Under(standing) Pressure

"What pressure range do you work at?" is probably among the top questions asked of any massage therapist. And the answer of 'light', 'medium', 'firm', or 'deep' (the terms generally used in the massage industry) may give a general idea of what to expect, it doesn't fully answer the question. Everybody perceives pressure and touch differently. I've had clients asking for deep work unable to tolerate anything more than what I consider my lightest pressure as well and those asking for lighter pressure who ended up needing much firmer work than I would have ever imagined being considered "light". 
Pressure range preference in massage is something that is incredibly subjective and can even vary for a client during a single session. My level of pressure as a therapist would fall under what I call the "Therapeutic Range". This can be anywhere from very light to very firm depending on both client preference and how the muscle tissue is responding throughout the session. Working at this "Therapeutic Range" helps keep the client in a relaxed state, even when working deeper into the tissue. Fans of lighter and heavier pressure alike marvel at how good they feel in the days following a session with me. ​
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