What Should I Do If The Massage Pressure Isn't Right?
Posted on 20th May 2019 at 10:00
When it comes to a sports or deep tissue massage, some people associate it with pain and high pressure. However, this is not always (and does not have to be) the case.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that pain is a subjective feeling. Different individuals will react differently to stimuli that cause a response - pressure being one of these stimuli. Now, there is no ‘right’ amount of pressure as a general rule of thumb, so it’s important that feelings are communicated during a massage from both the therapist and the client. A ‘good’ massage therapist will be able to pick up on both verbally and non-verbally communicated clues.
Verbal Clues
“Would you like any more or less pressure? Or is that the right amount?”
Your therapist will normally ask this question within the first 5 minutes of your treatment. Here is your first opportunity to give your therapist feedback - although we have the ability to feel differences in your tissues we do not know how the pressure feels to you. We never want our clients to suffer in silence, nor do we want them wishing the massage was deeper but not feeling confident enough to say.
Essentially, we want you to get the best out of the treatment. Therefore we never want you to feel as though you are not able to say what you want. We will not be offended by your response either way.
Non-Verbal Clues
Non-verbal clues will be recognised by a therapist and you may find pressure is automatically adjusted, these clues come in the form of:
Facial expressions
Curling of fingers or toes
A change in breathing rate/holding your breath
Flinching
Resistance
The pressure of your massage is completely in your control.
There is no right or wrong amount of pressure, but it should always be whatever is most comfortable for you.
So, don’t worry if you’ve heard that “sports massage is painful”, it doesn’t have to be. Why don’t you come see for yourself by booking an appointment with one of our highly skilled therapists?
Tagged as: deep tissue massage, massage
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