How painful should a massage be?

This question is often covered in a consultation when clients arrive at Serenity for a therapy. Many times people have had massages abroad and have been put off treatment such as Swedish massage because that's apparently what they received when on holiday and were in total agony both during and after their massage.

We all have those really tender spots, those knots we can feel ourselves when rubbing our shoulders when they ache, areas that feel like you're been 'pummelled' when having a massage. This kind of pain can be considered a good pain, it feels exactly as it should. A release of that knot, the easing of tension. Even the triggering of something tighter and more sinister, with a few seconds of well placed compression can feel painful but soooo good.

Massage shouldn't be agonising. It isn't a case of no pain, no gain. If you know that you bruise easily, this is something that should be discussed at consultation stage and the pressure addressed before you're even on the bed. This means that physical bruises shouldn't appear. I'm always more than a little concerned with people who advocate great pain from a massage, who say 'you'll feel the benefit in a few days, stop being a wimp'.

How do you ensure you're getting a good massage? That's a tough one, especially if you're new to receiving this kind of treatment. Ensure you discuss in detail the pressure you prefer with your therapist. They should assure you that they will not take offence if you ask them to lighten off or add a little more pressure in certain areas. This is YOUR treatment, not theirs. YOU are in control, it's your money that's being handed over and so you should be getting the best for what you're paying. You have every right to change your mind during a treatment. Don't feel like the therapist knows best. You know your body best and you know your own tolerance for pressure and pain. Nobody can tell you otherwise. If you're not enjoying your treatment it's a waste of your money, time, and could do you more harm than good.

Here at Serenity we love feedback about our massages, even during the actual treatment. With many years experience and in-depth knowledge of the human anatomy, we sure do know what we're massaging, but we can't feel what you feel. More often than not we get it right, but on those occasions where we're off a little, we'd prefer to know there and then so we can help you enjoy your massage experience and perhaps visit us again.

#swedishmassage #painfulmassage #deeptissuemassage