Have you had a painful massage experience? Or maybe you want to book your first massage but are worried it might hurt.
Your concerns are valid – there’s a common misconception that a ‘good’ massage is supposed to hurt in order to be beneficial.
I’m here to remind you that this isn’t true, and that you should never feel pain during a massage. I’ll share some tips on finding a trustworthy massage therapist, and what to do if you find yourself in a painful situation.
Pressure vs pain
Some massage techniques involve applying pressure to relieve tension and release any muscular knots in the body. Not enough pressure, and you may leave the massage without feeling any physical difference.
On the other hand, there are some massage techniques where very firm pressure is normal and needed.
Everybody has a different threshold for pressure and pain. What may be comfortable for one person could be agonizing for another.
But, keep in mind that pressure and pain are not the same and shouldn’t be confused. And despite popular sentiments, when it comes to massage therapy, there’s no such thing as ‘good pain’. The idea that a painful massage is normal – or even a good thing – is completely false. No matter how much pressure a massage needs to be effective, it should never cross over into pain.
To illustrate this further, here are a few of the many different types of massage, and the amount of pressure they involve:
Deep tissue massages
This is likely the one most people think of when they picture a more intense, deeper massage. Deep tissue massage uses firm pressure to target chronic tension and tight muscles that lie deep below the surface of the skin. This is the massage many people will get if they have an injury or suffer from chronic pain.
Trigger point therapy
This type of massage targets muscular knots to ease pain and discomfort.
‘Trigger points’ form in the body’s soft tissue as a result of overuse or acute trauma. A massage therapist will apply pressure to these trigger points to increase blood flow to the area, release muscle tension, and help break down any scar tissue.
Remember: If you’ve had one of these massages and had a painful experience, or you want to try them but are anxious about getting hurt, please don’t worry. Knowing how to find a massage therapist who understands your needs and how to advocate for yourself can make all the difference.
How to find the right massage therapist for you
Finding a massage therapist who listens to your concerns is crucial for an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re new to massage, or you want to find a therapist who suits you better, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here’s what I recommend:
Get recommendations
Everyone has different needs and preferences, so the right fit for one person may not necessarily be the right fit for you, but asking your friends and family for their personal recommendations is usually a good place to start.
Check reviews
If you don’t have any friends or family who have regular massage therapy sessions, check out online reviews. This way, you can read experiences from a range of people and hopefully get an idea of whether this therapist would be a good fit for you.
Be patient
You may strike gold and click perfectly with the first massage therapist you try, or it may take a few attempts. This is totally normal. Don’t give up if you try a few therapists that don’t quite hit the mark. Keep going, and you’ll find your match.
How to communicate with your massage therapist
Communication is key in many areas of life. A massage therapy session is no different. It’s vital to communicate with your therapist about what you’re hoping to get out of the massage session and any concerns you may have.
Honesty is the best policy
It can be difficult to speak up if something’s hurting you, or if you’re not enjoying a particular aspect of your massage. Most people tend to assume the massage therapist knows best.
But your comfort and needs should always be the priority, so don’t be afraid to speak up. Good massage therapists create a space where clients feel comfortable asking questions, raising concerns, or even stopping the session if things are uncomfortable. If they don’t make you feel safe doing any of these things, you have every right to end your session and leave.
If you’re unsure where to start, always start with honesty. Your massage therapist may not realize they were using poor technique and causing you pain. Your feedback may lead to a better massage experience not only for you, but for clients who may come to that therapist down the line.
Keep the conversation going
You don’t have to wait until after the massage to say what’s on your mind. There should be a two-way channel of dialogue between you and your therapist before, during, and after the massage.
You may worry about interrupting the massage therapist while they’re working, but if you’re feeling discomfort or physical pain, it’s essential to let them know.
If you’re not used to speaking up in situations like these, it can feel a little intimidating at first. Just know that with practice, you can become your own best advocate, saving yourself and others from painful massage sessions in the future.
What your massage therapy session should be like
Whether you’ve never had a massage before, or you’ve only had negative experiences, it’s helpful to know what a proper massage session should look like.
A good massage therapist will answer any questions and address any worries you may have. They’ll listen deeply to learn what you want from your massage, and if you have any injuries, pain, or other areas they need to be careful with.
While you may have a preference for what type of massage you get, a good massage therapist should take into account what your goals are and personalize your session accordingly. Ideally, the two of you should work together to get the best possible outcome.
And a worthwhile massage therapist will regularly check in during your session to make sure you feel comfortable, ready to change things up if you’re feeling any kind of pain or discomfort.
Keep your massage sessions a pain-free zone
If you’ve come to this blog post feeling anxious about having a massage, I truly hope the information I’ve shared has brought you some comfort. Your fears are understandable, but you shouldn’t let them keep you from feeling the full benefits of a proper massage.
In my own practice, I always aim to create a safe environment where you can ask questions and raise concerns, whenever they arise. I work with each client individually to create a session entirely personalized for your needs.
If you’re looking for a fulfilling, enjoyable massage experience that leaves you feeling better than you did before you started, let’s work together.
If you’re ready, you can book your 30-minute massage today. If not, you’re more than welcome to get in touch with me to talk through any questions you may have.
