FOUR MASSAGE MYTHS-DEBUNKED

We have all heard myths and wondered if they are true or not. From old wive's tales to current trends, there are thousands of examples of myths. Today, we will be focusing on some common massage myths and why they are absolutely not true.

1. Massage Therapy Doesn't Require Extensive Training

Many people assume because they are not doctors, massage therapists do not have to go through extensive training. Although all accredited programs differ slightly, programs generally require about 500-1,000 hours of training. Some programs take up to two years to complete. During their training, the therapist will complete courses in Musculoskeletal Anatomy, Pathology, Advanced Nueroanatomy, Neuromuscular Therapy, and Myofascial Release. On top of their classes, the training therapist will spend hundreds of hours with hands-on training. Needless to say, your Massage Therapist knows their stuff!

2. The Benefits of Massage are Not Scientifically Proven

Everyone knows how wonderful massage feels, but not everyone knows how beneficial massage can be for a number of different conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, massage has been scientifically proven to help the pain and other symptoms of many conditions, including cancer, mental disorders, fibromyalgia, HIV/Aids, and diabetes. Although massage has not been proven to cure any of these conditions, patients suffering from any one of these conditions can see great improvements in their overall well-being because of massage. If you are suffering from any of these or any other conditions, consult your doctor first before beginning massage therapy as a treatment.

3. Massage Spreads Cancer Cells Throughout the Body

As briefly mentioned above, massage has been proven to help relieve some of the pain and symptoms of cancer. The MD Anderson Center explains that oncology massage can improve relaxation, sleep, and immune function, while also helping to relieve anxiety, pain, fatigue, and nausea. The MD Anderson Center goes on to tell that in the past, therapists thought that increase circulation would spread the cancer further, but in fact, circulation alone is not the cause of the cancer spreading. Therefore, massage has no affect on the spreading and metastasis of cancer cells. 

4. Pregnant Women Can Miscarry From A Massage

Just like with most medical conditions, massage is extremely beneficial for women who are pregnant. There have never been any scientific findings that massage causes miscarriage in the first trimester, which many people still believe. Some therapists will refuse to do a massage on a women who is in her first trimester.  However, American Pregnancy Association tells about the many benefits of massage, especially in the first trimester when many women are experiencing extreme nausea and discomfort. Some of these benefits include the reduction of swelling, nausea, aches, and pains and the improvements of labor outcomes, newborn health, hormone regulation, and nerve pain. You can learn more about prenatal massage by clicking here!

Visit our website for more information on massage therapy and it's countless benefits or book your appointment today at massagelamesa.com.