Massage: A Path to Better Understanding & Managing Pain

Pain is a complex sensation that can vary in intensity and duration. While it’s often viewed negatively, understanding the different common types of pain types of discomfort can help us navigate our experiences more positively, especially when considering the benefits of massage therapy.

The Eight Common Types of Pain

According to our licensed massage therapist there are eight main types of pain:

acute – from specific incidents
chronic – lasting more than 6 months
inflammatory – caused by fluid pressure on nerves
neurogenic – from nerve tissue damage
neuropathic – from lingering injury or trauma
nociceptive – activated by tissue damage or immune response
somatic – in tissues like skin, muscles, and bones
visceral – related to internal organs

Serving As a Helpful Signal

While pain is often seen as something negative, mild discomfort plays an important role in healing as it alerts the brain to promote more blood flow to that area, according to our licensed massage therapist. She aims to keep levels between 3-4 on a scale of 10. “Pain is not an indicator of damaged tissue, and damaged tissue will not always show up in the form of pain,” she said.

Handling Discomfort During Massage

Our licensed massage therapist uses various techniques to manage discomfort during massages, including pain neuroscience education and distraction techniques. “Distractions such as small talk, foot tapping, getting a client a stress ball, or even a snowglobe or something else to distract them is very helpful, ” she said.

No Pain, No Gain? Not Quite

Pain isn’t necessarily an indicator of progress. “Many of my younger athletes, especially the guys, will say, ‘No pain, no gain.’ They actually want the massage to hurt because they think that’s where they’re getting the progress. But actually, pain is just one tool in my toolbox to help people heal. And I have lots of tools for that,” said our licensed massage therapist.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you’re looking for a massage therapist who understands the nuances of pain and how to manage it effectively, consider booking an appointment with our licensed massage therapist. With her knowledge and client-focused approach, you can expect a therapeutic massage experience tailored to your needs.

Massage