Are massages supposed to hurt?

Question

I've gone to this beauty salon twice. The first was a back and neck, not too bad. The second was a full body, and I felt like I was hit by a truck. I felt like my legs were corked and could barely walk for like 5-10 mins. And I think she was using her elbow at one point. She also put my arm behind my back and pushed until it cracked. My legs feel sore most of the time so maybe she just aggrivated them. I want to know if she was just giving me a routine massage or if she was trying to hurt me or if she doesn't really know what she's doing. BTW at the end she offered to book me another appointment.

Answer 1

She probably gave you a deep tissue massage.  Next time you go specify that you just want a relaxing therapeutic massage and tell her you dont want her to go deep or apply too much pressure.  You can always tell her to lighten up on the pressure throughout the massage.  And whatever you do just relax, dont resist the motions or tighten muscle while your being massaged.

Answer 2

if anything you might feel mildly sore... you should feel THAT BAD.. she probably didnt know what she was doing. you should check and see if they are even licensed masusses, but i wouldn't go back there.. maybe go to a spa instead. they promote relaxation more than pain haha

Answer 3

Swedish, deep tissue, and Rolfing can all be uncomfortable, yes.  The idea is to work out the deep knots and get the muscles and fascia in better condition.  Yes, using an elbow is common.  Relaxing helps.  Pain is a sign that the muscles are waaaay too tight.

The soreness will pass in a day or two.  A hot bath will help.

Not all techniques are so 'aggressive'.  Some massages put me right to sleep.

Answer 4

no they should.  In fact, a person that doesn't know what they are doing can do serious harm.

However, if you received a deep tissue, you may feel a LITTLE sore a couple of hours later.

Answer 5

It sounds like you had a deep tissue massage. Sports or deep tissue massages will hurt as they involve the therapist working the tension or knots in your muscles. It's supposed to feel more uncomfortable than actually hurt but everyone is different so you'll need to advise your therapist to adjust the pressure that she is using. This kind of massage is good for people who play a lot of sports or who are quite active.

If you want a more relaxing massage ask for a classic swedish massage.

Answer 6

i dont think its supposed to hurt its supposed to be relaxing if they masuse  is to hard then tell them

Answer 7

The first couple of times you get a full body massage it will hurt.  that is because they are trying to loosen up your fibrous muscle tissue, which in turn will help you relax.  You should drink a lot of water after having a full body massage as this will help wash out any of the remaining lactic acid built up in your muscles.