There’s a stubborn myth out there: “If it doesn’t hurt, it’s not working.”
We hear this all the time — people come in bracing themselves, expecting pain, and assuming deep tissue means bruising pressure. But good sports massage shouldn’t hurt — it should help.
Jen and I work with your nervous system, not against it. That means we use techniques that help your body relax, not flinch. If the pressure’s too much, your muscles resist — and you lose the benefit of the treatment. It becomes a battle, not a conversation.
Why Massage Isn’t Supposed to Hurt
Some tenderness is natural, especially in tight areas, but we always:
- Ask for feedback during your session
- Adjust pressure based on your needs
- Focus on effective, lasting results — not just “digging in”
Think of massage like mobility work: it’s about restoring function, not punishing tension. You don’t have to “push through” discomfort to feel better. In fact, we often get better results with a gentle approach.
Prep your muscles for movement
Massage helps prep your muscles for movement, increases range of motion, and supports your nervous system. It’s the unsung hero of progress — not just a fix-it tool when something goes wrong.
If you’ve had a painful massage in the past, we’d love to change your mind. Spread the word to anyone you know who has had the same experience, or expectation.
You can contact us through the website or book yourself straight in at www.astralfitness.co.uk. Thank you for reading this weeks blog, Why Massage Isn’t Supposed to Hurt – Even If You’re Sore.
See you soon,
Chloe and Jen