The short answer
No. Firm pressure can feel intense, especially on the soles of the feet, but you should never have to brace yourself or hold your breath. Say 可以輕一點嗎 (lighter, please) as often as you need. More pain does not mean more benefit, and soreness the next day is not proof that a massage worked.
A simple pressure scale
| You want | Say |
|---|---|
| Gentle | 輕一點 (lighter) |
| Medium | 中等力道就好 (medium is good) |
| Firm | 可以再稍微大力一點 (a little firmer) |
| Just right | 這樣剛剛好 (that's perfect) |
| Stop now | 這樣會痛，請先停一下 (that hurts, please stop) |
Good intense, bad pain
- Fine: a strong, aching press that eases as soon as the therapist moves on.
- Not fine: sharp, burning or electric pain, numbness or tingling, pain in a joint, or anything that makes you tense up. Say stop.
According to the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture
, often with vigorous massage or in people at higher risk of injury, such as older adults. Relax.tw makes no health claims. That is reason enough to keep the pressure where you are comfortable.
Pressure is not about gender
Some people assume a female therapist will be gentle and a male therapist strong. In practice pressure depends on the person and on what you ask for. If you want firm pressure, say so, whoever your therapist is. Requesting a female or male therapist
Afterwards
Feeling a little tender the next day can happen after firm work. Our general guidance: pain that is severe, spreading or lasts more than a couple of days, swelling, or bruising you did not expect is a reason to see a doctor.
Facts on this page checked 9 November 2026. Prices and policies change: confirm with the business.