How Painful Is a Sports Massage

When most people think of a massage, they’d most likely imagine a relaxing spa day in luxurious surroundings. However, anyone that has received a sports massage know they can be a lot different. 

Sports massages are designed to increase performance, speed recovery and increase mobility. They aren’t intended to be relaxing, but are they painful? And if so, just how painful are they? This is what we’re going to find out here. 

How Painful Is a Sports Massage

Sports massages can be quite painful, depending on how tight your muscles are. The therapist will most often use their hands and elbows to work out the knots in your muscles.

While it can be quite uncomfortable, a sports massage can also be very beneficial. It can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, as well as reduce recovery time after strenuous exercise.

The level of pain you’ll experience will change from one person to the next but you should expect any excruciating pain. If you do, then it’s a sign that you have an injury and would need recovery instead of a sports massage. 

Most people will feel discomfort when having a sports massage but will find it more than manageable. There are even those out there who enjoy the pain of this type of massage! The crucial thing to remember is that you can always stop if the pain is getting too much. 

What About Deep Tissue Massage?

Deep tissue massage is a therapeutic technique that targets the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. It is used to release chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep pressure on the contracted areas.

As with sports massage, deep tissue massage is not only beneficial for increasing flexibility and decreasing pain, but it can also help to improve range of motion and reduce recovery time from injuries.

Where they differ is that deep issue massages target all musculoskeletal issues whereas sports message mostly address sport-related injuries and issues. 

If you’re looking for a pain-free alternative to sports massage, you won’t find it here. Both are very similar in their approaches so if you find a sports massage painful, you’ll have the same issues with a deep tissue massage. 

What If You Find Sports Massage Too Painful?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone, a lot of people find sports massage too painful. But there are a few things you can do to make the experience more tolerable. First, make sure to communicate with your massage therapist.

Let them know if certain areas are too painful to work on. Second, try to relax as much as possible. This will help to release any knots or tension in your muscles. Third, focus on your breath. Taking deep, slow breaths will help you to stay present and endure the discomfort.

Finally, remember that the pain is only temporary. Once the massage is over, you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated, so don’t give up on sports massage just because it’s uncomfortable. With a little patience and effort, you can reap all the benefits of this powerful therapy.

Is Sports Massage Supposed To Hurt?

It’s no surprise that many people are hesitant about sports massage, wondering if it’s going to hurt. It’s not meant to be comfortable and a bit of pain is to be expected. The good news is that sports massage can actually help to reduce pain and improve recovery time.

How? By increasing blood flow and improving range of motion, sports massage helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the repair of damaged tissue. In other words, it might hurt a little bit at first, but the long-term benefits are worth it. 

How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Sports Massage?

As any athlete knows, a sports massage can be a key part of recovery after a strenuous workout. But how long does it take to actually recover from the massage itself? The answer is anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.

There is a good chance you’ll feel a little soreness after your sports massage but this will quickly go away. If you’re in the lead up to a big game or a tournament, it’s not advised to have a full deep sports massage immediately before it. 

If you do, then you risk not being able to perform at your best. Sports massage can improve your sporting performance, but only after you’ve recovered from the initial soreness. 

What Happens With A Bad Therapist?

If you receive a sports massage that is too deep or aggressive, it can actually do more harm than good. There is also the chance that the muscle issues you have are not worked on correctly.

As a result, it’s important to choose a therapist who is experienced and qualified to provide the right level of pressure. Once you’ve found the perfect therapist, you can enjoy the benefits of a sports massage without worry.

And if you do happen to experience any soreness afterwards, don’t worry, it will typically go away within a day or two.

Who Is Sports Message Good For?

Sports massage is often thought of as a treatment for athletes, but it can be beneficial for anyone who enjoys physical activity. The goal of sports massage is to prevent or treat injuries, and to promote better performance.

The therapist uses a variety of techniques to improve muscle function and flexibility, and to reduce pain and swelling. Sports massage can also help to prevent overuse injuries by keeping muscles healthy and balanced.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, sports massage can help you reach your goals.

Final Thoughts 

Pain is subjective and therefore it’s hard to answer the question of how painful is a sports massage. However, given their popularity, it’s clear that most people feel as though the huge benefits outweigh any negatives.

They can be uncomfortable but most people can cope with it fairly easily. If you’re still unsure, then book in for a sports massage and you can speak to the therapist if you’re in too much pain. The reality is that instead of backing out, you’ll most likely be booking in for your second appointment instead!