MASSAGE FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS - Hometown Focus

[massage]

I was recently asked the question, “Is massage supposed to hurt?” Before I answer that question, let me back up and start at the beginning of story.

Initially this person said they had some pain in their back and shoulder area and asked me if I thought massage might help. I said that it very possibly could help. I have known this person more than 7 years and we have never discussed their aches in a massage-related way before. So, I figured they were hurting enough to ask me my opinion.

In turn, I asked them if they had ever had a massage before. They said, “Yes, once.” I asked them if it had been a positive experience for them. “No” was their answer to me. Wow, that spoke volumes to me. First, it explained why they have never wanted to talk to me about getting a massage, as they were possibly afraid of getting hurt again. Second, they were talking to me now because they were hurting, and I know they have talked to some of my clients, who have told this person how massage has helped them.





So, when they asked me the question, “Is massage supposed to hurt?” I answered, “Absolutely not.” Then I explained my theory on how I operate my business. There may be therapists out there who would answer this question differently. I told this person that, if I am going very deep and causing you pain, how do you think your body would react? I explained the body tightens up the muscles in defense because of me going so deep. If my intent is to help loosen them, I am now doing the exact opposite of what I said I wanted to do.

My goal is to always work within the parameters of my client’s pain threshold. To me, that means only as deep as they can relax through the bodywork I am doing with their muscles. When I approach it that way, in about 5 – 10 minutes, their muscles start to relax as the pain starts to dissipate and I can go deeper than when I first started.

Keep in mind there are times when some discomfort might be experienced in order to help get rid of an annoying knot. We call those experiences “hurts so good.” It means the pain, yes, hurts, yet feels good because the recipient knows it’s helping them and they are still able to relax through it all.

There is the rare occasion that my client will tell me after a few minutes that the pain is increasing. Then I know that’s my cue to back off and go work somewhere else. I always go back and check in with that area in about 5 – 15 minutes later, because I want to see if the pain is still there or if it has subsided. Most of the time, the pain has subsided or is completely gone. Yay!

So, don’t always believe the athletic slogan “no pain, no gain,” especially when applied toward massage. Everyone has their own pain threshold and it’s important that their pain levels are respected when getting a massage.

Susan Santi is a certified massage therapist and owner of Ahhh Massage in Virginia, MN. Feel free to contact her with questions at 218-410-2144.

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