Breaking the Stigma: Remedial Massage isn’t Meant to Be Painful..
One of the biggest misconceptions about remedial massage is that it has to be painful to be effective. Many people associate remedial therapy with deep pressure, gritted teeth, and walking away feeling worse before they feel better. This belief can make people hesitant to seek treatment, fearing that relief comes at the cost of enduring discomfort.
The truth? Remedial massage is not about pushing you past your limits. It is about working with your body, not against it.
Understanding the Spectrum of Remedial Massage
Remedial therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Just as every person’s body is unique, so too is their experience with treatment.
🌿 Tailored to You – Some clients respond well to deep pressure, while others need a gentler approach. The goal is to find a balance that provides relief without unnecessary discomfort.
🌊 Pain Does Not Equal Progress – There is a difference between productive discomfort (a mild intensity that feels relieving) and outright pain (which can trigger tension and stress). If you are tensing up, holding your breath, or dreading each movement, the treatment is no longer serving you.
🍃 The Body’s Response Matters – A remedial therapist should always work with your nervous system, encouraging relaxation and allowing your muscles to release rather than forcing them into submission.
Deep Tissue vs. Deep Pressure
There is often confusion between deep tissue techniques and deep pressure. Deep tissue work focuses on targeting deeper layers of muscle and fascia through slow, intentional strokes.. it is not about applying excessive force. A skilled therapist can achieve deep tissue benefits without causing pain by using the right techniques and allowing the body time to adjust.
What to Expect from a Balanced Remedial Massage
At Amanzi Remedy, I believe in working with your body’s natural rhythm to encourage healing in a way that feels safe and restorative.
💆♀️ Communication is Key – I always check in with my clients during a session to ensure they are comfortable. Your feedback matters, and adjustments can always be made.
🧘♂️ Your Body Guides the Session – If a technique feels too intense, it’s okay to speak up. A good therapist will adapt to what works best for you.
🌸 Leaving Relaxed, Not Wounded – While some areas may feel tender after a session, you should never leave feeling beaten up. A well-executed remedial massage should leave you feeling looser, lighter, and more in tune with your body.
Not Every Session Looks Like a Wrestling Match
I have a few clients who come in expecting to be contorted, twisted, or elbowed into submission because they’ve had painful experiences in the past. Some even anticipate treatments that resemble physiotherapy, where joints are manipulated or intense pressure is applied regardless of their comfort level.
The reality is that remedial therapy doesn’t have to be aggressive to be effective. While some techniques involve deeper pressure, every movement should have a purpose, and your comfort is always a priority. If you’ve had past experiences that left you sore for days, it doesn’t mean that’s the only way to achieve results. I always work within your tolerance and with your body’s natural response.
Redefining Remedial Massage
It’s time to shift the narrative… remedial massage isn’t about enduring pain, it’s about facilitating healing. Whether you need deep tissue work or a gentler approach, your treatment should feel safe, supportive, and effective.
Have you avoided remedial massage because of the fear of pain? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s start the conversation and break the stigma together. 🌿✨
published by: Lauren Andrew