More Myths
There have been a number of bodywork myths busted over the past few years, though the supporters of them often let them go while kicking and screaming. I believe that whenever you make it a mission to expose a potential myth for public discussion, you risk verbal missiles directed at you. Well, I am taking down my missile defense shield for this post; let 'em rip!
While many people continue to hold on, the "toxins are released by bodywork" myth and the "drink lots of water after bodywork to prevent soreness and flush the toxins" myth have been thoroughly deconstructed. With my next suggestion, I am no means am directing this at anyone, I am just asking a question: "Why do we really need to get regular bodywork?" I was taught this in my Myofascial Release training, with vague suggestions that regular treatment and unwinding a will keep me "centered". While I certainly availed myself of regular MFR when I had a very acute lumbar disc episode a decade back, I struggled to see the need for more once I had recovered. If changing the oil in your car every 7000 miles is what the car manufacturer recommends, will changing it twice a month make it run even better? I doubt it. If consuming a certain intake of vitamins per day meets my daily requirements, does consuming amounts far exceeding this amount make me MORE healthy? Doubtful, though that is a subject for another post. I also realize we all may have "issues" that may benefit from treatment, but twice a month? What is so magical about his frequency?
Those in the massage field seem to be taught from the first day of their training that twice monthly, or similar, massages are necessary to stay healthy and set a good example for their clients. What sort of example are they setting, though? Is there research out there that tells us that bodywork/massage/MFR on a frequent basis will prevent certain maladies? Does anyone know of any? It is certainly good for business, but if bodyworkers are, in essence, just exchanging monies to meet these criteria, not much net business is generated. Preventative care is worthwhile, but can we back up this statement with fact? Anecdotal opinions notwithstanding, I doubt any exists. Many of you may be able give me your opinions on how frequent bodywork benefits you, but before you email me with a missile, please read up on the definition of anecdotal evidence.
Myths have a way of being thought of as fact, if the information is repeated often enough over a period of time. As a result, there is a perception that if you do not get treated or unwind on a frequent basis, somehow you are less effective as an MFR therapist. To paraphrase a statement, "you can only take a patient as far as you've taken yourself". This statement, to me, is garbage thinking. We can NEVER go to every place that our patients have been. Having spent time listening to this advice and getting regular treatment, and an even longer time ignoring it, I feel no difference either way. My experience is not yours, but what are your experiences? As for therapists in general getting treatment twice a month, for instance, what are your thoughts? When you've gone without, have you suffered? When you've complied with the suggestions, has your health improved? Can you objectively tell me there is a difference?
Passing along untrue information is not so bad if you are not aware of the lack of proof. But once you know it exists, where does that leave you? Continuing to pass along the myth creates a lie. How do you wish to be perceived? Encouraging people to avail themselves of a beneficial service is worthy, if there is a true need and benefit. But if you are encouraging them to do so based on myths, isn't it time you stopped? My journey toward change has led me to bust a few of my own myths. I do not mean to sound self-righteous; I am simply exploring accuracy. How about you? Have you found any myths that need busting?
For now,
Walt Fritz, PT