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January 24, 2025

Picture this: you’re lying on a massage table, soothing music plays softly in the background, and fragrant essential oils fill the air. But as your therapist works on the tense knots in your back, you wince as you feel a sharp pressure. You wonder, “Is it good if a massage hurts? Should I be worried?” It’s a question I’ve encountered often in my career as a massage therapist, and it’s one that deserves a nuanced answer.

The Nature of Massage

Massage is an age-old practice aimed at promoting relaxation, healing, and overall well-being. The concept is simple—apply pressure and movement to muscles and tissues to aid in their recovery and relaxation. However, as simple as it sounds, the practice involves a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors.

The Purpose of Pressure

It’s important to understand that not all massage techniques are created equal. Some, like Swedish massage, focus on relaxation and are typically gentle. Others, like deep tissue massage, are more intense and can sometimes be uncomfortable.

The key is in understanding the purpose behind the pressure. When we work on relaxing the deeper layers of muscle, we might encounter tension that has built up over time. Applying pressure to these areas can indeed be uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, but this sensation is often described as a “good hurt”—a discomfort linked to the release of long-held tension.

Understanding Your Pain Threshold

Pain is an incredibly subjective experience. What’s tolerable to one person might be unbearable to another. Your unique pain threshold plays a significant role in how you perceive the sensations during a massage. Let’s delve deeper into this concept.

The ‘Good Hurt’ vs. Overwhelming Pain

In my practice, I often talk with clients about the difference between a “good hurt” and overwhelming pain. A “good hurt” tends to feel like the muscles are being challenged but in a way that feels ultimately beneficial—like stretching a sore muscle after exercise. On the other hand, overwhelming pain can be sharp, intense, and unbearable. It’s the body’s way of saying, “enough!”

My approach always involves effective communication. I encourage clients to speak up if the pressure feels too intense. No matter the technique, certain levels of discomfort do not equate benefits and can be counterproductive if your body cannot relax.

When is Pain Beneficial?

“No pain, no gain” is a phrase often bandied about in the fitness world, but how far does this extend to massage therapy? There are scenarios where some discomfort during a massage may be both normal and beneficial.

Breaking Down Tissue Adhesions

Your body builds up adhesions and scar tissue in response to stress, injury, or inflammation. These can restrict movement and cause pain. Deep tissue massages—or techniques such as trigger point therapy—are designed to break these adhesions, promoting increased range of motion and decreased pain in future. This involves applying intense pressure, which can feel uncomfortable initially but can provide immense relief afterwards.

Releasing Chronic Tension

Persistent stress and poor posture can lead to chronic tension in muscles, which might require deeper pressure to alleviate. You might experience some discomfort as these knots are worked out, but the relief that follows is often worth it. The key is ensuring the discomfort is within your tolerance range and not crossing into genuine pain.

The Art of Communication

Successful massage therapy isn’t a one-way street; it’s a collaborative process which hinges on open and honest communication between therapist and client.

Finding the Right Balance

In my sessions, I ensure I keep an open dialogue with clients. Asking, “How does this pressure feel?” or “Let me know if this gets too intense,” empowers clients to set their boundaries and allows me to tailor the massage to their specific needs. If there is anything I encourage, it’s never to shy away from voicing your feelings. Massage therapy should never be a “grin and bear it” experience.

Listening to Your Body

Your body is an incredible communicator, often more so than words. Learn to tune in to what it’s telling you. Are you breathing comfortably? Are you tensing up against the pressure? These are indicators that can guide both you and me in adjusting the pressure to the sweetest spot of therapeutic efficacy.

Cautions and Considerations

Although some discomfort might be part of the therapeutic process, there are times when pain is a warning signal rather than a sign of therapeutic progress.

Potential Risks

There are certain conditions where intense pressure during a massage could exacerbate symptoms or even cause injury. For example, those with varicose veins, blood clotting issues, fractures, or osteoporosis should exercise caution. Additionally, if you are pregnant, certain massage techniques and positions should be avoided.

As a therapist, providing a thorough consultation before a session helps me identify any contraindications and adjust techniques accordingly. This adherence to professional standards ensures the safety and well-being of each client.

When to Stop

If you experience sharp, stabbing pain, bruising, or feel worse after your massage, it’s important to communicate openly and consider seeking professional evaluation to rule out an underlying issue. Massage should help you feel better, not worse, and your body deserves your attentiveness and respect.

Conclusion: Striking the Perfect Balance

So, is it good if a massage hurts? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s all about finding a balance. Some discomfort, particularly if it feels productive and bearable, is often a sign that massage therapy is working through those tight spots. But it should always remain within your comfort level, and excessive pain isn’t a prerequisite for benefits.

In my practice at Paul Massage, I aim to combine my expertise with empathy to provide each client with a personalised, effective, and above all else, comfortable massage experience. By understanding the nuances of individual pain thresholds and using open communication, we can create an environment of healing that respects your body and its limits.

Whenever you’re unsure whether the pressure is just right, remember to trust your instincts, engage in conversation, and view your therapist as a partner in your journey towards well-being. Whether you’re seeking to unwind, heal, or both, my mobile massage therapy service stands ready to bring the ultimate, carefully tailored massage experience to you, right in the comfort of your own home.

1. Does Massage Need to Hurt to Be Effective? – Verywell Health

This article explores the concept of “good hurt” versus harmful pain during massage therapy.

2. When Pain Is Good During a Massage—And When It’s Not – Healthline

Learn about the scenarios where discomfort during a massage can be beneficial and when it should be avoided.

3. Understanding Deep Tissue Massage – Mayo Clinic

A detailed look at deep tissue massage and its benefits for addressing chronic tension and adhesions.

4. Massage Therapy for Chronic Pain Relief – Cleveland Clinic

Explore how massage therapy can provide relief for chronic pain conditions.

5. The Importance of Communication During Massage – AMTA

A professional guide on how communication enhances the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy.

6. When to Stop a Massage: Pain Signals to Watch For – Harvard Health

An authoritative discussion on recognising when massage pain indicates a problem.

Massage Therapist Paul

Paul, is a seasoned therapist, with over 15 years of expertise in the field. His dedication to delivering a tailored massage experience that caters to your unique needs sets him apart. Whether you seek deep tissue relief, the serenity of a relaxing massage, or specialized care with a pregnancy massage, Paul has you covered.

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