Sports Massage Therapy - Should It Be Painful?
Stereotypically, sports massage has been coined as something that should be painful. But should it really?
Let’s be honest — when most people hear “sports massage,” they picture a deep, painful session that leaves them limping out of the room. But does it really have to hurt to work?
Spoiler alert: not necessarily!
So, What Exactly Is Sports Massage?
Sports massage isn’t just for elite athletes — it’s for anyone who’s active and wants to keep their body moving at its best.
It focuses on muscles that get tight, tired, or overworked from training, working out, or even just everyday life.
A typical session might include:
Deep tissue work
Trigger point release (aka working out those stubborn knots)
Stretching and muscle activation
Myofascial release (freeing up the connective tissue around muscles)
The goal? To help you recover faster, move better, and feel stronger — not to torture you!
Should Sports Massage Hurt?
Here’s the golden rule:
Sports massage shouldn’t be agony.
Sure, you might feel some discomfort, especially if the therapist is working on tight spots or old tension. That’s totally normal — it’s that “hurts so good” kind of feeling.
But it should never feel sharp, burning, or unbearable.
If you find yourself clenching your fists or holding your breath, that’s your body’s way of saying “too much!” Always speak up! A good therapist will adjust the pressure so you’re comfortable and still getting results.
Remember: communication is key. The best massage is the one that works with your body, not against it.
Why You Might Feel a Bit Sore Afterwards
It’s pretty common to feel a little sore for a day or two after a deeper session — especially if your muscles were tight to begin with. Think of it like post-workout soreness.
To help your body recover, try:
Staying hydrated (water really does help!)
Doing some light stretching
Taking a warm bath or using a heat pack
Giving your body time to rest
Usually, that mild soreness fades quickly; leaving you feeling looser, lighter, and ready to move again.
The Bottom Line
Pain is not a sign of effectiveness. You don’t need to grit your teeth through a session to get results. A great sports massage should help you feel better, not beat you up.
The aim is to release tension, improve recovery, and keep you performing at your best — without unnecessary pain.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whether you’re training for an event, hitting the gym regularly, or just dealing with day-to-day muscle tension, sports massage can make a big difference.
When done properly, it shouldn’t be painful — it should be productive, restorative, and even relaxing in its own way.
So next time you book a session, remember: you’re there to help your body heal and perform — not to survive a wrestling match with your therapist!
