So I thought I would write a little about a common statement/question about massage. A lot of people think a massage has to hurt in order to do any good, but that is not always the case. Delivering an effective massage is about the technique over muscle. If it were all about muscle massage therapists everywhere would be exhausted and wouldn't come back to work! Professional therapists don't work like a cookie cutter doing the same thing repeatedly. They don't go to the same depth of pressure for every client each session either. We treat elderly clients with osteoporosis, for example, with much less pressure than a young athlete who prefers deep tissue work. Female therapists can work just as deep as a "strong" male therapist. In turn a male therapist can give a light/sensitive massage just as well as a female therapist. Again it's all about technique and the needs of each particular client.
Massage does not have to hurt to help either. You gain therapeutic benefits from a relaxing massage; which doesn't hurt at all. You can seek out a more aggressive treatment option which will cause some discomfort afterwards, but both have their benefits for your well being. If you don't want heavy pressure, just say so and the massage therapist will gladly adjust the pressure for you. Massage therapists want to help you. If you are tensing up that will work against the goals of the massage which is to invite your body to relax, reduce pain, increase well being, and for you to have long/supple muscles. Massage therapists aren't in the torture business so make sure to communicate with your therapist on what feels good and what doesn't. Recognize that your needs and pain threshold might change with each visit and things may need to be adjusted in order for you to receive the best massage possible.
With all this being said: go out and find a massage therapist, get a massage, relax, and enjoy!
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