CHARLOTTE – Which pressure do you prefer with your massage? I’ve learned over the years that there are people that want to ‘feel’ that they’ve had a massage after it’s over. This is how their body tells them they’ve had a good, thorough, deep massage: pain. I’m here to tell you that pain shouldn’t be the yardstick for quality massage measurement.

I do offer deep tissue massage but I think this is really just a marketing term.  After all, what defines deep? And what you might think is deep, might not be considered deep on another person. Studies are starting to show that massage affects the body more if it’s concentrated on the nerves just under your skin. That’s not deep, that’s surface. But I can’t make a living tickling you, and I certainly do like firm massage techniques that make me feel like there’s been great effort in helping meet my massage goals.

When you meet with your MT, make sure you go over your goals of pressure. I’m certainly here to make sure you get what you’re asking for, but I will advise you if it’s something I can’t do or don’t recommend. Some people want me to put all my weight into it, but my body simply will not allow me. Sometimes it feels like I’m working out! But the purpose of course, as always, is to communicate with you and try to find a balance so you can get to your massage goal safely. We can all get results.

-Lisa Lane (#13098) is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist in the Mint Hill area. Visit her website at ncmassagesanctuary.massagetherapy.com for more information.