Absolutely, but timing is everything. If you have been recently injured and are tender to the touch wait until the tenderness subsides and you’re more comfortable. Massage has been proven to reduce recovery time and increase healing.
Should a Deep Tissue massage be painful?
Some areas are inherently tender based on location and function, but that doesn’t mean you should be in tears during your treatment. Uncomfortable is ok but we don’t want painful. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worst, its most effective to be around a 5-6. Be sure to communicate with your massage therapist.
How often should I get a massage?
Depends on what your wellness goals are. If you are working with a current injury or chronic issue, at least once a week until you feel better. A maintenance schedule is usually 1 visit every 3-4 weeks. Regardless what your treatment goals are, everyone should get a treatment a month. Imagine all the hard work and stress the body goes through over 30 days get at least one treatment a month. Don’t let it build up for too long and become a serious issue.
Is it better to do a longer session less frequently than a shorter one more often?
A lot of bodywork can be accomplished in two hours, but all the research indicates that the frequency of massage is where the benefits are. Spine Body Collective recommends coming in for an hour every two weeks rather than a 2 hour once a month.
Does massage only work on the neck and back?
Massage not only treats the neck and back, but the rest of the muscles and joints as well. Spine Body Collective frequently sees clients for knee, elbow, hand and foot related problems.
Is it normal to be sore after a massage?
Yes. Muscles and other soft tissues don’t like change. One of the muscular system’s primary function is to keep the body safe. Trying to get a tight muscle to release sometimes causes tenderness. There are varying degrees of soreness, but make sure to stay hydrated and use heat or ice appropriately to mitigate the length of soreness. With continued treatment the soreness should decrease.
How much clothing should be removed for a massage?
This is entirely up to the client’s preference and comfort. Some techniques can be applied over clothing some cannot. Communication is key here. If you feel safer leaving something on, leave it on. During a massage the client is covered with a sheet and only the part of the body that is being treated is uncovered and draped. If there is an area of the body you do not want worked on, tell your therapist. Easy as that.
