Firmer Pressure Doesn’t Always Equal Better Results…
One of the most common requests I hear in the treatment room is, “You can press harder” Many clients believe that if a massage isn’t painful, it’s not effective. The idea that “if it’s not hurting, it’s not working” is a long-standing misconception in all massage and remedial therapy, and I want to shed light on why pressure alone doesn’t equal results.
The Psychology Behind Pressure
I understand where this belief comes from. When we experience pain or discomfort, we often seek intense sensations as a sign that something is changing. It’s the same reason why some people think a stronger painkiller must work better or that a workout isn’t effective unless they’re sore the next day. But just like taking more painkillers doesn’t necessarily heal an injury faster, increasing pressure doesn’t always lead to better results in massage therapy.
That said, I also recognize that the mind plays a big role in how we perceive treatment. If my client believes more pressure is necessary for a massage to work, they may not feel satisfied unless they experience that level of intensity. My approach is to balance what the body actually needs with what the client expects, so they feel both relief and confidence in their treatment. As your therapist, I will always ask you to meet me half way…
Pressure Depends on the Muscle Being Targeted
Not all muscles require deep, forceful pressure to release tension. The depth of pressure should depend on which muscle we’re working on and its function within the body.
🌿 Deep pressure is necessary for deeper muscles:
The piriformis, located beneath the glutes, often requires deeper pressure to be effectively treated.
Deeper hip flexors and postural muscles may also need firm pressure to release tension.
🌿 Lighter pressure is just as effective for certain muscles:
The gluteus minimus, a smaller muscle in the hip, responds better to precise, moderate pressure rather than forceful pressing.
The suboccipitals (small muscles at the base of the skull) can release effectively with gentle, sustained touch.
The fascia (connective tissue surrounding muscles) responds best to slow, controlled movements rather than brute force.
Applying excessive pressure in the wrong areas can actually cause the muscle to tense up as a protective response, making the treatment counterproductive.
Working Smarter, Not Harder
The goal of remedial therapy isn’t to push as hard as possible but to work intelligently with the body to create change. A well-executed treatment focuses on:
✨ Targeting the right muscle groups with the right techniques
✨ Allowing the nervous system to relax, so muscles release naturally
✨ Using depth and pressure in a way that encourages long-term improvement, not just short-term relief
I will always accommodate a client’s request for deeper pressure as long as it aligns with what their body actually needs. But if you ever wonder whether more pressure is really the answer, trust that effective treatment is about skill, precision, and understanding the body, not just how hard I press.
If you’ve ever thought, “I need more pressure for this to work” I encourage you to stay open to a different approach. You might be surprised at how much relief you can get without needing to brace through discomfort! 🌿