One of the things we get asked about often here at Araya Beauty during or immediately after some of our more intense massage treatments is ‘it it supposed to hurt?!’ and the answer, quite frankly, is ‘yes’! If done correctly, a deep tissue massage should invoke some feelings of initial pain, often followed by a couple of days’ soreness or even mild bruising; it’s not for the feint-hearted but as the saying goes; “no pain, no gain”!
Of course, the pain should never be excruciating (please tell us if it is!). We pride ourselves on being attentive, respectful communicative before, during and after all of our massage treatments from start to finish and we do offer softer, more relaxing options such as Swedish massages for those who don’t like it ‘rough’, so to speak!
Most of our massage clients know by now that deep tissue massages can be some of the most relieving and beneficial types of massages to receive. However, some can often become apprehensive to receive a deep tissue massage when they hear that there might be some pain or soreness involved in the process.
Generally speaking, soreness is simply a positive side effect that the massage was successful in doing it’s job in relieving all of your pesky knots and muscle tension.
Our clients’ well-being and piece of mind is, of course, paramount to everything to we strive for at Araya Beauty, so let’s run through some of the more common questions we get asked in relation to deep tissue massage therapy to help educate, inform and perhaps put your mind at ease if you’ve never experienced this truly transformational therapy just yet, or even if you have, and you’re feeling if it’s ‘normal’ to feel some aches and pains!
Because the deep tissue massage is used for stiffness, knots, chronic pain, contracted areas, and muscle tightness, your massage therapist will apply pressure and use deep strokes in order to get everything feeling back to normal again. Deep pressure is used to break apart your painful, stubborn knots. Knots can be described as a group of rigid tissue.
Your therapist will also use a friction technique by going against the grain of your muscles to assist in the realignment of tissue fibres. Another technique often used in the deep tissue massage is the stripping method. During this method, your masseuse will use deep pressure along your muscle fibres.
Our therapists often use their elbows, knuckles, hands, forearms and even feet during the massage. While the entire process isn’t painful by itself, there are moments of discomfort and pain. These moments will most likely occur when your therapist is working on scar tissue, knots, or adhesions.
First, you should know that feeling some levels of pain is good sign. This means that your therapist is breaking up those knots and realigning stiff muscles. However, if the pain becomes too intense or excruciating, you should always notify your massage therapist. Our therapists are trained to deal will all levels of pain sensitivity and will work to approach your particular situation using another technique or work to further prep your muscles.
Another thing to do during your massage during moments of discomfort is to do your very best to relax through it. Sometimes pain can cause us to tense our muscles up. By tensing your muscles, therapist will need to apply even more pressure in order to get everything working properly, thus causing a more uncomfortable experience.
This is why it is highly suggested to keep your muscles calm and relaxed throughout the entirety of the deep tissue massage. You may do so by frequently taking deep breaths and keeping your body loose.
The kind of pain you may feel after a deep tissue massage is very similar to the pain an athlete might feel after an intense workout. Often times, soreness can be a positive sign that things are healing or correcting and it has been scientifically-proven to reduce chronic stress levels in regular recipients.
Your muscles have essentially been manipulated, stretched, and worked on for the best part of an hour with us. So naturally, because your muscles were working so hard, they may feel a little bit tender within the next couple of days. However, this is a good sign. This means that you are on the road to much more relaxed, functioning muscles. Within as little as 48 hours, you should be feeling brand new.
There are many things you may do in order to relieve some of the soreness felt in result of a deep tissue massage. One of the most highly suggested things to do is to remain hydrated. Massage therapists suggest consuming plenty of water during the day of your massage, and after your appointment too! After all, hydrated muscles are healthier muscles.
Another suggested remedy is to apply some heat to the sore areas. For example, many often suggest a warm epsom salt bath or relaxing in bed with a heating pad or a good ol’ fashioned hot water bottle!
We’re also huge fans of Tiger Balm here at Araya Beauty, an ancient oriental muscle-soothing formula that many active sportspeople in Ireland will be more than familiar with. A carefully-administered layering of this potent balm can relieve even the deepest of muscular tension.
Feeling some pain or discomfort with a deep tissue massage is perfectly normal, and it’s the best kind of pain and soreness you can feel! While you may feel some discomfort, you will also feel an overflow of relief as your muscles slowly relax and those knots break away.
You can rest safe in the knowledge that all the while once you’ve relaxed on our massage beds, your therapist is working hard to eliminate all of your muscle tension and knots. After 48 hours, you will feel increased flexibility and an overall lack of tension. Your muscles will feel more relaxed, leaving your feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
We highlight in more detail what the preparation, process and benefits of our deep tissue massage treatments are over on our main treatment page at https://www.arayabeauty.com/treatments/massage-spa/deep-tissue/ but five additional, long-lasting and scientifically factual benefits to embracing this tried and tested well-being initiative include the following:
1. Helps to treat chronic back pain
2. Assists in lowering higher blood pressure
3. Breaks up scar tissue and knots
4. A proven stress and muscle tension reliever
5. Effective, natural (and perfectly legal!) performance-enhancing treatment for athletes
As you can see, the benefits of a deep tissue massage are extraordinary, and can suit a wide variety of people. Whether you have just a few knots, or a lot, a deep tissue massage will offer you plenty and positive, long-lasting side effects.
In conclusion, receiving a deep tissue massage is one of the best things you can do for your muscles. No one should be forced to live with chronic muscle pain and stiffness, especially when there is a solution close by. While there is some pain and discomfort involved in a deep tissue massage, you should never fear receiving one. The pain should never be excruciating or unbearable.
It is perfectly normal to feel small level of pain during and after the massage, and the pain is necessary in the healing and regrouping of your muscles. If feeling apprehensive or nervous, speak with your massage therapist prior to the massage. You may also keep up the communication during the deep tissue massage, communicating with your therapist if the pain is too much for you.
Our team of fully qualified massage therapists here at Araya Beauty are here to help you, and will work with you to create the most positive experience available. You will feel relieved to know that the small amount of pain you are feeling is the therapist at work in relieving all of your deep tension.
With only a little discomfort and soreness, your muscles will soon be feeling brand new. Your new, relaxed and rejuvenated body will soon be ready to conquer to the world!
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