What kind of massage pressure is right for me?
As a massage therapist and a massage client the topic of pressure comes up often! And for a good reason. Most of the time the pressure makes or breaks the massage experience. If it’s TOO MUCH it can leave you feeling sore, bruised and in pain. If it IS NOT ENOUGH, it can leave you feeling like nothing got done other than lotion rubbed on your skin.
When I inquire about pressure that a client might enjoy I get a wide variety of answers.
“I don’t want it to hurt”
“Give me all you got, you can’t hurt me!”
“I like firmer pressure, lighter feels like tickling”
One of the things that is always important to remember is that pressure is subjective. In fact you will likely tolerate different pressure every time you get a massage. Pressure is also correlated with perception of pain tolerance. Pain is not only a physical phenomenon. There is a biological, emotional, physical and psychological component to pain and the way we interpret that is determined in the brain. Finding the right pressure for you is the key to an effective, meaningful, integrative and life-changing massage.
Here is what I tell all my new clients as we start working together:
“The pressure is TOO MUCH, even if it feels SPECTACULAR, if:
1. It takes your breath away
2. Makes you tighten up the musculature in an area where the work is NOT being done.
When either of those things occur during your massage it’s an indicator that the nervous system can’t incorporate the input being delivered. What we need to do together is to find a pressure that allows you to perceive your massage as therapeutic, effective and helpful.
As a therapist it is my job to be tuned in and observe the nonverbal cues your body displays and check in with you verbally to confirm that what I am noticing is accurate, make changes as necessary and continually provide the pressure that is comfortable for you to receive.
As a client it is your responsibility to maintain open communication! Don't be afraid to voice how you're feeling. "That is too much" "Could you try a deeper stroke" or "This pressure feels perfect" are just a few ways to communicate how you're feeling!
Whatever your pressure preference might be, I can't wait to see you for your next massage!
Be Well,
Keyu