How do massage therapists know where tension is?

Author: Dr. Andres Ward III  |  Last update: Saturday, January 24, 2026

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 do massage therapists find tension?

A massage therapist finds your pain and stiffness by asking about your problem areas before the session and feeling for tight or tense muscles during the massage. They use their hands to detect knots, tension, and changes in muscle texture to focus on the right spots.

Do massage therapists know where knots are?

Through their extensive training and experience, they have honed their ability to detect areas of tension and release them effectively. So next time you visit a RMT and they seem to know exactly where your knots are without you saying a word, trust that it's not magic – it's just years of skillful practice at work.

Can a massage therapist tell how stressed you are?

A massage therapist can usually tell a lot about a person just by touch. For example, if someone is tense andTheir muscles are tight, the therapist can usually tell that they're stressed out. And if someone is warm and Their muscles are relaxed, the therapist can usually tell that they're feeling good.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

  • 1. Excessive Pain: While some discomfort can be normal, especially in deep tissue massages, excessive pain is a red flag.
  • 2. Bruising: Minor bruising can occur, but significant or frequent bruising indicates that the therapist is using too much pressure or improper techniques.
  • 3. Nerve Pain:

What are "muscle knots"? (for massage therapists and clients)

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 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.

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.

Does massage release emotional trauma?

Many people think that because massage is a natural therapy that it can't do any harm, but this is a classic example of where it absolutely can. Many therapists believe that by relieving muscle tension with a deep tissue massage, they will release emotions and therefore help to heal trauma.

Can a massage therapist feel inflammation?

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.

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.

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.

How to know if a massage was good?

A good massage should leave you feeling better than before. If there's no relief in the areas you sought help for, or if you feel the same or worse, it's a sign that the massage didn't meet the standard of what makes a good massage.

What does it feel like when fascia releases?

When fascia releases, it can feel like taffy softening. Sometimes people may feel cold or heat, tingling or buzzing, burning, or a sense of water or air moving through the area. They may also notice a sensation in an area other than that being treated.

Do knots pop when massaged?

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.

How do you know where tension is?

The direction of tension is the pull which is given the name tension. Thus, the tension will point away from the mass in the direction of the string/rope. In case of the hanging mass, the string pulls it upwards, so the string/rope exerts an upper force on the mass and the tension will be in the upper side.

Where is emotional trauma stored in the body?

This can happen anywhere in the body, and for trauma survivors, it is most commonly held in the core of the body, the stomach, abdomen, and low back, as well as the upper torso, chest, shoulders, and spine.

Why did I cry after my massage?

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.

What happens to your brain during a massage?

Releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and diminish pain. If you have real aches or pains, the morphine-like effect from the endorphins works by blocking pain signals from the brain causing a decrease in discomfort.

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.

Is it normal for a masseuse to massage the inner thigh?

A thigh massage can relieve tension and stress within the muscles and can help a person being treated return to sports or exercise. Massage therapists at Physio.co.uk use thigh massage to treat muscle tightness and relieve any pain, stress and tension.

Why do they say not to shower after a massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

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 is the first rule of massage?

1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.

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