Should Massage Hurt?
Comfort is key!
Even if you enjoy a deeper style of massage, you shouldn’t be in pain during or after your massage. On a 1-10 pain scale, you shouldn’t go beyond a 7. It might feel like you need to hurt to feel better, but there is a limit that your body can receive before going into a defensive mode. In defensive mode, your muscles tighten up, you stop breathing, and your brain and body fight against what they are experiencing.
There is a therapeutic pain. A “good” pain that might be uncomfortable, but in a way that feels positive. Pressing into a tender area can and should feel good. A high pain scale reading, on the other hand, is unnecessary.
Signs the body work you are getting isn’t the right fit:
Too much pressure- you feel your muscles tensing against the pain. You clench your jaw or fists, you hold your breath.
Pain after the session- being slightly sore (like you’ve had a good exercise or stretching session) is normal. If you are in pain or bruising, you and your massage therapist need to reassess the massage sessions.
No results- depending on your goals (headaches, body pain, flexibility, tension or stress management) the state of your body, weekly or every other weekly sessions are recommended when starting massage.
Massage is cumulative and if you aren’t seeing or feeling results, you and your massage therapist need to reassess the technique and frequency. You can always seek out a new massage therapist or communicate your concerns and make changes together.
Your body needs time and patience to adapt to the changes of how you use it. Massage combined with self-care between sessions is life changing. You can make positive changes to your life at any point, and massage is one of them. Massage can help keep you healthy, offering you comfort and less pain. Massage Solutions is here to help you reach whatever changes you want to bring to your body and wellness.
It’s always great to have a massage to look forward to!
