Nicola Elliott
A romantic evening might start with candles, wine and a little shoulder rub, but according to wellness professionals, that innocent massage could end in bruised muscles, nerve irritation and a stiff neck that lasts longer than the relationship. Yes, really.
Experts on Fresha, the world’s largest beauty and wellness booking platform, say couples are unknowingly injuring each other in tragic back-rubbing attempts disguised as affection.
“We see it all the time. Clients come in saying their partner tried to help with a sore shoulder or tight back, and they’ve actually made things worse,” says one of Fresha’s leading massage therapists on the platform. “It’s sweet in theory, but without proper technique, you’re more likely to inflame a muscle than relax it.”
When Passion Meets Poor Technique
The problem with home massage is simple: most people have absolutely no idea what they’re doing. Fresha’s network of therapists consistently report the same blunders:
| Common DIY Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Pressing too hard or in the wrong place | Risks bruising tissue and irritating nerves |
| Using scented candles or cheap body lotion | Can clog pores and cause skin irritation |
| No muscle warm-up | Makes muscles resistant and easier to strain |
| Skipping hydration after | Increases stiffness and soreness |
| Ignoring pain signals | Can cause long-term injury |
That “dig your elbow in harder” approach? It’s not therapy—it’s violence.
Massage: Not Just Rubbing With Confidence
Professional massage therapists don’t guess their way through a back. They’re trained to target trigger points, improve circulation, reduce inflammation and release muscle tension—without turning someone into a medical case study.
“A good massage isn’t about brute strength, it’s about precision,” adds another Fresha therapist. “We’re trained to identify which muscles actually need attention and which to leave alone. Most couples don’t realise how easy it is to overwork a muscle or strain the neck.”
Translation: love hurts—but massage shouldn’t.
The Smarter Couples’ Option
If you want intimacy without injury, therapists advise booking a professional couples massage instead of risking your relationship over a rogue thumb.
- Sessions are tailored to each body—no guesswork.
- Pressure is controlled and safe—no dead arms the next day.
- Both of you actually relax—no one cries into a pillow afterwards.
It turns out romance isn’t dead—it’s just available to book on Fresha with next-day availability.
Final Word
Couples, listen closely: TikTok tutorials won’t turn you into a massage therapist any more than watching Drive to Survive makes you a Formula One driver. Save your spine and your sanity—leave massage to the people who know what a trapezius actually is.
