The goal of massage is not to cause pain, but sometimes you may feel discomfort if your massage therapist is using deep tissue massage techniques, or you have an injury. It's important to communicate with your RMT when you feel any pain or discomfort during your treatment.
Often, the pain associated with this type of massage comes from the release of chronic muscle tension. Sometimes, the pain comes from poor technique from the massage therapist, however. If the therapist works too deep, it can damage the tissue, which can cause the pain.
Massage can hurt, and the level of discomfort will have a story to tell about current tissue condition. However, whether it hurts to receive deep tissue massage, or not is not an indicator of the effectiveness of treatment. The following paragraphs explain scenarios why massage does not need to feel painful.
But a massage doesn't need to be painful to be effective. If your massage therapist is pushing too hard, ask for lighter pressure. Occasionally you may have a sensitive spot in a muscle that feels like a knot. It's likely to be uncomfortable while your massage therapist works it out.
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.
Disc herniation, soft tissue trauma, neurologic compromise, spinal cord injury, dissection of the vertebral arteries, and others were the main complications of massage. Spinal manipulation in massage has repeatedly been associated with serious AEs especially. Clearly, massage therapies are not totally devoid of risks.
While massage therapy can have incredible benefits for your physical and mental health, soreness afterwards can sometimes leave you feeling less than your best. This soreness can range from mild discomfort to intense pain that lasts for days.
So, for many DTM therapists, the answer to the question, “why do deep tissue massages hurt” is pretty simple and straightforward, it is due to the amount of pressure applied to the muscles of the affected body part in order to break away the scar tissues that some people may feel the pain and soreness afterward.
When too much pressure is applied, your muscles take an additional beating that can lead to more bruises, nerve damage, and trauma. This pain can last days after your massage, and neither you nor your massage therapist would certainly want that.
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.
1. What are the general massage frequency guidelines? It is generally recommended to get a massage once a month to maintain the benefits of relaxation and stress relief. However, some individuals may benefit from more frequent sessions, especially if they have specific health concerns or physical discomfort.
Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively. The frequency depends on your activity level and tension severity.
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.
These trigger points are tight and contracted muscles, almost like hard nodules. They may feel swollen, tense, and/or tender site and block off blood supply. When blood supply is disconnected the surrounding nerve cells become irritated, sending pain signals to the region.
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.
The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.
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.
The goal of massage is not to cause pain, but sometimes you may feel discomfort if your massage therapist is using deep tissue massage techniques, or you have an injury. It's important to communicate with your RMT when you feel any pain or discomfort during your treatment.
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.
Most clients report feeling mild soreness akin to DOMS after deep tissue massage. This usually lasts a few days after which time clients report benefits such as pain relief, improved range of motion, better sleep, and lower blood pressure.
Your urine may become darker and smelly due to the stimulation of the kidneys. Your urination frequency may also increase throughout the day because your body is ridding itself of all the excess toxins. Lastly, you may feel sore and fatigued following your session.
These include direct manipulation of the spine, the front of the neck, and any visibly injured or inflamed areas. Avoiding these areas helps protect the client from unnecessary pain and complications, which is why therapists need to be well-versed in anatomy and safe massage techniques.