Often, the pain associated with massage therapy comes from the release of chronic muscle tension. However, sometimes, the pain comes from a massage therapist's poor technique. If the therapist works too deeply, it can damage the tissue, which can cause pain. Another reason why deep tissue massage (TMD) can hurt is if it is performed by an inexperienced massage therapist, who may use unnecessary force or aggravate a previous injury.
Therefore, choosing an experienced massage therapist and passing on past injuries to your masseur is very important and can save you a lot of pain and agony. Deep tissue massages focus on deeper muscle structures and on loosening the fascia. The movements are similar to those of a Swedish massage, but they focus more on the knots and a greater amount of pressure is used. Deep tissue massages shouldn't hurt, but they won't necessarily be comfortable.
There may also be some pain after the session is over. Certain types of oriental massage techniques also use more pressure than standard Swedish massage, which can be painful for more sensitive people. This may look like you just did a good workout. The pain should go away after 24 to 36 hours.
Some people find that drinking a little more water can help with pain. Are massages supposed to hurt? 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, they 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 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. Inflammation and discomfort usually last from a few hours to about a day and a half.
The same things you do to treat muscle pain after exercise can help ease pain after a massage. Massage doesn't have to hurt to be effective. Many massage therapists are trained in multiple techniques that vary in pressure and time. If a technique doesn't seem therapeutic to you, but simply feels like pain, please say so.
We may be able to detect a problem area, but we can't feel the intensity of its pain response. In addition, tell your massage therapist about your medical history, medication changes, allergies, and recent illnesses. Each of these factors can influence the massage techniques used and the body's response to them. Communicating with your therapist will bring you the most benefit from your massage.
