Get in touch with the benefits and risks of massage therapy
When was the last time you had a really great massage? And what is your definition of a great massage—one that is light and relaxing or one that works the knots out in a that-hurts-so-good sort of way?
When I get a massage, I’m generally looking for a chance to de-stress and just relax, but with all the running and Orangetheory workouts I’ve been doing of late, it’s not unusual for my massage therapist to find some knots that she loves to dig in and work out. Either way, I advocate for regular massage and go at least monthly to Melted Massage.
The benefits are worth every penny in my book. On the other hand, I have wondered if there are any risks or downsides to massage, so I did some research on websites that I’ve grown to trust (mayoclinic.org and webmd.com) to find the medical benefits and risks of massage therapy.
Benefits of massage therapy
According to the Mayo Clinic, numerous studies have demonstrated that massage is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain, and muscle tension and may also be useful for treating the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Digestive disorders
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Insomnia related to stress
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Soft tissue strains or injuries
- Sports injuries
- Temporomandibular joint pain
Risks of massage therapy
I was pleased to learn that massage therapy has low risk when performed by a properly trained therapist, and reported injuries are very few. There are certain conditions that may cause you to be at higher risk:
- Bleeding disorders or take blood-thinning medication
- Burns or healing wounds
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Fractures
- Severe osteoporosis
- Severe thrombocytopenia
The Mayo Clinic advises, “If a massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It’s likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out. But if it becomes painful, speak up.”
Finding a massage therapist
So hopefully, you are convinced of the benefits of massage and the importance of finding a properly trained therapist. How do you go about doing that?
- Ask for referrals. Friends and family can give you first-hand accounts of their experiences. Another option would be to ask your physician, especially if you have a medical condition.
- Decide what you want from a massage? Are you looking to de-stress or do you have a specific complaint you want addressed?
- Think about your preferences. Do you want a spa-like atmosphere? A more clinical setting? Or perhaps you are more comfortable in your own home?
- Once you have some potential therapists and your goals and preferences in mind, make some phone calls and ask questions: Is the therapist certified, licensed, or accredited? What is his or her training and experience? How much will the session cost? Make sure to share your goals and preferences to see if the therapist is a good fit for you.
Getting the most from your massage
Based on my own experience, I have a couple of tips to make sure you have an enjoyable experience:
- If you have any sensitivities to oils or lotions, or any medical conditions, tell your therapist ahead of time.
- Undress to your level of comfort. In general, the less clothing you have on, the better your therapist will be able to do his or her job (unless, of course, you’re having a chair massage in the mall), but if you’re so uncomfortable without your underwear that you won’t enjoy the massage, keep them on.
- During the massage, if you are uncomfortable with anything, let your therapist know. This includes if the pressure is too hard or too light, if you are too cold or too warm, or if there is anything else making you uncomfortable.
Your turn
- Have you ever had a massage?
- If not, would you consider trying it? What’s holding you back?
- If yes, do you get them regularly and where: spa, doctor’s office, home, or somewhere else?
I love massages! Right now I am missing the ones I used to get weekly from our Russian/Uzbek masseuse who used to come to our house every Thursday evening. We had candles, incense and music playing. Sometimes he could find knots in my back but by the time he left I was sometimes even asleep because I was so relaxed. I paid $20/per hour. One of the highlights of our time in Uzbekistan!
Wow! That’s a bargain getting all that for $20 an hour. It’s hard finding a new masseuse after you’ve lost one you love. I like having the same one every time, because I know what to expect and can relax more. Thanks for visiting and commenting, Fran. Have a lovely day!
I’ve just started a series of Thai Yoga Massage, which is quite different. It focuses more on the facia & meridians and includes stretching and yoga poses. You do it clothed (yoga clothes) and it’s quite interactive. A friend gave me one as a gift and the impact on my neck/jaw pain was so amazing, I booked a series.
I still enjoy the “regular swedish” massage as well and try and do one every couple of months. I actually take whatever therapist is available at the place I go as I feel like The Universe gives me what I need at that moment (and they are all really good therapists there).
Thai Yoga Massage sounds interesting. I’m going to have to do some research on that. Thanks Pat.
Hi, Christie – Having very affordable and convenient access to regular massage, is something that my husband and I greatly valued about living in China. Now that we lie in a place where massage can be VERY pricey, I have been the one giving the massages to my husband (who suffers from arthritis). Giving is supposed to be better than receiving, right? 🙂
You need to set up a barter system with your husband–a massage for a massage. 🙂 Massage in the states can be very expensive. MassageEnvy is not as fancy as a spa, but it is more affordable, and I found a massage therapist there that I really like, so that’s good.
