Truth or Myth: Massage has to be painful to be effective?

BeachLife Physiotherapy • 24 April 2024

🌟 Pain Doesn't Equal Gain in Remedial Massage! 🌟

A successful remedial massage focuses on alleviating discomfort and tension without causing pain, promoting relaxation and facilitating the body's natural healing processes. A painful remedial massage is counterintuitive, as the goal is to alleviate discomfort, not exacerbate it. Let's debunk this misconception once and for all!


Pain is not a prerequisite for progress. In fact, forcing through discomfort during a massage can often do more harm than good. Our bodies respond best to gentle, targeted pressure that encourages relaxation and improves circulation. When pain is present, it's a sign that the body is resisting, which can lead to increased tension and potential injury.


Effective massage therapy focuses on communication between therapist and client. It's about understanding your body's limits and working within them to promote healing and relieve stress. The skilled massage therapists here at BeachLife Physio will adjust pressure and technique based on your feedback, ensuring a comfortable and effective experience.

  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button
  • Slide title

    Write your caption here
    Button

So next time you book a massage, remember: it's not about enduring pain, but about embracing relaxation and restoration. Trust in the healing power of gentle touch, and reap the benefits of true therapeutic massage. Book now with our awesome BeachLife Physio massage therapists at our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest clinics today!

Physio with healing aura
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 27 January 2026
Looking for the best physio in the Northern Beaches? Learn what matters most to patients and how to choose the right physiotherapist.
Woman performing hip stretch exercise to relieve hip pain
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 16 January 2026
Hip pain can come from several causes. Learn the five most common sources of hip pain and the key features physios use to tell them apart.
Man supporting his lower back with his hands
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 12 January 2026
A sudden flare of lower back pain is common and rarely serious. Learn what to do first, what helps recovery, and when to seek review.
Physio assists patient with hamstring stretch
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 8 January 2026
Pre-surgery physio builds strength and confidence before your operation. Learn how our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest clinics support your recovery.
Child with Severs disease related heel pain
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 5 January 2026
Learn how our physiotherapists help children with Sever’s disease using custom-fitted Solemaid insole. Reduce heel pain, improve comfort, and keep your child active.
Patients participating in the local Sun Run event, from Dee Why to Manly
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 30 December 2025
Running the Sun Run from Dee Why to Manly? Our Northern Beaches physios share tips to prevent running injuries and train smart this summer. Narrabeen Frenchs Forest
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 24 December 2025
Stay healthy during Christmas with simple activity tips and injury advice. Our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest physios are open except public holidays. Merry Christmas
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 24 December 2025
Pre-surgery physio builds strength, mobility and confidence. Our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest physios prepare you for surgery with Peninsula Orthopaedics.
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 18 December 2025
Recovering after surgery at Northern Beaches Hospital? Learn what to expect and how physio can guide your rehab and support a smooth, confident return to activity.
by BeachLife Physiotherapy 17 December 2025
Supervised exercise improves technique, confidence and results. Our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest physios guide safe, effective strength and rehab training.