Requesting the correct pressure of a massage is a regularly
misunderstood concept. Knowing how to request a massage session that is right
for what ailments you would like to address can make a positive difference in
your experience. Deep tissue or the ‘no pain, no gain’ mentality is not the
ideal pressure for everyone and can work against relaxing the muscles. A good
rule of thumb is as follows:
Light Pressure ~ insomnia, recent emotional
distress, nervous system disorders, and just needing to relax. Sometimes
muscles that are stubborn to release will benefit from a light pressure massage
after sessions of deep tissue have not resolved an issue.
Moderate Pressure ~ post work out, recent injury
where swelling and bruising have subsided, a firm massage preference, cramped,
stiff muscles, atrophy, pre, and post-travel.
Deep Tissue ~ reconstructive work for an old injury, headache,
repetitive motion pain, post-surgery, joint pain, and misaligned muscles from
injury.
Deep tissue massage should start out lighter to warm up the
tissue so the body can relax and let the therapist sink into the muscles
deeper. Intense pressure without warming the tissue can cause pain and soreness
for days after the session, where surrounding muscles tense up, reversing the
benefit of the treatment. This has been a massage minute; see you on the table
soon.
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