Should Massage Hurt?

There’s a long‑standing belief that a massage only “works” if it hurts — the deeper the pressure, the better the results. But is that actually true? And how much discomfort is normal versus a sign that something’s not right?

In this blog, we’ll break down the truth behind massage discomfort, explain what sensations are normal, and help you understand how to get the most benefit from your massage without unnecessary pain. Whether you’re new to massage or a regular client, knowing the answer to should massage hurt can make all the difference.

Should Massage Hurt at All?

Let’s start with the short answer: massage should not hurt in a way that feels sharp, alarming, or unbearable.

That said, some types of massage can feel uncomfortable at times — especially when working on tight muscles, knots, or areas of long‑standing tension. The key difference is whether the sensation feels productive or protective.

A productive sensation might feel like:

• “Good pain” that eases as the muscle releases

• A strong pressure that feels intense but manageable

• Temporary tenderness that improves within a day or two

Pain that is not okay includes:

• Sharp or stabbing pain

• Pain that makes you hold your breath or tense up

• Lingering pain that worsens after the massage

• Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations

So when asking should massage hurt, the real question is: does the discomfort feel helpful or harmful?

Why Do Some Massages Hurt?

There are a few reasons why massage can sometimes feel uncomfortable. Understanding these can help you decide whether what you’re feeling is normal.

Tight or Overworked Muscles

Muscles that are chronically tight — often from sitting, repetitive movements, stress, or physical work — can be sensitive to touch. When pressure is applied, these areas may feel sore before they relax.

This is common in:

• Neck and shoulders

• Lower back

• Glutes and hips

• Calves

In these cases, the discomfort usually fades as the muscle warms up and releases.

Trigger Points (Muscle Knots)

Trigger points are small, tight spots within a muscle that can be tender when pressed. Working on them can create a strong sensation, sometimes referring pain to another area. the pain should only get up to a 7/10 at max.

Again, this doesn’t mean massage should hurt — but it may feel intense briefly. A skilled therapist will work gradually and check in with you.

Dehydration or Poor Recovery

If you’re dehydrated, run down, or not recovering well between workouts, your tissues can be more sensitive. Massage on tired muscles may feel more uncomfortable than usual.

Too Much Pressure

This one’s simple: sometimes the pressure is just too deep.

Massage doesn’t become more effective just because it hurts. In fact, too much pressure can cause your body to tense up, which works against the goal of relaxation and muscle release.

Should Deep Tissue Massage Hurt?

Deep tissue massage is often at the centre of the should massage hurt debate.

Deep tissue massage works on deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, so it’s normal for it to feel more intense than a relaxation massage. However, deep does not mean painful.

A deep tissue massage should feel:

• Slow and controlled

• Intense but tolerable

• Like pressure, not pain

If you’re wincing, clenching your fists, or counting down the seconds until it’s over, the pressure is too much.

Good deep tissue work invites the muscle to release — it doesn’t force it.

The “No Pain, No Gain” Myth

"I get so many clients come in wanting to be screaming in pain the entire time and won't be happy until this occurs. I can do this and when I can't I always have tools I can use to increase pressure but its not about causing the most pain. I want the best results possible for my client. I do know however they want to feel they get their money's worth. I always try to make sure they are happy but understand it's not about pain at all costs."

In reality with all of this, pain can trigger your nervous system into fight‑or‑flight mode. When this happens:

• Muscles tighten instead of relaxing

• Breathing becomes shallow

• The body becomes guarded

This makes it harder for the therapist to work effectively.

Research and clinical experience both show that consistent, appropriate pressure delivers better long‑term results than aggressive, painful techniques.

So if you’ve ever wondered should massage hurt to be effective? — the answer is no.

How Much Discomfort Is Normal After a Massage?

Some people feel a bit sore after a massage, similar to post‑exercise soreness. This is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and usually resolves within 24–48 hours.

Normal post‑massage sensations include:

• Mild tenderness

• Feeling loose but a little achy

• Fatigue or deep relaxation

What’s not normal:

• Severe pain

• Bruising (unless specifically discussed beforehand)

• Pain lasting more than a few days

If you’re consistently sore after massage, it’s worth discussing pressure and technique with your therapist.

Should Massage Hurt If You’re Stressed or Anxious?

Stress doesn’t just live in your mind — it shows up in your body.

When you’re stressed or anxious, your muscles are often already tense and your nervous system is on high alert. In these cases, painful massage can actually make things worse.

Gentler techniques, slower strokes, and a calming approach often produce better outcomes. Many clients are surprised to find that lighter pressure can create deeper relaxation and longer‑lasting relief.

The Importance of Communication During Massage

One of the most important parts of a successful massage is communication.

Your therapist can’t feel what you’re feeling — so speaking up matters.

You should always feel comfortable saying:

• “That’s a bit too much pressure”

• “Can you go a little lighter there?”

• “That spot feels sensitive today”

A professional therapist will welcome feedback and adjust accordingly. Massage is not something you endure — it’s something you participate in.

If you’ve ever left a session thinking, should massage hurt that much? — that’s a sign communication needs to improve.

Is Pain Ever the Goal in Massage?

In very specific therapeutic contexts — such as rehabilitation or certain sports massage techniques — brief discomfort may be part of the process. Even then, it should be:

• Explained beforehand

• Short‑lived

• Within your comfort threshold

Pain is never the goal. Functional improvement, relaxation, mobility, and relief are.

What Type of Massage Is Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether massage should hurt for your situation, choosing the right style matters.

• Relaxation massage: Gentle to moderate pressure, minimal discomfort

• Trigger Point Therapy: Firm pressure, intensity with pain roughly a 7/10 at max. The therapist will hopefully be explaining what is going on the whole time to make sure the treatment is done correctly.

• Myofascial release: You may experience a mild burning sensation along the skin.

  
  

Final Thoughts: Should Massage Hurt?

So, should massage hurt?

No — massage should not hurt in a way that causes distress, tension, or lingering pain. Some intensity can be normal, especially when working with tight or overworked muscles, but it should always feel safe, controlled, and purposeful.

The best massages work with your body, not against it.

If you’re considering booking a mobile massage in Canberra and are worried about pain, talk openly with your therapist about your comfort level and goals. Massage is meant to support your wellbeing — not test your pain tolerance.

When done correctly, massage should leave you feeling lighter, looser, and more at ease — not wondering if it was worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions: Should Massage Hurt?

Should massage hurt the next day? Mild soreness for up to 48 hours can be normal, especially after deep tissue or remedial massage. Pain that worsens or lasts longer than two days is not normal.

Is it okay to ask for less pressure during a massage? Yes. A professional massage therapist expects feedback and will always adjust pressure to suit your comfort level.

Should massage hurt to release knots? No. Knots release best with steady, tolerable pressure — not sharp or overwhelming pain.

Is painful massage more effective? No. Pain causes muscles to tense, which can reduce the effectiveness of massage.

Looking for Mobile Massage in Canberra?

If you’re searching for trusted mobile massage in Canberra, choosing a therapist who prioritises comfort, communication, and results makes all the difference.

Mobile with Remedial2you massage allows you to relax at home, avoid driving after your treatment, and receive personalised care — whether you’re booking relaxation massage, remedial massage, or stress relief.

If you’re looking for a personalised, professional mobile massage experience tailored to your comfort level, working with an experienced therapist who listens makes all the difference.

To fast track back to our main pages feel free to click on the links below

Homepage

About us

Book Online

Enough from me,

Bye bye

John Power

Soft Tissue Massage therapist

Remedial2you