Having a therapeutic massage helps reduce muscle pain, decrease muscle tension and improve mobility with a safe, personalised approach. In Portugal, many people feel discomfort in the neck, lower back pain or shoulder stiffness due to computer work, irregular sleep or intense training.
This guide explains when it makes sense to choose a therapeutic massage, what a session looks like, realistic benefits and precautions to take – always with a focus on results, safety and wellbeing.
What is a therapeutic massage?
Therapeutic massage uses manual techniques focused on soft tissues to relieve pain and reduce stiffness. Unlike a relaxation massage, it works in a targeted way on areas with pain or limited movement.
At TOPSPA, sessions are adapted to your history and goals, with special attention to privacy, hygiene and comfort.
Main benefits and common indications of therapeutic massage
- Muscle pain and stiffness (neck, shoulders, lower back).
- Tension and tension-type headaches of muscular origin, associated with prolonged postures.
- Post-training recovery and prevention of overload in people who exercise regularly.
- Improved mobility and range of motion in daily movements.
- Stress reduction and sleep support, with the positive impact of therapeutic massage on overall wellbeing.
- Complement to physiotherapy in plans supervised by healthcare professionals.
Realistic expectations: many people feel relief after the first session. Chronic or intense symptoms may require a plan with several sessions and home care such as hydration, active breaks and gentle stretching.
How a therapeutic massage session works (step by step)
- Brief assessment: review of pain history, routine, goals and warning signs.
- Session plan: selection of techniques, appropriate pressure and priority areas.
- Hands-on work: focus on muscles and fascia, with specific work on points of tension.
- Ongoing feedback: adjustment of pressure and rhythm according to comfort and tissue response.
- Practical advice: simple guidelines to prolong results, such as active breaks and ergonomics.
- Recommended plan: suggested frequency and combination with other therapies when indicated.
Practical examples:
- Computer work: neck pain and tight trapezius muscles. The plan prioritises neck, shoulders and scapular area, with myofascial release to reduce accumulated muscle tension.
- Running or gym: tight calves and quadriceps. Deeper techniques help reduce tension and support recovery and range of motion.
- High stress: diffuse tension and irregular sleep. Calmer rhythm with relaxation techniques and guided breathing to ease tension and promote regulation of the nervous system.
Techniques used in therapeutic massage (and when to apply them)
- Deep tissue work: therapeutic massage reaches deeper muscle layers; useful in persistent stiffness and marked muscle tension, especially in athletes or professionals with repetitive strain.
- Myofascial release: improves fascial glide and the feeling of “tightness”; indicated when movement feels blocked or limited.
- Trigger point pressure: deactivates points of referred pain; effective in localised pain or pain radiating to the head and shoulders.
- Gentle assisted stretching: increases range of motion after periods of inactivity and supports postural re-education.
- Integrated relaxation strokes: reduce tension and support mental rest, improving pain perception.
How to prepare for the session and aftercare
- Before: arrive a few minutes early to complete our consultation form, avoid heavy meals and stay hydrated. Bring any relevant information about medication or medical conditions.
- During: communicate with the therapist about comfort, pressure and sensations. The session must remain safe and respectful.
- After: increase water intake, prioritise gentle movement and, if indicated, apply mild heat. Mild soreness may appear and tends to disappear within 24–48 hours.
Ergonomic tip: adjust screen height to eye level, take 2–3 minute breaks every 45–60 minutes and distribute load when carrying objects. Small habits, combined with therapeutic massage, support consistent results.
Contraindications of therapeutic massage
- Safety guides each decision. Avoid or adapt therapeutic massage in the following situations and seek clinical guidance:
- Fever, active infections or broken skin in the area to be treated.
- Deep vein thrombosis or bleeding disorders.
- Open wounds, burns, active dermatitis.
- Recent fractures or trauma without medical clearance.
- High-risk pregnancy; and only from the second trimester, with a specific protocol and medical indication.
- Oncological diseases under treatment without clinical approval.
- Decompensated cardiovascular disease.
In all cases, inform your therapist about diagnoses, medication, allergies and recent surgeries. At TOPSPA, therapists follow protocols of hygiene, informed consent, clear communication and absolute respect for privacy.
How many therapeutic massage sessions do I need? (results and maintenance)
- Mild acute pain: 1–3 sessions may significantly reduce symptoms.
- Chronic cases: progressive plan, for example weekly sessions in the first 3–4 weeks and then maintenance every two weeks or monthly.
- Regular sports practice: maintenance session every 2–4 weeks to support recovery and performance.
Signs of progress: less frequent pain, better sleep, greater ease in daily tasks and less tension at the end of the day and upon waking.
Who benefits most from therapeutic massage?
- Professionals who work at the computer and spend long periods sitting.
- People with a history of recurrent lower back pain or neck stiffness.
- Sports enthusiasts looking for post-training recovery and prevention of overload injuries.
- People with high stress levels, who value relaxation strategies and mind-body balance.
- Clients undergoing physiotherapy, when therapeutic massage is used as complementary therapy, following clinical indications.
Book your therapeutic massage with confidence
If you want to reduce pain and gain mobility, book your therapeutic massage session at one of our TOPSPA locations. Prefer a first contact? Talk to us and a qualified therapist will answer your questions and suggest a plan tailored to your case.
We guarantee strict hygiene, privacy and transparent communication, always with realistic expectations.
FAQs
1) Does therapeutic massage hurt?
Pressure is adapted to your tolerance. You may feel temporary discomfort in tense areas, but the goal is always to relieve, never to cause intense pain.
2) Which areas of the body are treated in a therapeutic massage?
It depends on the goal. In back and shoulder pain, the focus is on the back, neck, shoulders and, when indicated, head and lower back.
3) How many therapeutic massage sessions are recommended for lasting results?
It varies according to the complaint and routine. Mild cases benefit from 1–3 sessions; chronic situations tend to require an initial weekly plan of 3–4 weeks followed by maintenance every two weeks or monthly.
4) Will I feel sore the day after the therapeutic massage?
There may be mild, temporary soreness. Hydration and relative rest help recovery.
5) Does therapeutic massage replace physiotherapy?
No. It acts as a complement in many cases. For clinical conditions, always follow the guidance of your physiotherapist or doctor.