This month’s feature, "Is Massage Supposed To Hurt?" by Dianne Polseno, sheds light on misconceptions that massage must be painful to be effective. Read on to learn how communicating with your therapist can help ensure that your massage experience is a positive, pleasant one.

By Dianne Polseno

These valid concerns are often thought, yet may be unspoken and unanswered. Let’s address these questions.

There are many types of massage, and some of them might cause a mild degree of discomfort during the therapy. No method of massage should cause significant discomfort that could be considered painful. The differences between mild discomfort and pain can be determined by implementing a pain scale that is discussed between therapist and client pre-massage.

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Some massage modalities might cause your clients a mild degree of discomfort. But it should never cause significant discomfort that clients would consider painful, so it's important to encourage your clients to speak up during a massage if they feel uncomfortable.

The typical pain scale uses a numerical scale from one to ten; 1signifying no discomfort and 10 signifying extreme pain. The middle numbers between three and six signify a therapeutic range where the sensations induced by the massage modalities could be described as “good,” “effective,” or “that’s the spot.” Whenever a sensation of “ouch” is experienced, the client needs to inform the therapist immediately so that pressure, depth and techniques can be modified. An “ouch” experience will cause the client to tense up to defend and guard against the painful feeling, which is contrary to the therapeutic intention of the massage.

Relaxation massage--given for general relaxation, the relief of muscle tension and circulation enhancement--is a method that does not cause discomfort. Even if deeper massage to chronic areas of tension is administered during a relaxation massage, this should not induce pain.

The massage modalities used to address chronic areas of tension or injuries, such as repetitive strain from occupational- or sports-related activities, can be mildly uncomfortable to receive. Friction massage, trigger point therapy and other techniques that are designed to break up adhesed tissue are deeper and more specific than most relaxation methods. Clear, prompt communication between client and therapist is very important during these deeper methods to ensure that a painful experience does not occur.

The “no pain, no gain” theory does not apply to massage. Again, if the sensation experienced during massage is considered painful, it is likely to cause defensive guarding and is not therapeutic. Techniques should be deep enough to feel effective, but not so uncomfortable that pain results.

Post-massage discomfort can occur. Reasons for this include the amount of pressure used and the duration of the massage modalities, the health and hydration of the client’s tissues, activity level of the client and lack of post-massage care.¹ The discomfort can be experienced as a mild degree of soreness, or the way you would feel after a workout. However, but it should not be disabling. Post-massage stretching and icing may be advised by the therapist to manage such discomfort.

The term pain should not be used to describe the degree of discomfort that can accompany the deeper massage modalities used to address tight, injured or adhesed tissues. Clear communication before, during and after the massage is essential to avoid using more pressure than the tissue can therapeutically receive as well as to avoid post-massage soreness.

• Be on time. If you arrive in a frenzied, rushed state, it will take longer to get to a relaxed state.
   
• Good communication is very important. Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are. During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or due to any problems or distractions related to the environment, e.g., room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc. Feel free to give feedback to the massage therapist regarding the massage, e.g., amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.
   
• Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns. It is important that you be as comfortable as possible during your massage. Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.
   
• Breathing helps to facilitate relaxation. People often stop or limit their breath when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged. If you realize you are stopping your breathing, let yourself breathe.
   
• Tightening up, i.e., contracting or hardening your muscles during the massage is counterproductive. If you are able to, relax those muscles. Let your massage therapist know this is happening. They may need to adjust the massage technique being used. They may also be able to help you relax the affected area.
   
• If anything is happening during the massage that you dislike or seems improper, you have the right to ask the massage therapist to stop. If necessary, you also have the right to end the session.

Source: www.amtamassage.org

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GIVE DAD THE GIFT OF MASSAGE FOR FATHER'S DAY

Q: What should I expect when I receive a massage for the first time?

A: At first contact, the massage therapist should ask about your reasons for getting a massage, current physical condition, medical history, lifestyle and stress level, and specific areas of pain. Undressing takes place in private, and a sheet, gown or towel is provided for draping during the massage. The therapist will undrape only the part of the body being massaged, ensuring that modesty is respected at all times. The massage takes place on a comfortable padded surface.

For a different massage tip each week, visit AMTA’s Massage Room.

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