Why am I so sensitive to back massages?

Author: Prof. Mose Thiel IV  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 14, 2026

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.

Why am I so sensitive during massage?

The most common reason for pain during massage is the wrong pressure. While your masseuse might think they're applying the right amount of pressure, you may feel too much. This is very typical when having a deep tissue massage because it is a type of massage that requires intense pressure to massage the tissue.

Why is my back so ticklish during massage?

Its just nerves kind of over reacting while the muscles are getting used to being touched. Often means they're too tense/tight to begin with. Sometimes a the area being worked on may start off as ticklish, painful just sensitive in general and as the massage goes on will feel better or go away.

Why do I find massages uncomfortable?

Massages can sometimes cause discomfort or pain for several reasons: Muscle Tension: If muscles are tight, the pressure applied during a massage can cause pain. This tension might be due to stress, poor posture, or overuse. Technique: Different massage techniques apply varying levels of pressure.

What causes emotional release during massage?

Neurological Response: The body's nervous system responds to massage by triggering the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and oxytocin, which can enhance feelings of well-being and safety. This biochemical shift can facilitate emotional expression.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

How do you know your body is releasing trauma?

Signs your body is releasing trauma can sometimes be subtle or surprising, but recognizing them is key for moving forward in your healing journey. Here are some signs to look for: Sudden emotional outbursts such as crying or laughter. Changes in physical health, like reduced muscle tension or headaches.

Can trauma be released through massage?

Holistic Healing Trauma massage therapy addresses both physical and emotional aspects of trauma. By working through physical tension, it often leads to emotional release, promoting comprehensive healing. Reduces Physical Pain Many trauma survivors experience chronic pain.

Why is my back so sensitive to massage?

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.

Where should a massage therapist not touch?

Never touch the client's genitals or anus. Clients can only provide explicit consent to have their genital area and gluteal cleft exposed for the purpose of Massage Therapy during childbirth.

Can a massage trigger anxiety?

As tension is released from the muscles, emotions that have been stored within the body may also come to the surface. This emotional release can sometimes trigger feelings of sadness, anger, or anxiety which may contribute to feeling unwell after a session.

Why is my back so sensitive to touch and ticklish?

Causes can include infections, spinal problems, injuries, fibromyalgia, and vascular malformations. A person should see a doctor if they experience severe tingling in the back, the tingling lasts more than a few days, or they also have other concerning symptoms.

Is it normal to moan during a back massage?

Well apparently, that's a no-no and you're not supposed to moan even if you have a male massage therapist. I found out after one of the therapists asked me to moan a little quieter. When I came home and told my wife she told me you are never to moan out loud in pleasure at a massage therapy place.

Why does my back tingle when I get a massage?

When you get a massage and those soft tissues are manipulated, it can activate nerves in the muscle or even trigger nerve activity in other areas. Another factor for that tingling feeling is increased blood flow. Improved circulation is another wonderful benefit of massage therapy.

Can you over massage your back?

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.

Why do I flinch during a massage?

Stimulation of Nerves - When pressure is applied to the muscles, this can sometimes irritate the nerves, leading to spasms or twitching. Increased Blood Flow - Increased blood flow causes the muscles to contract as they receive more oxygen and nutrients. This can cause temporary spasms.

How do you know if you got a bad massage?

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.

What are red flags in massage therapy?

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.

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 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.

Why do I feel ticklish when someone massages my back?

Our muscles hold tension in many ways such as ticklishness, pain, tenderness and numbness. Tension in tight muscles and restriction of fascia may cause a ticklish sensation when you receive a massage. Fascia is connective tissue that holds everything together.

Why do I have so many trigger points in my back?

Too much use of the muscles, most often with poor form, injury to the muscle and mental stress likely help cause trigger points.

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 is a PTSD massage?

How does PTSD massage help? During a trauma massage session, the massage therapist addresses muscles, muscle groups, tendons, and soft tissues to loosen up tightness, work out knots and trigger points, and create more flexibility and movement for the client.

How to remove stored trauma from body?

With the right support, healing is possible. Therapies that connect the body and mind — like cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy — can help you process trauma held in your body.

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