Massages are not meant to be a painful experience, even though they may be perceived as such. Some clients and even some massage therapists believe that pain is an integral part of the massage and that it has to be painful for it to work. However, this is not necessarily true. There are several different types of massages, such as Swedish massage, which is very light and uses little pressure, so there is very little discomfort.
A deep tissue massage is usually the type of massage that can cause some discomfort, since they actually work the tissues and muscles, but a well-trained masseur will always work within the client's comfort level. A deep tissue massage is very beneficial for any type of injury and will help with the healing process. If massages always hurt, it could mean several things. It could mean that the tissue being massaged is not 100% healthy and receiving a massage would be very therapeutic for that tissue, since it would help improve circulation and reduce pain and discomfort. It could also mean that you need to communicate a little more with your massage therapist to let her know if there's too much or too little pressure. What they think might be appropriate pressure may be too much for you in certain areas, so don't hesitate to talk and let the therapist know how you feel.
The bottom line here is that massage can cause some discomfort if you already experience aches all over your body. Even if you don't realize it, we could all benefit from a massage from time to time to eliminate the stress and tension that have built up in the body. Before you go get your next massage, make sure to communicate your comfort levels with your masseuse and you won't be disappointed. However, don't go into the massage thinking that there won't be any discomfort. Pain and discomfort are two different things.
People often describe discomfort as a “good wound”, especially in reference to getting a massage. When you feel pain during a massage, it's more than just a nuisance and could even cause bruises or injuries. Strong massage may not be called “deep tissue”; there are several other styles of massage and manual therapies that are quite intense. See your doctor if you have neck or back pain after a massage or on an ongoing basis, especially if you are unsure of the cause. Read on to learn more about why you might feel pain after a massage, how to minimize discomfort, and the different types of massages available. The deep tissue massage therapist aims to separate scar tissues (adhesions) deep within the muscles to release chronic muscle tension and provide relief.
Continue to improve your well-being and reduce pain by taking care of yourself after each massage. A good massage therapist can help ensure that you get the right type of massage, working in the right areas depending on what you're currently dealing with. Some of us have a very low pain tolerance and others have a very high pain tolerance, so that could be a good reason why some of us experience more pain during massages, while others don't. Some research has suggested that it is actually possible to physically destroy the motor plate with a strong massage, thus inactivating the activation point. Everyone has different tolerances for pain, so a massage that is painful for one person may not be painful for you. There is rarely a justification for an extremely painful massage, unless it clearly produces a better result than a more gentle treatment, which is rarely clear.
If you are very sensitive, feel a lot of pain or tension, or simply want to avoid feeling pain later, opt for a massage that uses light and gentle pressure. That is, regardless of all other considerations, a massage therapist should talk to you about pressure, respect your preferences (they are more important than any treatment ideology) and be careful not to run into areas that need much less pressure (for greater comfort) or much more pressure (for satisfaction). This is a description of a case of intestinal injury following self-massage of the abdomen intended to relieve constipation.
