Should a massage hurt?

[F-Bomb]

OK. Here I am, suitably chastised!
Perhaps it is 10 years using MLD on lymphoedema patients, following 18 years as a remedial massage therapist, which has made me go soft - literally! I have found over the years that there is no gain from pain. I keep at an area of dis-ease, using MLD, if necessary working the area for ages - and eventually the underlying muscle and tissue relents and gives in.

 

[summerlove32]

I know what you are saying, and I agree to an extent, you shouldnt go out to give someone pain, and if there are treatments that you can use that causes less discomfort, then these should be chosen. However, there are techniques such has been mentioned before, such as deep transverse frictions, to help break down scar tissue, that are going to hurt like hell, and possibly cause bruising, but unfortunately, they have to be done. We have tried using myofascial release on scar tissue, and whilst it is effective, albeit with longer treatments, the pain is just the same. There are also those, especially in the sporting world, who need effective treatments, fast..these are the ones that would probably have to endure the most pain, as these are the ones that want quick fixes, which usually means pain. I for one always go for the least painful option for a client (unless they specify techniqes that they want), but there are some clients, who think that unless they are experiencing a painful treatment, then they arent having an effective one. With these I tend to use trigger point therapy in one or two areas, just to make them happy, because they are not happy psychologically with the treatment, then its not going to be as effective.

 

[cbelbbgy]

I thought the original question was 'SHOULD a massage hurt' thereby implying that UNLESS it hurt it wouldn't work

No wonder there are so many 'butchers' out there if that's what they are being told []

"even with correct use, friction is a painful technique that MAY cause bruising, and it is worth advising the patient of this at the time".

NOTE the word MAY
The good therapist is one who can deliver the most effective treatment with the LEAST amount of DISCOMFORT (I try to avoid using the word pain ).
Too many 'therapists' (sic) seem to think that the more it hurts the better they are doing (and I've seen more than a few over the last 11+ years)
Yes some treatments, by their v nature are going to be 'uncomfortable' (note that word again , however the therapist should not take this as a green light to give as much pain as they can. ('Some pain is good, so more pain must be better' approach )
I totally agree with Richard though in
"With these I tend to use trigger point therapy in one or two areas, just to make them happy, because they are not happy psychologically with the treatment, then its not going to be as effective" (and I thought I was the only one )
However the statement regarding the client signing some form of 'disclaimer' to try and absolve responsibilty ie:
'If any client did want to seek legal action after being advised of this, then they would get nowhere'
......is wishful thinking (I have had more than a few discussions with litigation lawyers regarding this)

You cannot sign away your rights no matter what is written on the form

If you want the legalise
'Informed consent' cannot overrule 'Duty of care'

 

[Erichosine]

Hi DFNU,
thanks for your comments. I didnt mention a disclaimer, what I mentioned was a consultation form, which should always be signed by the client. The treatment plan should be recorded on this, and if a treatment could possibly result in bruising or pain, then this should also be recorded, with the client agreeing that this is a possibility, and consenting to the treatment.

Disclaimers on consultation forms do not allow a therapist to do whatever they want to a client without legal redress, and if the above have been followed, AND as you say, the therapist has provided a professional and correct treatment, then chances of successful court action by a client is extremely slim. Unfortunately with the 'compensation culture' we are in, there are more and more claims being made by unscrupulous clients, against therapists, but the good news is that very very few of these ever get past first base (if the above has been done correctly)