You should be able to breathe comfortably throughout the entire massage. 2. You're clenching your jaw or your fists. Really, if your tensing up or bracing, that should be a cue to you (and the
In rare cases, deep tissue massage can lead to nerve damage. This usually happens when too much pressure is applied near a nerve or when a nerve is compressed for an extended period. If you experience numbness, tingling, or sharp pain during your massage, speak up right away.
Every person has a different pain threshold, which makes it difficult to set a hard limit for how much pressure is too much. However, massage therapy should never feel acutely painful. If you feel a sharp pain during massage, the therapist is applying too much pressure.
Deep tissue massage is a very safe and effective practice that you should be using for your clients. While the majority of individuals will be perfectly fine following their massage, aside from a few aching muscles, there will be clients that you should not perform this technique with.
People with Osteoporosis and Cancer that has spread to the bones should avoid Deep Tissue Massage because it can cause fractures in your bones. If you have an open wound or a skin infection, then reschedule your appointment. This way, you avoid developing a new infection and prevent the condition from getting worse.
If you're experiencing muscle soreness after a massage it is because the soft tissues have been manipulated to break down adhesions, knots and holding patterns to restore muscle condition to a functional state.
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.
Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.
Deep tissue massage can make some people feel mentally or physically fatigued. It is thought that this is due to the massage releasing tension, stress, and generally relaxing the person. Some experts actually recommend that people lean into this fatigue as a way of alleviating other side effects.
Side effects
People may experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, particularly if a therapist targets problem areas. They can let their massage therapist know if a massage becomes too painful. Although massage has a low risk of harm, deep tissue massage may not be suitable for everyone.
Limitations and Considerations. It's important to note that while massage therapists can detect signs that may indicate inflammation, they cannot diagnose medical conditions. Their ability to “feel” inflammation is based on the detection of physical changes in the body's tissues and the client's responses.
The Risks of Painful Massage
This involuntary reaction can make the muscles tighter, counteracting the intended benefits of the massage. Injury Risk: Applying excessive pressure can cause bruising, inflammation, and even muscle or tissue damage.
Massage induces biochemical and energetic shifts by alleviating physical tension. This release can stir emotions and lead to tears, signaling a healthy, natural process of stress relief and emotional balance.
After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.
Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound.
If your muscles were particularly tense or knotted before the massage, the manipulation could lead to soreness as those knots are worked out. Individual sensitivity. Everyone's body reacts differently to massage. Some people might be more sensitive and experience soreness even with a gentle massage.
Besides breaking up the pain-spasm-pain cycle, massage brings new blood supply, and with it oxygen and nutrients, so muscles can function properly. Some muscles become rock hard when the supply of blood is less available. Breaking up the physical knot and bringing oxygen in will gradually restore normal function.
Lomi Lomi massage originated in the Hawaiian regions centuries back. It was originally an indigenous religious or spiritual practice that evolved. The massage has the peculiar technique of kneading the muscles, which targets body pain and tries to achieve harmony in the body.
Swedish massage is arguably considered the most popular massage type, appearing on a majority of spa menus worldwide. This Western massage utilizes the following techniques—effleurage (stroking), friction (rubbing), petrissage (kneading) and tapotement (rhythmic choppings)—for a truly relaxing spa treatment experience.
Check credentials.
Make sure the massage therapist you are considering has the proper credentials. He or she should be certified or licensed by a recognized organization. Check to see if the organization requires continuing education or if it has a code of ethics.