Top Massage Myths: Debunked

Everyone loves good pampering. Massages are great for this. It turns out there are tons of benefits of bodywork that are more than just relaxing and unwinding. The scientific benefits behind massage have been studied for centuries. In India, in 3000 BCE (or earlier), massage was considered a sacred form of healing. Since then, the practice of massage has been passed down for generations to speed the healing of injuries, relieve pain, and prevent illnesses.

Although there are many obvious and scientifically-backed benefits of receiving a massage, there are an equal amount of false claims and biases. In this article, we will explore the top myths about massage and debunk them.

What Science Has To Say

According to the Florida Academy, massage has the following benefits:

• Decreases Arginine Vasopressin (AVP), which is the hormone that constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and reduces urine excretion.

• Reduces the stress hormone, cortisol

• Increases lymphocytes, the white blood cells that attack cancer

• Moderates inflammation, especially during recovery of injured muscles. This happens by changing the gene expression and promoting the biogenesis of mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell).

• Helps fight infection by boosting the immune system. This happens by increasing the activity of white blood cells.

• Massage improves muscular tension and dysfunction

• Massage improves circulation of the lymph system

Top 10 Massage Therapy Myths Debunked

Massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years, from early Ayurvedic bodywork to modern therapeutic massage used for pain relief, recovery, and long-term wellness. Yet even today, many myths and misunderstandings prevent people from experiencing the full benefits of bodywork.

At Taylor Made Bodyworks, our licensed massage therapists provide evidence-informed care rooted in real physiology—not industry myths. Below, we’re debunking the Top 10 Massage Therapy Myths and explaining what the science and professional practice actually show.

Myth #1: Massage Releases Toxins

What Massage Really Does for the Body

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that massage flushes “toxins” from the body. Currently, there is no scientific research that shows massage removes toxins.

However, therapeutic massage does support the body in meaningful ways, including:

• Increasing circulation

• Promoting lymphatic movement

• Supporting recovery after exercise or injury

• Enhancing tissue healing

• Supporting immune and nervous system function

When the body is stressed—physically or emotionally—lymphatic movement can stagnate. Massage helps mobilize fluid, relieve tension, and improve natural physiological function.

So while it isn’t a “detox,” it can make you feel better, move better, and function better.

Myth #2: All Massages Are the Same

Different Modalities Offer Different Results

Not even close. Massage therapy includes many modalities, each with different goals.

At Taylor Made Bodyworks, we offer approaches such as:

• Deep tissue massage

• Sports therapy

• Myofascial release

• Neuromuscular therapy

• Relaxation and stress reduction

• Bodywork for chronic pain and mobility issues

A skilled therapist evaluates your history, concerns, and goals, then creates a customized plan—not a one-size-fits-all session.

Myth #3: The Results Only Last a Few Hours

While the immediate changes may be felt right after a session, massage can create long-term physical improvements, especially with consistent care.

Regular therapeutic massage can:

• Retrain muscle memory

• Reduce chronic tension patterns

• Support improved posture and movement

• Reduce stress responses in the nervous system

• Provide sustained pain relief

Many of our clients find massage becomes a valuable and consistent part of their long-term wellness, recovery, and mobility.

Myth #4: Massage Only Affects the Muscles

Massage Impacts the Nervous, Fascial & Lymphatic Systems Too

Massage isn’t just “muscle work.” It has measurable effects on multiple systems, including:

• Increasing joint comfort by circulating synovial fluid

• Releasing fascial restrictions

• Shifting the nervous system from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”

• Improving lymphatic flow

• Reducing compensatory pain patterns

Massage is whole-body care—not just soft-tissue work.

Myth #5: Deep Tissue Massage Means Deep Pressure

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings.

Deep tissue does NOT equal painful pressure.Deep tissue massage targets deeper layers of muscle and fascia using:

• Slower techniques

• Tissue sensitivity

• Precision

• Muscle engagement

Aggressive pressure can trigger the body to guard and protect, which works against the goal of therapeutic massage.

At Taylor Made Bodyworks, deep work is:

• Effective

• Controlled

• Targeted

• Never meant to feel like suffering

You should feel “good pressure,” not force or strain.

Myth #6: Massage Is a Luxury — Not Healthcare

Sure, massage feels good—but it’s also much more than relaxation. Therapeutic massage can support:

• Chronic pain conditions

• Recovery after workouts or injury

• Mobility and range of motion

• Stress and nervous system regulation

• Headaches, TMJ, sciatica, and lifestyle-related tension

This is why many people incorporate massage as part of ongoing wellness or medical care.

Myth #7: A Massage Should Hurt to Be Effective

Pain is not a measure of effectiveness. Too much pressure can:

• Trigger muscle guarding

• Increase inflammation

• Stress the nervous system

• Slow healing

Skilled bodywork works with the body—not against it. Communication is essential: always tell your therapist how pressure feels.

Myth #8: Massage Can Fix Everything in One Session

Massage therapy is powerful, but the body needs time to change and adapt.

You can expect:

• Bigger changes across multiple sessions

• Gradual improvement in movement and posture

• Increasing benefits as stress decreases

• Long-lasting results through consistency

Just like training, the best results come from the cumulative effect—not a single appointment.

Myth #9: You Have to Get Naked for a Massage

Absolutely not.

Your comfort is the priority. At Taylor Made Bodyworks:

• Professional draping is always used

• You may undress to your comfort level

• Many techniques can be performed fully clothed

• Your privacy is always protected

The session should fit your comfort—not the other way around.

Myth #10: You Shouldn’t Speak Up During a Massage

This is your session, and communication is essential.

Useful feedback includes:

• “More or less pressure, please.”

• “That area feels tender.”

• “Can we focus more on this spot today?”

A good therapist wants your input because it leads to safer and more effective results.

Final Thoughts: Results That Last

Massage therapy is a powerful tool for:

• Pain relief

• Stress reduction

• Recovery and performance

• Emotional and physical well-being

• Improved movement and posture

At Taylor Made Bodyworks, we combine experience, advanced training, and client-centered care to support long-term wellness—not just temporary relief.

If you have questions about therapeutic massage—or want to learn which approach is best for you—reach out anytime.

📍 Visit: taylormadebodyworks.com💬

Contact Robert with questions or to schedule a session. (720)-474-4487

Your body deserves care that is Taylor Made for you.