5 Reasons to Not Feel Guilty About Having a Massage

I work in the west valley including, but not limited to Surprise, Peoria, Buckeye, and Glendale, AZ. I talk to people from all walks of life about the importance of well being. Do you know what I have found?

People everywhere, especially women, seem to feel guilty about taking time out to look after themselves. It’s OK when it’s a gym session because that’s virtuous and ‘hard work’. However, if we’re investing our time in an hour or so of being relaxed beyond belief at the hands of a massage therapist, it’s as if we’re committing a deadly sin by prioritizing our own wellbeing.

Well, I have news for you. Your wellbeing is important and self-care is a vital part of looking after that wellbeing. Even if you’re a busy parent, worker or carer, you need to take time to do something good for yourself because if you are depleted and tired, you’ll have no energy to do anything for the other people who need you.

You know it makes sense.

Sometimes, though, other people can try to make you feel as if indulging yourself in a massage is a waste of time when you could be doing something else (usually what they want you to do). I’ve come up with five good reasons you can give to other people if they ever give you a hard time for getting your regular massage.

1. Muscle tension can lead to headaches, which makes you in a grouchy. Nobody wants a grouchy parent/co-worker do they? Therefore, tell them you’re going for a massage and that they will thank you for it when you return with a sunny disposition.

2. It helps you sleep! If your insomnia is starting to irritate your family – and wake them up too – tell them you’re going for a massage because you don’t want their sleep to suffer along with yours. It’s true that a massage helps to boost serotonin levels (which have been proven to help with sleep). Obviously, being tired makes you so much less productive at work too, so a decent massage helps you work smarter…

3. Suffering from chronic pain? It’s an expensive business, isn’t it? If the cost of your pain meds is starting to mount up, see if getting a massage on a regular basis might help you to reduce the number of drugs you need to take. Then you’ll be saving money and not using so many drugs, both of which put you at an advantage.

4. Are you constantly getting colds, coughs, and infections that you end up passing on to everyone else? Avoid becoming the office pariah for your germ-spreading and try massage instead. Deep tissue and Swedish massage have been proven to support the lymphatic system which is your body’s defense system against illness.

5. They want you to be happy, don’t they? This has to be the #1 reason for a massage, because the happier you are, the more other people will benefit from your improved mood and generally relaxed demeanor. So – you don’t have to make excuses for scheduling in your next massage appointment. Remember, as they say in the commercial – “You’re worth it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if massage is appropriate for me?

Massage is often appropriate for general muscle tension, stiffness, recovery, and stress. New, severe, unexplained, or rapidly worsening symptoms should be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare professional first.

Does massage need to hurt to be effective?

No. Useful massage can be specific and firm without forcing your body to brace. More pressure is not automatically better pressure.

How often should I schedule massage?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your goals, activity level, symptoms, budget, and response to previous sessions all matter.

About the Author

Corey Richason, LMT, is the owner of Vital Kneads Massage in Surprise, Arizona. He has practiced massage therapy since 2001 and focuses on practical, results-oriented bodywork for pain, mobility, recovery, and stress. His approach is evidence-informed, individualized, and built around helping clients move and feel better without unnecessary hype.