Valentine’s Day Warning Over At-Home Couples’ Massage
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many couples will be planning a romantic at-home massage, but using the wrong technique can unintentionally cause bruising, muscle soreness, or nerve irritation. Here, I share practical, easy-to-follow advice to help readers keep the gesture relaxing rather than painful.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many couples may be planning to treat their partners to a relaxing at-home massage. While it’s a romantic way to show care, improper technique can negatively affect the body.
Too much pressure, working over bruised or inflamed areas, or ignoring signs of discomfort can lead to bruising, nerve irritation, or sore muscles afterwards. To avoid this, communicate clearly with your partner about where they’d like you to focus, and start with light, warming strokes to loosen the tissue before gradually increasing pressure.
Gently focus on the shoulders, upper back, arms, hands, legs, feet, sides, and the base of the neck. Be cautious around the front of the neck, spine, joints, and abdomen. Always respect feedback — if your partner feels pain, it’s a sign to ease off.
For comfort, use a firm surface and skin-safe massage oils such as jojoba, grapeseed, or coconut oil. Afterwards, drink plenty of water to support muscle recovery and reduce soreness. For deeper or ongoing muscle tension, it’s best to consult a trained professional.
At-home massages should remain light and relaxing to keep the experience romantic — not result in a trip to the physio.
Written by Annabelle Taurua, Wellness Expert at Fresha