4/25/2012

Pain Series: Part 5 of 6

We have clearly established that a deep tissue massage can be painful. There are reasons why a massage can be perceived as being more or less painful then reality. Reasons why a massage may not feel deep enough when I am working quite deep: 1. You are taking pain medication. Of course if you are on pain medication, your nociceptors are not going to communicate the pain/pressure sensation as well. 2. Acute Inflamamtion: You had a massage a few weeks ago from someone and it hurt a lot but you felt great afterwards. You come to me and you're worried because it does not feel as deep. Is it still helpful? You betchya! When you originally went in your pain was most likley acute. Any moderate pressure would have probably caused you discomfort. Now, you come to me after you are feeling better, the area is not as inflammed nor senstive. Hence, the pressure does not seem as deep. 3. Technique. Every massage therapist has their own technique. Even those that went to class together end up giving totally different massages. My technique involves thorough warming up of the muscle. Just like you wouldn't go in the gym and immediately start weight lifting, I do not immediately start "digging in". Warming the muscles up longer makes the fibers more pliable. I can go deeper into the muscle tissue and you will have a longer lasting affect. This may make you perceive the massage as softer than a previous therapist, but I guarentee you are still getting an amazing massage! ;) 4. Speed of Massage Strokes: If I am only working on one muscle group for an hour or so, I have a lot of time to troubleshoot your issue. No need to rush. I can slowly work on stretching the myofascial layers and getting in real deep to the knots and trigger points. Again, the massage will be more thorough and gentle, yet deep and effective. The slowness feels liek the pressure is not always as deep, but it certainly is the exact same level pressure.