17/11/2025
💥Does sports massage hurt & why? 😵
Tight muscles hurt due to a combo of restricted blood flow, nerve irritation, and the body’s compensations for imbalance.
Muscles that are tight are in a contracted state. Being in this state for a prolonged time, causes the muscle fibres to contract and press on the blood vessels. Low blood flow slows oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and preventing the removal of waste products which can lead to pain and discomfort.
Muscle overuse and fatigue can cause tight, painful sensations. Holding a muscle or group of muscles in a contracted state due to stress, sport or repetitive movements can cause it/them to become fatigued and painful!
Deep tissue massage that targets deeper muscles and their connective tissue can cause discomfort. Movements such as friction massage is not comfortable but is great to break up adhesions, realign scar tissue, promote healing, flexibility and tissue elasticity.
When breaking up adhesions in the tissue and ironing out muscle knots, there can be discomfort due to the bunching up of nerves and nerve irritation. But releasing the tension will release the pressure off the nerve’s receptors.
As a sports massage therapist, we promote healing, reduce muscle tension, lengthen shortened muscles, and improve performance. Temporary discomfort can be beneficial in the long run.
Personally, I do not agree with “no pain, no gain” when it comes to the effectiveness of a sports massage. I work with muscles to bring them to their healthiest form, not traumatise them any more they already are. I look for restrictions in movement caused by short muscles. Lengthening these short muscles and releasing the tension will help in decreasing the pain.
I am not saying sports massage is a walk in the park… unless you’re walking through Jurassic Park…
Some parts of the massage can be painful, but I can also ease off the pressure and still give an effective massage.
Drop me a message to get booked in or follow the link below.
https://ftsportsmassagetherapy.setmore.com/ft
📍Westgate Studios, WF1 1BW
📅 Monday - Friday
⏰ 9am - 6pm
💻www.ftsportsmassagetherapy.co.uk