In practice, deep tissue massage mostly just means “strong massage.” Probably the majority of therapists offering deep tissue massage consider causing mild to moderate pain to be a normal and acceptable part of the work.
The level of discomfort experienced during a sports massage can vary significantly depending on individual pain thresholds and the specific techniques used. Some individuals report feeling mild discomfort, especially when the therapist works on particularly tight or injured muscles.
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.
Throughout your massage you might feel times of discomfort, and the pain you do feel should be met with a feeling of relief. Your therapist can read your body language, but they can't read your mind. 'Good pain' should be like scratching an itch. You know it's uncomfortable, but it definitely feels good!
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.
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.
Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate.
Keep it professional. If you feel like you are getting excited think about something that will take that feeling away. If this is happening and you are not aware, the therapist may stop the massage and walk away for few minutes to give you a chance to calm down.
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.
Aromatherapy massage tends to be gentler than other forms of massage. It's a great massage to choose if you're looking to relieve a problem that isn't entirely in your body, such as chronic stress or anxiety.
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.
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.
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.
When a skilled massage therapist applies pressure to these areas, it can create a sensation of pain that is ultimately therapeutic. This type of pain triggers the body's natural healing response, releasing endorphins and reducing inflammation, which can lead to an overall sense of well-being.
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.
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.
Standard Tip Percentage Guidelines for a Massage
A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry.
Why does it hurt when I get a massage? Massage pain often arises from the therapist working out tight muscles, adhesions, or knots, which, while temporarily uncomfortable, can lead to increased flexibility and relaxation.
Another way to rate pain during a massage is the pain scale. Massage therapists will go over this with you to establish the right amount of pressure. Often this is a scale of 1-10 (1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest amount of pain). Anything below 7 can be in the good pain realm.
Poor Communication and Boundary Setting. A professional massage therapist should communicate clearly about the massage process and respect your boundaries. Be wary of therapists who are vague or pushy about undressing. As Mikki noted, “If they're trying to brush past anything or be very quick, that's a red flag.
Stick to casual topics like hobbies, travel, or general interests to maintain a relaxing atmosphere. Avoid stressful or emotionally charged discussions, as they can take away from the calming experience of the 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.
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.
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.