I love massages… when done well. I’ve had lovely ones at fancy spas and I have had not-so-great ones at a local massage school (cheap, but they are learning). I went to a clinical massage therapist once for a leg pain I had had for a while and was amazed that she was able to make it go away with one treatment. Your post is timely since I have been thinking about going for regular massages… maybe at MassageEnvy. I’m curious, do you get the same massage therapist (the one you like) every time?
I do get the same therapist every time. I schedule the next one (a month out) as I’m leaving my appointment to make sure. She was out for a month, so I had another therapist who my usual lady recommended, and that worked out well too.
Hi Christie, thanks firstly for joining us at Midlife Share the Love Party, I love reading your quality posts. I have recently started going to an Osteopath as I had back problems. I feel fabulous afterwards and it has really helped me get back into my running longer distances. I suppose we don’t think of the downside of massage so thanks for pointing those out. I also think it is so important to go to a professional who knows exactly what to do. I went to a cheaper one in a shopping centre once and never again! #MLSTL
Thank you for the kind words. You know how much I love the #MLSTL link party. I’m glad to hear you are getting relief for your back. Take care!
I have tried massages a couple of times, but never had a really great experience. i just struggle to relax and didn’t really enjoy it. I like the idea of it, but I guess I have not gotten comfortable. I did have a chiropractor once who massaged my next and got rid of knots and she was amazing and very helpful. I probably need to try it a few more times!
It does take a little getting used to. Now I love it. Have you ever gotten a good foot or hand massage as part of a mani/pedi?
I’m a big fan of massage – good strong remedial massage when I need it or gentle relaxation massage when on holidays and just wanting to chill out. The remedial massage I have received from a couple of myotherapists has made such a positive difference to my life, I can’t imagine not having that experience. These days I manage to drift off even during a remedial massage. Love it!
Pinning this post
Yeah for massage! Thanks for sharing your experience Jan.
I just had my regular monthly massage for fibromyalgia and migraine pain on Monday. A must in my world!
I’m glad you are able to do that for yourself and make it a priority, Leanne. Wishing you good health!
I LOVE a good massage – I haven’t had very many – couldn’t afford them until the last few years, then I stopped going and haven’t started again. I have a lot of neck and shoulder issues with resultant headaches – massages make me feel so much better. I’m off to google a bit and see if there’s anyone nearby with good reviews.
Thanks for linking up with us at #MLSTL and I’ve shared this on my SM xx
Leanne | http://www.crestingthehill.com.au
I hope you find a great massage therapist. It sounds like you could really benefit–can’t we all? Thanks for sharing.
Christie, I love getting a massage. It has been years but the last time I went it was doctor ordered for hip discomfort so all I had to pay was my insurance co-pay, I got two a week for a couple of months. It was great.
Two massages a week–that’s wonderful. Of course, you don’t have to wait for hip discomfort to enjoy a massage. You deserve it!
Hi Christie
I love massage. When I was working I got a chair massage every Friday to work out the stress related kinks in my neck and shoulders. Now that I’m retired I have cut back to about once a month.
Enjoy your runs
Laura
What a great way to end the work week, Laura. I’m glad you’ve kept up with your massages after retirement. Thanks for the encouragement on the running. Sometimes I have to talk myself into starting, but I never regret it!
Massages are wonderful! Lots of good info you shared here. I suffer from 6 of the conditions you mention. Shared this post x 4 ♥
Thanks for sharing Dee. I hope massage is helping you. Wishing you health and happiness!
Christie, your post jumped out at me from #BloggersPitStop because I love massage. I’ve been going to the same massage therapist for many years and go every 2, 3 or 4 weeks (depending on my “disposable income” situation!).
Yeah for you! Massage is a worthy investment in yourself. Have a fabulous weekend!
Great article Christie. I think this is the first post I have read on massage therapy. Sometimes a good massage may result in detox symptoms as the circulation is stimulated. It can help to drink plenty of water after the massage.
Your interesting post will be featured on the next Blogger’s Pit Stop.
Kathleen
A great tip Kathleen! Thanks for mentioning that. I’ve heard the same thing, and my therapist always brings me a glass of water right after. And thank you for the feature! It’s always an honor.