By Diana Bottorff
Holistic Practitioner & MASSAGE THERAPIST

Have you ever had a massage session where the pressure was too much or it left you feeling sore for a few days? It is important to take a holistic approach to massage therapy that supports healthy muscle recovery without the ache.

YOUR IDEAL MASSAGE PRESSURE

When you first step into your treatment room for a massage, you will likely be posed that very important question, “What type of pressure do your prefer?” Depending on your specific goals and level of tension, the answer will vary. Before you instinctively request a deep tissue massage based on the common misconception of “no pain, no gain,” keep in mind that too much pressure can actually cause adverse effects.

Excessive pressure may cause the muscles to brace and resist rather than relax, which contributes to that lingering achy feeling the next day. The amount of pressure used makes all the difference when it comes to a massage being beneficial or uncomfortable.

Your session should be therapeutic, but enjoyable first.

TYPES OF MASSAGE PRESSURE

There are typically 3 levels of pressure a practitioner will offer to meet your ideal needs. Let's break down the different levels of massage pressure to help choose what type is best for you.

Light Pressure or Lymphatic Drainage modality - This gentle touch is meant to be relaxing and typically comes with Swedish techniques that are intended to be very wave-like and flow with the contours of the body. Lymphatic drainage massage works with the sole purpose of increasing the lymphatic flow. The focus is on the surface layers of the body rather than going deeper into the muscle. Both modalities help with improved circulation, stress reduction, and tension relief.
Medium Pressure - This firmer touch has more focus on specific areas of tension and painful muscle knots. The goals are similar to light pressure, but there is stronger compression used to allow trigger points and other tight musculature to release.
Deep Tissue - Targeting deeper layers of muscle fibers, this stronger level of pressure is slow and intentional. Goals for deep tissue massage are breaking up adhesions, scar tissue, and chronic musculoskeletal dysfunctions like tendonitis or fibromyalgia. This deep compression is best for those with a high threshold for pain, but should never go past that “hurts so good” feeling. You may be sore the next day if you are new to this level of pressure – similar to a workout your body isn’t yet used to.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MASSAGE

Be specific with your goals and desired outcomes.
If your goals are more centered around relieving sore muscles, medium to firm pressure will make a measurable difference in your mood and mobility, leaving you ready to take on life with a stronger stride. If you are more concerned with chronic tension, a deep tissue treatment could bring you that much needed relief.
Your practitioner may incorporate CBD massage balm infused with therapeutic plant medicine and essential oils to provide deep comfort for sore muscles and joints.
Personalized aromatherapy can be introduced as well to make the space more calming.
Your practitioner may include use of hot towels, CBD balm, or cupping to loosen stiff muscles. Heat is widely used to help relax stiff muscles and provide pain relief. This can achieved by incorporating hot towels during the treatment.
Range of motion techniques designed to increase mobility and lubricate the joints are also useful in treatment.

These enhancements are intended to help you to let go from the inside out. Once engaged, the body’s parasympathetic nervous system will signal to your muscles to ease up and give way so that stored tension may be released.

At Saffron & Sage we never up charge for enhancements to support the results of your treatment.

Relax the mind, renew the body, and revive the soul!

Not only does massage help to alleviate aches and pains and decrease stress levels, but it also helps to calm the mind and promote balance both internally and externally.

A customized massage at Saffron and Sagee offers you a safe, nurturing environment for the internal and external tensions to be treated. Reach out to one of our friendly concierges at Saffron and Sage or book a treatment online with one of our trained practitioners to find that customized session just for you!

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