Massage question

Triathlon Forum
1

Does a massage have to be painful to be beneficial? I usually try to get a deep tissue massage once a month. You know, the one that has you grimacing in pain on the table and leaving your legs trashed for 2 days. The last couple of massages though, even after asking for a hard, deep massage, ended up with a gentler, more relaxing “sport” massage. Am I missing out on something by not getting my muscles ripped apart? Or does the gentler version serve a purpose as well? Also, do folks get deep tissue in the middle of the season when biking 200+ miles a week? Or is that counter-productive?

thanks

2

By “hurt” I mean the pain that accompanies the massaging out of a knot in the muscle. Maybe uncomfortable is a better word.

3

I only like my massages to come with happy endings…sorry, had to be said.

Seriously, I prefer only mild discomfort when a knot or tight spot is being worked out. My GF on the other hand, doesn’t think it was worth the money unless she comes out of their limping and bruised. I guess it depends on the individual, but in my experience, when it really hurt, i was messed up for a few days after, with mild discomfort, i’m good to go the next day.