someone who is dealing with chronic pain. One massage is not going to give you the benefits you are looking for. Massage therapy is going to need to be a part of your regular routine. Massage sessions do build on each other, so it is important to keep a schedule.  Two important factors to consider, your time and financial situation. Health insurance does not cover massage. If you are in a pain, flare up. Weekly massage sessions are going to help get your pain levels under control. Once that happens every 4 -6 week sessions is usually maintenance. You can learn more about How Often Should I Get a Massage. 

Myth #5 Massage is unsafe for older adults 

I do LOVE working with older clients. I spent 4 years in high school working in the recreation department at a local nursing home during the summers. Yes, massage is safe for older adults. There may be a few different adjustments that need to be made.

Wheelchair bound clients can get work while in their chair. Massage therapists that are comfortable with chair massage should easily be able to work with a wheel chair. Why maybe stay in the chair? It can be difficult to get a client out of the chair and on to a massage table. And having these types of clients change positions on the table is not always easy or safe for the client and therapist. If you need a handicapped accessible office ask the therapist beforehand, my office is not. All massage therapists are going to take a detailed health history form. Make sure you mention any mobility issues. 

Myth #6 You must completely undress for a massage

 I have talked to a few people who would like to try massage therapy for the first time but are really nervous about getting undressed. There are plenty of ways around this minor dilemma.

Many people are unaware that there are many forms of bodywork that don’t require you to take off your clothes and they are just as effective as the traditional Swedish or deep tissue massage. No need to have taking your clothes off stop you from getting bodywork.

So here are some massage tips for you to give a try.

A chair massage is done fully clothed in a special massage chair. And it’s usually no more than 30 minutes long. A perfect choice if you are in the middle of a work day and you don’t have to worry about getting your hair messed up or worry about oil getting on your clothes. And if you are lucky you maybe able to get a chair massage while at work!

Reflexology is extra special attention on those over worked tired feet and no need to get undressed either. Just have pants that you can easily roll up. It’s starts off with a nice foot soak then you get to relax on a reclining chair or massage table while the reflex points on your feet are being work on. You will leave this service with a brand new set of feet.

You can also have a clothed massage on the table. Especially for older or handicapped people, where getting undressed isn’t an easy task. Plenty of massage techniques can still be effective while the client is dressed.

And all types of energy work such as reiki and polarity are done while the client remains dressed.

Here is a list of modalities where you can stay clothed.

• Thai Yoga Massage
• Acupressure
• Shiatsu
• Tui Na
• Craniosacral Therapy
• Myofascial release 

FAQ

It you are looking for a trusted massage therapist in the West Boylston, MA, understanding the facts, not the myths. I am here to help you make a confident decision about your health.   

---

Schedule Now

---

---

---