Good vs. Bad Deep Tissue Massage Pain: 6 Signs You Should Know
Deep tissue massage can feel intense, but how do we know if the pain is good or bad? Some discomfort is expected, but it should never feel like too much. That’s where knowing the difference between good and bad pain matters.
You’ll also want to understand deep tissue massage pain management for post-session soreness so you can handle the soreness that comes after.
Let’s go over some simple facts to help you figure out what’s normal and what’s not during a deep tissue massage.
Good Pain Feels Like a Stretch
Good pain. It feels like your muscles are getting a nice stretch. It’s the kind of pain that makes you say, “This hurts, but it’s helping!” When a therapist works on tight muscles, you should feel some pressure, but it shouldn’t be unbearable.
Your muscles might feel like they’re loosening up, and that’s exactly what we want.
Bad Pain Feels Sharp or Burning
If the pain feels sharp or like it’s burning, that’s bad pain. You shouldn’t feel like you need to stop the massage because it’s too much. Deep tissue massage is supposed to be firm but not in a way that makes you feel like you’re being hurt.
If it feels like something is wrong, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to tell your therapist if the pain feels like this.
Good Pain Goes Away After the Massage
A little soreness after a deep tissue massage is normal, but it shouldn’t last long. This is where deep tissue massage pain management for post-session soreness helps. You might feel tender for a day or two, but the pain should fade quickly.
Your body needs time to recover, and that’s part of the process. Good pain means your muscles are healing, and the discomfort will go away soon.
Bad Pain Lasts for Days
If you’re still hurting days later, that’s not normal. Bad pain sticks around longer than it should. If you feel like you’re in more pain after a few days, it might be because the therapist applied too much pressure.
It’s important to reach out to your therapist if this happens. You shouldn’t be suffering for days after a massage.
Good Pain is Tolerable
Good pain should be manageable during the massage. You might feel some discomfort, but it should be the kind that you can handle. You may find yourself taking deep breaths, but you should still feel like you’re in control.
If the pain is too much, it’s okay to ask the therapist to adjust the pressure. It’s your body, and you should never feel like you have to endure too much pain.
Bad Pain Makes You Tense Up
If you’re tightening up during the massage, that’s bad pain. Your muscles might clench, or you might feel tense all over. This is a clear sign that the pressure is too much. When pain makes your body tense up, it’s not helping.
The goal is to relax, not to get more stressed. Let your therapist know if you’re tensing up so they can ease off.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, it’s important to know what’s normal when it comes to deep tissue massage pain. Some soreness is expected, but it shouldn’t be too intense or long.
Deep tissue massage pain management for post-session soreness is key to recovery, so you can feel better quickly. Always listen to your body during the session and afterwards. If the pain feels sharp, and intense, or sticks around for days, don’t ignore it. The goal of a massage is to help you feel better, and good pain should be something that heals, not hurts.
