Maria Baffo,LMTLet me begin by saying that it's reason enough to get a massage simply because it feels good. Extensive scientific research has proven that massage does perform a number of wonderful, therapeutic services for your body...among them: ? alleviates muscle spasm and soreness ? diminishes chronic pain? increases flexibility and range of motion ? calms the nervous system ? lowers blood pressure and heart rate ? increases immune system activity ? reduces tension headaches ? improves concentration ? promotes restorative sleep and mental relaxation.The therapeutic benefits of massage are many and certainly worth knowing. It is equally as important to know and understand the limitations of massage therapy before signing up for a session. Informed choice is always best. That being said, there are some serious myth-conceptions out there regarding the benefits of massage. I believe a brief debunking is in order.MYTH#1 Massage releases and helps eliminate toxins from the body.

I have never encountered even one massage therapist who could give me the name of any specific toxin that massage helps eliminate from the body. It is a fact that the human body does store POPs (persistent organic pollutants) in fatty tissues and heavy metals in our bones, but there is no conclusive proof or research figures to support the idea that the mechanical pressure of even a deep tissue massage can release these toxins for elimination. I would however, suggest cutting down on the lead paint chips -- and those preservative-filled snack cakes.MYTH#2 It is important to drink water immediately following a massage.

My fellow massage therapists may not want you to know this, but as long as you are not suffering from respiratory failure, liver, or kidney disease, your body removes the wastes from normal everyday cellular metabolism just fine. Every minute your heart beats, your blood volume circulates through the lungs, liver, and kidneys. These organs, located deep enough in the body to be isolated from the mechanical pressure of massage, were marvelously designed to eliminate the by-products of metabolism -- carbon dioxide, urea, and mineral salts. There is no immediate need to drink water after a massage in order to dilute these compounds. If you truly have an accumulation of these compounds in your body, you have bigger problems than a tall glass of water and a day at the spa will fix. Consult your physician. MYTH#3 Massage flushes out lactic acid and therefore alleviates post exercise muscle soreness.

I feel so sorry for this much-maligned wonder of biochemistry. Lactic acid is a key player in glucose metabolism. The body uses the energy from the breakdown of glucose to form ATP, which is the spark that sets off muscle contraction. It is actually an accumulation of hydrogen ions cleaved from a compound called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide that is responsible for the burning sensation in the muscles during extreme physical exertion. The production of hydrogen ions at such a high rate dissipates immediately after the exertion. Hydrogen ions do not build up and then hang around for days waiting for the massage therapists to wring them out of your body. The soreness you feel 24-48 hours after a workout is due to micro-trauma to the muscle fibers and the resultant inflammation. Important to note: Massage has been shown to help reduce inflammation response and promote the feeling of recovery from a hard workout.There are many reasons to have a massage (list above). Who benefits from massage therapy? Anyone who routinely and/or strenuously stretches their physical limits through movement -- running, cycling, swimming, hiking, dancing, tennis, strength training. Anyone with sore, strained or spasming muscles. Anyone who is under stress. Anyone who suffers from tension headaches or high blood pressure or chronic pain. Anyone. Everyone.The absolute best reason to get a massage? Because it feels good.Maria Baffo is a licensed Massage Technician and Certified Personal Trainer with advanced certification in Swedish technique, chair massage, trigger-point therapy, therapeutic stretching, hot stone and sports massage. She is the owner/operator of Tri-Sports Massage Therapy in Westlake Village, CA. 818.917.7003 ? www.trisportsmassage.com ? trisportsmassage@sbcglobal.net