With the popularity of massage therapy is on the rise, there are some misconceptions about what it can and cannot do. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.
 
Q. Aren't all massages are basically the same?
A. There are many different types of massage, and each has their own role.  Spa massage focuses on stress relief and helping to diminish general muscle soreness.  Sports massage is useful for athletes of any kind, from Olympians to weekend joggers, and helps to keep muscles and joints in top shape.  Massage for physical therapy is geared toward healing specific injuries and keeping bodies mobile while they recover.

Q. Can massage spreads cancer cells through the body?  
A. This is, scientifically, nearly impossible. One would have to smash the tumor directly for it to shed any potential metastatic material.  In fact, most oncologists agree that people undergoing treatment for cancer can greatly benefit from the healing touch of a massage therapist.

Q. Are the effects of a massage only temporary?
A. A massage therapist is able to help "retrain" muscles' memory to help reduce pain and stress on a body long after a session is complete.  Having a regular massage scheduled can be a great boon to a healthy lifestyle, and can be a lifesaver for those suffering from chronic pain or stiffness.

Q. Are you supposed to feel sore the day after a massage?  
A. Some people may feel a bit sore the day after a massage, especially if it was for deep tissue manipulation, as the muscles are technically getting a workout while being stretched and worked.  But not feeling tender the day after is perfectly normal, too, and is not the sign of a failed massage.

Q. Doesn't massage only moves muscles around?
A. Trained massage therapists can help alleviate swollen joints by gently moving stagnant synovial fluid. They can also stretch tightened areas of the fascia, the tissue that connects bones, joints and muscle.

Q. If what the massage therapist is doing hurts, should I interrupt them?
A. Absolutely. It's important to remember that pain isn't "weakness leaving the body", it's actually a response to let someone know that something isn't right. If anything other than a "good hurt" is felt, the massage therapist should know right away. They will not be embarrassed or angry; they will be grateful.

Q. Do you have drink water after a massage?
A. Some massage therapists may disagree with this, but so long as one's kidneys, respiratory and liver functions are normal, the body doesn't need extra help with ridding itself of toxins.  However, if you are feeling thirsty after a massage, by all means, drink some water.

Q. Does massage release toxins and cleanse the body?
A. There is no medical proof of this, and most doctors agree that it is very unlikely. However, a massage will help to increase blood flow to all parts of a body, which can promote healing to areas affected by injury.

Q. Will it get rid of cellulite?
A. Cellulite is simply a sign of subcutaneous fat cells, and is more connected to heredity than anything else. Cellulite is a completely normal part of one's body, and poses no medical issues. On the other hand, helping alleviate post-workout stiffness and pain can help with keeping up a fitness routine, which may reduce the appearance of cellulite over time.

Q. What good does massage do?
A. It used to be a commonly thought that massage was purely a form of pampering, and didn't have therapeutic value. However, more and more doctors are sending their patients to a massage therapist to aid in recovery or overall well-being. It's now known that massages from professionally trained therapists can:

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• Reduce soreness, stiffness or muscle spasms

• Manage or relieve stress (and associated insomnia)

• Assist in injury rehabilitation and recovery

• Help maintain wellness or fitness

• Relieve headaches

• Lower blood pressure and heart rate

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  (* Sourced from ECPI University)