01/20/2026
Let’s clear something up: massage therapists don’t always need to use as much pressure as possible.
There’s a common belief that if a massage isn’t deep or intense, it’s not effective. But pressure is just one tool - and more pressure doesn’t automatically mean better results.
Here’s what actually matters during a massage:
• Your nervous system - muscles release best when your body feels safe, not braced
• The tissue response - sometimes gentle work allows deeper change than forcing pressure
• Your goals that day - recovery, relaxation, pain relief, or mobility all call for different approaches
Massage isn’t about “going hard.” It’s about giving your body the right kind of support at the right time. Effective work meets your body where it is - not where you think it should be.
Double tap if this surprised you - and let me know in the comments if you’ve ever wondered what kind of pressure is actually best for your body.