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.
The trigger point is manually manipulated until it releases with a satisfying sensation associated with tension release. Essentially, this breaks up the fascial scar tissue and relieves the symptoms connected with it.
Feeling some pain or discomfort with a deep tissue massage is perfectly normal, and it's the best kind of pain and soreness you can feel! While you may feel some discomfort, you will also feel an overflow of relief as your muscles slowly relax and those knots break away.
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.
It Feels Good
In a sense, they do. Putting pressure onto a sore spot hurts for a moment, and then seems to ease the pain. But, the feel-good sensation does not only come from the physical aspect of your massage. The chemical release caused by rubbing the skin plays a significant role in easing your pain.
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.
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.
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.
Once you know that, you'll be better equipped to identify potential issues and prevent them in the future. 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.
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.
Massage stimulates receptors that transmit sensory signals to the central nervous system, and this in turn causes the reduction in tension in muscles and the feeling of relaxation. Massage causes the release of endorphins which has been shown to reduce pain and muscle tension.
When you massage a knot, it often feels like you are stretching a rope or taffy which is stuck in your muscle tissues. This may be a result of increased blood flow to the site of tension, but it also may be due to the relaxation of the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles (called fascia).
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you have a busy lifestyle and seek relaxation after a long day of work and family commitments, an evening or before-bed massage can help you relax your body and mind. On the other hand, a morning or afternoon massage can increase your energy levels and help you face the day.
Generally, professional athletes might receive massages anywhere from once a week to several times a week.
Massage guns are best to help loosen up tight muscles or the fascia tissue that surrounds them. The devices use a percussion rhythm that can get circulation going and ease muscle tension so you don't get sore after physical activity. They can also break up tightness or knots to improve your mobility or posture.
Occasionally it causes new physical injuries, usually just minor bruises and nerve lesions, but sometimes far worse: there's a small but serious risk of spinal injury or stroke with any neck manipulation, and blood clots can be dangerously dislodged causing pulmonary embolism (a “stroke” in the lung).