how painful is a thai massage?

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have been given a voucher.
have been to sports massage/deep tissue before and to gentle massage at a holiday resort spa place.
no idea what to expect.

It'll be closest to a sports massage. They normally offer 3 levels of pressure light, medium, firm and you can say at any point if you'd like to change your mind!

It's really effective and you'll leave feeling much looser.

One thing to bear in mind so that your not surprised is that they don't just use hands but elbows, knees etc the masseuse will literally be kneeling on you at some points.

They also crack your back / neck towards the end if needed which is very satisfying.

Thai was the best massage I've ever had. I was in a strange city, a parent in hospital, sleeping in a travel lodge and very stressed.

My back was killing me, I didn't have a car or know the area, so literally just picked somewhere near the hospital. Had no idea what kind of massage it would be.

Got there, the lady barely spoke English. There was none of the usual 'tell me what you hope to feel' bollocks. She literally just pointed at the bed and for the next hour I was in agony. It was brutal - felt like she was pulling me apart!

I came out, she didn't ask for feedback or anything, it was so basic... and realised that my pain had gone. More than that, actually felt great.

I recently had an ordinary massage which was just 'meh' and so disappointing. Maybe it was the whole situation (no sleep for days & her not being able to speak English etc) but it seemed like a dream. Sadly I'm never going to be visiting that city again.

I don't think mine used anything except hands, although she did manipulate my arms and legs. She certainly didn't ask what level of massage I wanted!

It was actually quite bizarre, but I loved the fact that she just got on with it instead of giving me a questionnaire about where I felt tension.

I would love to have another.

A good Thai massage is amazing - it’s kind of painful but good painful, but oh my, you feel like a new woman afterwards.

the elbows & knees thing makes me nervous.

but then again my physio pulled on my leg with her whole weight, which was rather impressive and rather painful

sounds like it will be just what I need.

I agree they are fabulous. She gets on my back and really loosens me up. I feel so light after them.

Haha I was telling dh that I’d like to go to Thailand one day but the real reason that I kept a secret was because I reeeeallly want a proper Thai massage 😂

I've been.

O.M.G.
it was painful but weirdly satisfying.
very similar to a sports massage from ghe intensity. apart from the end where she sort of shook/vibrated every limb.

everything hurts today. but in a good way.

They’re great, I had a few when we were travelling around Thailand. The only thing I had to ask one not to do was pull my fingers out, she did one, made it pop and I was so tense when she grabbed the next finger. I had to say NO please don’t!

I can’t even crack my own knuckles 😂

I had a Thai foot massage the other day for the first time - it was awesome!

I’ve experienced a few Thai massages, and honestly, they can be quite intense, especially if you’re accustomed to gentler or relaxing massages. Thai massage focuses on stretching, deep pressure, and joint movement, almost like assisted yoga. It’s not exactly painful, but you might feel some discomfort if your muscles are tight. The good part is that you’ll feel incredibly loose and energized afterward. I usually let my therapist know if I want a lighter touch, and they’ll adjust easily. If you ever want to explore different massage styles or check reviews before booking, the Sitback app is super helpful for finding trusted therapists who match your comfort level.