Why is my back so sensitive to massage?

Author: Ollie Luettgen  |  Last update: Thursday, June 19, 2025

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 is my back so ticklish when I get a massage?

Tension in tight muscles and restrictions in the fascia (web of connective tissues throughout your body) can cause ticklishness, pain, tenderness or numbness when being touched or receiving a massage. 1 : to have a tingling or prickling sensation my back tickles. 2 : to excite the surface nerves to prickle.

Why does my back hurt when I get a massage?

First off, we should state that some pain during a massage is quite normal. If you have particularly tight muscles or “knots” in your back or neck, it's probably going to hurt a little as your masseuse works those out. However, this pain should only be temporary and resolve in a day or so following your massage.

What body parts should not be massaged?

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.

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.

Why do I get sore after a massage?

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.

Why am I so sensitive to back massages?

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.

What vitamin deficiency causes myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is a common muscle condition characterized by painful trigger points. Vitamin D deficiency has been recognized as a precipitating factor of MPS.

Is it good if a massage hurts?

It's important to know that it isn't unusual to feel a degree of discomfort during the massage itself. The whole point of this treatment is to break up muscle tension, adhesions and scar tissue that often lie in deeper musculature, so your therapist will likely be applying a good deal of pressure.

Why is my back so crunchy when massaged?

Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.

Can a massage therapist feel knots?

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.

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.

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.

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.

What can be mistaken for myofascial pain?

According to a 2018 comparison article , both conditions share similarities, and people may mistake MPS for fibromyalgia. Both conditions cause musculoskeletal pain. People may have MPS or fibromyalgia if they have persistent pain for more than 3 months. Both conditions may involve central sensitization.

What are the neurological symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?

Various studies have shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and neurodegenerative conditions like dementia (loss of memory), cognitive decline (loss of the ability to think critically) in the elderly, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

How to release tight fascia?

Ways to Relieve Fascia Pain

There are various strategies that work to loosen up painful knots, such as: Heat therapy: Apply a heating pad to the affected area or take a warm shower or bath. Yoga therapy: See a highly trained yoga therapist to get a regimen of yoga poses targeted to treat your area of pain.

Who should not get a deep tissue massage?

People with Certain Medical Conditions. While deep tissue massage can be beneficial for many, it's not recommended for everyone. If you have certain medical conditions, such as osteoporosis, cancer, or blood clotting disorders, it's best to steer clear of deep tissue work unless your doctor gives you the green light.

Why does it tickle when I get a back massage?

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. Fascia that has become solid will restrict muscles forming adhesion's where pressure points are involved.

Why drink water after a massage?

Drinking water post massage helps the body flush out any accumulated materials that were released during the massage. This is especially pertinent in deep tissue and therapeutic massage as massage stimulates circulation in the body while expressing water, salt and other minerals from the muscles.

When should I not get a back massage?

Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)

Is there such a thing as too many massages?

While frequent massages can help with things like pain management and therapy sessions, it's important not to overdo it. If you feel sore or have problems like swelling after a lot of massages, take a break and talk to your therapist.

What restricts a body massage?

Total contraindications to massage include:

Fever. Contagious diseases, including any cold or flu, even mild ones. Acute infectious conditions e.g. Hepatitis A, recent immunisation. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Severe unstable hypertension (high blood pressure not under medical supervision)

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