Myths and Misconceptions

Some people miss out on the benefits and relaxation of receiving a massage because they have misconceptions or have heard myths on the subject. Let’s consider some of those myths and the actual facts.

Myth No. 1: Massage is an unnecessary luxury. I don’t need that kind of pampering.

Fact: Massage relieves stress, lowers your blood pressure, relaxes tight muscles and helps you sleep better. That isn’t pampering, it’s taking care of yourself.

Myth No. 2: Massage is expensive.

Fact: An hour of massage costs less than many people pay for coffee in a week or for a salon appointment, and you feel a lot better afterward.

Myth No. 3: If a massage doesn’t hurt, it isn’t going to help.

Fact: Moderate to firm pressure during a massage isn’t painful and will relax tight muscles. Deeper pressure feels wonderful to many clients but may be uncomfortable for someone who is sedentary and who never has had a massage. If that’s you, simply ask the massage therapist – hey, that’s me! – to lighten up on the pressure a little. Your massage should be comfortable and enjoyable.

Myth No. 4: Pregnant women can’t have foot massage because it might make them go into labor.

Fact: There is no evidence that massage causes the onset of labor. In traditional Chinese medicine, massage with a specific technique and pressure for a specific time at a specific pressure point a little above the outer ankle is supposed to induce labor, but as far as I know no research confirms the technique actually works. If the possibility is a concern for you, avoid massage just above your outer ankle when you’re pregnant.

Research has shown, however, that massage during pregnancy reduces the mother’s anxiety, relieves back pain and muscle aches makes her more comfortable, and helps her sleep better. Massage is safe for both mother and baby during every stage of a normal pregnancy. Women who have massage regularly during their pregnancies tend to have shorter labors.

Myth No. 5: Massage is a sleazy business, especially those strip mall massage offices.

Fact: While it’s true that sometimes “massage” is used as a euphemism for other services, that clearly isn’t the case for my business, About Massage. My office, located in a strip mall, is clean, professional looking, and staffed by a Licensed Massage Therapist – me. My business is regulated, licensed and city and state inspected.

Myth No. 6: Only large men can give great pressure during a massage.

Fact: Great pressure relies more on the therapist’s technique than on size. I often have had clients say they are surprised by my pressure.

Did any of these sound familiar to you? If you’ve heard other myths about massage, please share them in the Comments section below.