Does Massage Have To Hurt?
Does massage have to hurt in order to be effective? You’ll be happy to know that the saying “No pain, no gain” doesn’t apply to therapeutic massage. Sometimes the most effective massages are the ones that don’t cause you any pain.
Does a deep tissue massage have to hurt?
Deep Tissue Massage is a technique of massage that focuses on “deliberate intention”. It utilizes slow gliding movements which encourage the unfolding or unwinding of tissue. The approach is focused: working slowly from superficial to deep fascia. Recognizing areas of resistance, working (and waiting) on these specific areas before moving on. The technique takes time and the patience of both the client and therapist. *credit Massage CE Learning Tree
Typically, people get deep tissue massages if they have chronic pain. This type of massage helps to relieve the pains that come with it: mostly back pain, a stiff neck, and pain in the shoulders, but can apply to anywhere in the body.
Specifically, with the deep tissue massage many people have reported that they are much more relaxed and at ease after the massage if no pain was endured during it.
Not everyone should get a deep tissue massage. It is one of the more “involved and intense” massages, so it’s not for everyone. Some people simply like the feeling of greater pressure during their massage. Deep Tissue Massage shouldn’t be confused with deep pressure massage, which is an overall massage with firm pressure.
Pain versus Discomfort
Muscles naturally deflect pain from your body. If your muscle ever feels as if your body is about to be injured in any way, that reflex to deflect the pain is stimulated. If your massage therapist is ever applying too much pressure, your muscles tighten together to naturally counterattack the force. This is the opposite of what a massage should be doing for your body. A massage is meant to relieve the tension of your muscles. So if you feel as though the massage therapist is applying too much pressure for comfort, ask them to relieve some of the pressure.
Good Hurt
Don’t go into the massage thinking there won’t be discomfort, though. Pain and discomfort are two different things. People like to describe the discomfort as a “good hurt” – especially in the realm of getting a massage. But when you experience pain during a massage, it is said to be something the body cannot bear and is very uncomfortable.
Everybody has different tolerances for pain, so a massage that is painful for one person may not be painful for you. If you find that your massage therapist isn’t working with your tolerance levels for pain, then it’s important that you say something. Massages should almost never cause you physical pain and very rarely is it okay for you to be left with marks on your body afterwards. (Cupping therapies excluded.)
If you have never gotten a massage, it is strongly recommended that you don’t get a deep tissue massage as your first massage. Ease your way into this massage and start with something easier and less intense. Remember that a massage is most effective when you are completely relaxed and at ease while getting the massage.
*Excerpt in part from Massage CE Learning Tree. Read the full article here: Deep tissue versus deep pressure
