Such misconceptions are still associated with massage
Marcus Frangén of Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how the understanding of the physiological effects of massage has changed and what misconceptions are persistently associated with massage.
1. Massage does not remove waste
Our bodies remove waste in many different ways - including through sweating and urine. A persistent misconception is that traditional massage also removes waste products from the body.
- Massage does increase local circulation, but it does not actually remove waste products. However, there is some evidence that lymphatic massage could stimulate fluid removal and reduce swelling. Lymphatic massage is a gentle and relaxing massage that is done by following the lymphatic system," explains Marcus Frangén of Rela massage therapists at Terveystalo.
2. The beneficial effects of massage are based on nervous system reactions
The beneficial effects of massage are based on nervous system reactions and do not require hard muscular manipulation to produce them.
- Many people associate pain with the fact that massage is effective. And then you persevere, not daring to tell the masseuse that it hurts. But current knowledge shows that the good effects of massage are based on a neural response and are achieved much more gently than by inflicting hard pain," says Frangén.
3. Too vigorous massage can even cause micro-damage
Too vigorous massage can even cause a small local inflammation of the muscle.
- Causing such micro-damage was once thought to be only good for you. It was believed that once the body had corrected the small local inflammation caused by massage, it would be more intact. In fact, all that was achieved was very sore muscles for the next few days.
4. There is a sweet pain that indicates a release of muscle tension
So massage should never hurt too much. But there is pain that also signals good things.
- We massage therapists call this sweet pain. It's a kind of light, good-feeling pain in the muscles when you massage them. Sweet pain signals that muscle tension is starting to relax," Frangén explains.
5. Massage should increasingly be used as a remedy for stress and insomnia
Massage not only relieves muscle tension, but its mind-calming effects are also better known.
- Massage affects the nerve endings in the skin that carry messages to the central nervous system. This is what is meant by the neurological effects of massage. The activity of the sympathetic nervous system is reduced and that of the parasympathetic nervous system is increased.
In practice, this means that the secretion of stress hormones is reduced and pleasure hormones are increased.
- The heart rate calms down, blood pressure decreases and the mind becomes quieter. Many people report that they also sleep well after a massage. Maybe you could make a habit of massaging your spouse's shoulders before bed," concludes Frangén.
Read more occupational health articles
Touch relaxes and reinforces a sense of security
When life is under a lot of strain or your sense of security is shaky, a gentle touch is a great way to help you recover. Psychologist and trained massage therapist Minna Nevala from Terveystalo Rela massage therapists explains how touch promotes mental well-being.
Our bodies are telling us we're overloaded - here's how to spot your own warning signs
Stressed about returning to work and the hustle and bustle of everyday life? Our bodies often give us clear warning signs of overload. Listening to yourself is an important preventative measure.
Healthy Working Life Barometer 2025: How to ensure that Finnish working life remains competitive and healthy in the future?
Terveystalo's annual Healthy Working Life Barometer surveyed the state of Finnish working life and the ability of organisations to respond to the changing world of work.
Increasing use of AI in healthcare - Terveystalo has published its ethical principles for AI
AI offers significant potential for solving healthcare problems, but its use requires accountability and clear principles from healthcare organisations.
Collaboration is the only way to solve wicked problems
Disability due to mental health challenges is a complex and nebulous problem that cannot be solved by individual tricks. It requires a long-term and systematic approach at both individual and community level. According to Simo Taimela, senior epidemiologist at Terveystalo, tackling the mental health epidemic requires both preventive measures for work communities and targeted and effective treatment for those who will benefit most.
Mental health-related sickness absences finally started to decrease - Terveystalo commits to an ambitious target for 2025
In Finland, it is estimated that up to 7 million working days are lost each year due to mental health-related sick leave. Not only can mental health challenges, if chronic, lead to unnecessary premature exclusion from working life, but the situation is also unsustainable for Finland's vitality and national economy. Recent data from Terveystalo show that timely and appropriate interventions have reduced the duration of mental health-related absenteeism and brought it down for the first time in a decade. This significant turnaround gives hope that the mental health crisis can be prevented, but it will require a concerted effort by all concerned.