“I can take the pain!”
“Use as much pressure as you can, I can take the pain!” is something I hear frequently as a Fascial Release massage therapist in London. I’ve already explored why this common understanding of massage isn’t good for clients at my blog post, “what is deep tissue massage?” I also want to delve deeper into different ways we can think of healing in massage.
I feel lucky to have had very hands on massage training. However, across different courses I’ve taken, I’ve noticed a macho undercurrent. In this way of thinking about massage, the therapist sees pain and stress form into “knots” in the body, locates them, and “digs them out”, using force. The client endures more pressure, and so more pain, to get more out of their massage.
When I place my hands on my clients’ bodies, I often become aware of just how much they’re holding. For some clients, their physical pain is precisely because of the stress they already deal with in the world. So the last thing my clients need is more harshness.
Also, as I’ve recently posted about on Instagram, part of my job is understanding what clients are really telling me. They often say they want a painful massage, but really that’s pointing to intense numbness or pain that needs to be addressed gently.
I’ve found that it’s more healing to meet tension, stress, and pain with thoughtfulness instead. My job isn’t to beat up my client’s tissues, but to invite the tissues towards me. A caring manner and thoughtful, selective techniques encourage the tissues to melt into my hands.
“Gentle” doesn’t always mean “light” – techniques such as Fascial Release feel “lighter”, but have powerful draining, lengthening, relaxing and releasing effects on the body.
When I use this approach, I’m often told by clients that the relaxation they feel from Fascial Release is much deeper than from aggressive massages in the past.
It’s when a client’s body invites me into the tissues that I can work more deeply. Whatever technique I use is partly to invite a new way of thinking and feeling in the body. Ie, to let the body know that it can meet tension with healing, not more pain.
In some ways, a massage is just a massage. In other ways, it can be a profound way to consider some things differently. Some gentle techniques can feel unexpectedly shocking to clients. Slowing down to simply lie on the table can also be a huge difference from the rushing around most people do. I encourage my clients to not just think of massage as a way to help with physical pain, but to offer a momentary different way of relating to our bodies.
I would love to arrange our massage, so we can shift the tension you’ve been feeling. And I have a special offer at the moment, just for you! My appointments are limited, so make sure you don’t miss out. I look forward to hearing from you. – Cat
- Ryan
Always feel like my physical issues are being listened to and dealt with directly, and appreciate the care and time taken on a personal and professional level. Really clear & straightforward booking system. Only wish I could book more often!
- Fin
Great massage from Neelam / she is very sensitive and responsive- she makes my daughter with autism feel safe enough for a good massage experience- very safe pair of hands - highly recommend her.
- Derick
To be honest, growing I've never thought massages were for me, even though I've also had a tense back. But MCT made me feel comfortable. And the massage was good! She's strong and firm, with gentle hands, and you can really tell she knows a lot of muscle anatomy. Also,... read more
- Roxanne
I've had several appointments with Cat now and I always leave feeling relaxed, looked after and very glad I booked. Cat is an excellent massage therapist, I highly recommend booking
- Nic
Got a massage to help with recurring pain in my right shoulder. Highly recommend. Professional and made my shoulder feel a lot better.
- Taro
As a trans person who is also autistic and has ADHD, I often struggle with the logistics of making/attending appointments, however, Massage Cat Therapy made the process of booking in for a massage extremely pleasant and comfortable. Prior to booking, I emailed Massage Cat to communicate my access needs - they... read more
- Marcus
As a deaf man who relies on lipreading as well as being able to converse through writing things down, I appreciated not only having an amazing massage but also the fact that they took the time and patience to understand my communication needs and to communicate well with me throughout the session, which is... read more
- Ray
SUCH a gorgeous massage with someone who has a deep knowledge of and respect for the body, and knows how to create a really holding and comfortable space. I love how Massage Cat Therapies can treat bodies and sensations beyond 'good' and 'bad'. The experience was so tailored to what... read more
- Nat
I had a session of myofascial release with massage cat and it’s truly different from anything I’ve had before. Their approach is so gentle and I really felt listened to both in the consultations and on the table in their hands. The effect was very powerful and I felt a... read more
- Elizabeth
massage cat is phenomenal! her massages have helped me so much with my persistent shoulder and back pain. she has also given me useful advice for how to take care of my body to prevent the pain from returning. massage cat also has a very lovely and calming energy, and... read more
