Can you be too tense for a massage?

Author: Allen Conroy  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

To maximize your overall benefit of a deep tissue massage, be sure to alert the therapist if your muscles feel pain or if they are tensing up. Remember that many of the benefits of your massage are being canceled if you are uncomfortable or tense during treatment.

How hard is too hard for massage?

However, massage therapy should never feel acutely painful. If you feel a sharp pain during massage, the therapist is applying too much pressure. Similarly, although you may feel some soreness after a massage, it should result in a deeply relaxed feeling rather than lingering pain.

How to stop tensing up during massage?

Breathing deep long breaths, deepening each inhale and lengthening each exhale will facilitate the easing of tension in the muscles as well as the brain. If you can find a massage therapist with knowledge and experience working in tandem with your inhale and exhale, relaxing may come more easily to you.

What does it mean when a massage therapist says you're tight?

4 Talking about tightness suggests an uncanny ability to feel your pain. The therapist is saying, in effect, “I can tell that you are feeling stiff, because I can feel your tight muscles.” This is a good way to impress anyone with a body.

Can massage therapists feel your tension?

Yes, a therapist can feel muscle tension. A good therapist will be assessing your muscle tension relative to other muscles in your body as well as a mental comparison to other clients who are also runners. Personally, I prefer to work preventatively.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

Can massage therapists feel tight muscles?

Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience.

Do massage therapists massage the groin area?

No worries, your therapist can easily work over the sheet to get to these pesky problem areas. Groin & pelvic pain can stick around for quite some time, so I would always suggest at least three or more sessions of massage to make a difference.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

One of the first red flags in a massage session is a lack of communication. If the therapist doesn't take the time to ask about your pain points or preferences before starting, that's a sign of trouble.

How do massage therapists know where tension is?

Massage therapists use various tools, such as their hands and fingers, to locate knots within the muscles. They will often start by gently palpating the area to feel for any tight or hard areas. Once they have found an area of tension, they may apply specific techniques designed to release it.

How to stop subconsciously tensing up?

There are a number of ways to reduce physical tension. These include meditation, exercise, tai chi, massage, visualisation, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, and slow breathing techniques. To reduce our stress it is important that we practice relaxation techniques on a daily basis.

Can a massage be too firm?

If you're feeling excruciating pain when you use massage tools, there are a couple of things that could be at play: you might be pressing too hard and causing tissue damage, you have an existing injury or muscle damage, or you're rolling a tissue that you shouldn't be (the most likely culprit).

Why can't I relax during a massage?

They may need to adjust the massage technique they use and may also be able to help you relax the affected area. If you find your thoughts are racing during the massage, one way to be more body-centered and to quiet your mind is to follow the hands of the massage therapist and focus on how the touch feels.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

**Excessive Pain or Discomfort**: A certain level of discomfort might be normal, especially during a deep tissue massage, but if you experience sharp, intense pain or prolonged discomfort, it could be a sign that the therapist is applying too much pressure or working incorrectly.

Should I be nervous for a massage?

Massage therapy is a popular and effective way to help treat pain and mobility issues, and it's excellent for relaxation, too. But as great as this bodywork is, it's normal to feel nervous about your first massage.

Is it good if a massage hurts?

It's important to know that it isn't unusual to feel a degree of discomfort during the massage itself. The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely be applying a good deal of pressure.

Can a masseuse tell if you're stressed?

You Are Super Stressed

When the massage begins all the signs are there. Our poor muscles become taut and tense during stressful times, especially so in the shoulders, nec,k and head. Constant muscle tension causes aches and pains too so there are usually some tender areas as well.

What does it feel like when a knot releases?

This myofascial release has a comparable sensation to being rocked by your mother when you were a baby. It causes a pleasant wave sensation to travel throughout the body. It is, in fact, a relaxing experience. That wave infiltrates the restricted areas to allow for softening.

What emotions are released during a massage?

Some people may experience a sudden rush of grief, anger, sadness, fear or hysteria; and even if you've had regular massages before, you might experience the emotional release a sporadic phenomenon. You are not alone.

What not to say during a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  • Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  • Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  • Don't break wind. ...
  • Avoid talking too much. ...
  • Don't use your phone. ...
  • Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

How do you know if a massage place is shady?

Here are some of the signs of human trafficking in massage parlors:
  1. Any sexual or erotic services are provided, or they advertise on illicit websites.
  2. The providers are wearing very little clothing.
  3. They refuse to service females.
  4. You have to buzz in to get into the business.

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

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.

What areas are off limits during a massage?

These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas.

Is it okay to ask your massage therapist for a prostate massage?

Most regular massage therapists do not offer prostate massage, but you might be able to find a certified prostate massage therapist to work with. You may also want to look for someone who is trained in tantric sex practices to do prostate massage.

What is pelvic release massage?

Pelvic Release Massage is a specialised external myofascial release treatment that focuses on and opens up the connective tissue pathways that support the pelvis. It restores balance and energy flow by actively re-energising the core and root muscles which helps revitalise and strengthen the pelvis.

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