Does a Sports Massage Hurt? Here’s What to Expect
By: Lucus Wynn | Mobile sports massage therapist, Redditch
If you’ve never had a sports massage before, you might wonder - does it hurt? It’s a fair question, especially if you’ve heard stories about deep tissue techniques feeling intense.
The short answer is no, a sports massage shouldn’t hurt, but it also won’t be completely comfortable either. Let’s break down what you can expect and why a little discomfort can actually be a good thing.
💪 Sports Massage vs Pain: Understanding the Difference
Sports massage is designed to release tension, improve mobility, and aid recovery by targeting the deeper layers of muscle tissue. Because we’re working on tight or restricted areas, it’s normal to feel a level of pressure and intensity, especially when addressing knots or long-standing tension.
However, there’s a big difference between therapeutic discomfort and pain.
A skilled therapist will never push you beyond what your body can safely handle.
⚖️ Working with the Pain Scale
During your treatment, your therapist will usually work on a pain scale of around 7 out of 10, where:
1 is no discomfort at all
10 is unbearable pain
At a 7, you might feel deep pressure or a strong ache, but you should still be able to breathe and relax through it.
If the pain rises above that level, it can cause your muscles to tighten up - which actually reduces the effectiveness of the massage.
Your therapist will check in regularly to make sure the pressure feels right for you. Remember, communication is key; you’re always in control.
🧠 Why a Bit of Discomfort Can Be Beneficial
That slight discomfort you feel during a sports massage comes from working through tight fascia and muscle fibres that have become restricted or overused.
By releasing these areas, the treatment helps:
Improve blood flow and oxygen delivery
Reduce stiffness and muscle soreness
Promote faster recovery and flexibility
It’s completely normal to feel a bit tender or “worked on” for a day or two afterwards, similar to how your muscles might feel after a good workout.
🏡 Comfortable, Professional Treatment at Home
At Wynning Massage, we aim to make every session as effective and comfortable as possible.
Our approach focuses on finding that ideal balance - enough pressure to make a difference, but not so much that it causes unnecessary pain.
Because we’re a mobile sports massage service, you can experience professional deep tissue treatment in the comfort of your own home, helping you relax fully and recover faster.
🌍 Sports Massage in Redditch and Surrounding Areas
If you’re based in Redditch or nearby, and you’re looking for relief from tension, soreness, or restricted movement, we’re here to help.
💪 Mobile Sports Massage | Deep Tissue | Recovery Treatments
📍 Serving Redditch and surrounding areas
🗓️ Book your session today and feel the benefits for yourself.