So this week’s massage therapy topic is on how much pressure is really needed to provide results. Many people shy away from “deep tissue” work because they either had a very bad experience, or they have the impression that “deep tissue” is the same as asking for “deep pressure.”  To be fair, some people really love sensory seeking activities, and their massage should be no different.  However, what is typically necessary to provide effective treatments to your “deeper tissues” is not marked by how much pressure is applied.

There has been, and continues to be, quite the debate in our field about the anatomy of a trigger point, aka a “knot” in our muscles. Through wonderful, continuing research, we are now learning that we are still learning.  Some of the theories include: nerve inflammation, fascial densification and central sensitization.  In fact, I just recently learned that the old theory of ‘lactic acid and calcium ion build-up’ is being thrown out the window entirely. That old theory had massage therapists attempting to apply a deep mechanical pressure on the trigger point to break up the “metabolic waste.” Since we now have a completely different view of the pathology of a myofascial trigger point, we are favoring evidence based techniques that take a more gentle approach.

I have never been a fan of the motto “no pain, no gain” when it refers to massage or bodywork, and my approach has always been to find the least invasive way to treat pain. Sometimes, I feel deep pressure is warranted, however, massage should never leave bruises, or result in days of pain. If this happens to you, please inform your massage therapist of what you experienced.  To avoid this from happening, please keep an open dialog with your massage therapist about the level of pressure you are experiencing during your massage.  Most massage therapists will ask you how the pressure is, encourage you to be honest, and adjust the pressure accordingly. It is a common misconception that if it hurts, it is working. In my ten plus years of experience, I find that the opposite is true.

Kristin Martelli, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT

*This article is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this blog is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.