Face Down Discomfort?

You’ve been thinking about booking a massage because your back, neck, or shoulders have been bothering you.

BUT, there’s just one teensy problem.

Lying face down for an extended period doesn’t sound particularly comfortable. It very well could sounds like the root of all of your misery. I had someone come in for a massage saying this EXACT phrase a few months ago! They couldn’t get up from their last massage when lying in this position and had to have the therapist help them off the table to be dressed. It was embarrassing to say the least but the pain was agonizing. Didn’t book another  massage for years to come.

Now that is just one story, but that may not be you. Maybe your reason is that your lower back gets irritated in this position. Or perhaps you simply don’t enjoy staying in one position for very long. This is another story where someone doesn’t get massages because she just cannot physically stay still. She was deeply unsettled by the thought of a full 90-minute massage but a way we combated this was by implementing side-lying massage, having even more variety in her bi-weekly massages, have her legs dangling off the sides or even her skull. Again, 2 different people, 2 takes on similar but different cases.

Here’s something I want you to know: You can tell me that before we begin.

At Inspire Movements Massage Therapy in Colorado Springs, your comfort matters when we’re deciding how to approach your session.

You Don’t Have to Pretend You’re Comfortable

Massage is supposed to be an experience where you can communicate what you’re feeling.

That includes the position you’re lying in.

If something feels uncomfortable, I want to know! Just like if pain is traveling, things are getting better, communication goes both ways, so does getting better.

There’s no prize for making it through an entire appointment while silently wishing you could move.

And you certainly don’t need to wait until the end to mention that your neck has been bothering you for the past 45 minutes. Please mention it as it is happening. If you are cold, warm, something feels weird and we’re not even on that side of the body, the body is telling us something and you are your own best advocate.

The goal is to make thoughtful decisions about your session, not to see how long you can tolerate an uncomfortable position.

Why Lying Face Down Can Feel Uncomfortable

There isn’t one explanation that applies to everyone.

Some people notice pressure around their low back when they’re lying on their stomach. Others find that their neck, shoulders, or hips become uncomfortable after remaining still.

Your personal comfort can also change depending on your symptoms, previous injuries, and how you’re feeling that particular day.

That doesn’t automatically mean something is seriously wrong.

However, it also isn’t something I should dismiss or try to diagnose based on positioning alone.

If a position consistently causes pain, numbness, tingling, or other concerning symptoms, that’s important information to share with an appropriate healthcare professional.

Can We Change Your Position During a Massage?

Depending on your needs and the techniques being considered, positioning may be something we can adjust.

That could mean discussing a different position, changing how an area is supported, or choosing another way to approach the work.

Not every position is appropriate for every technique, and not every adjustment will be suitable for every person.

That’s why I’d rather know about your concerns before we begin.

If you’re worried about being able to lie comfortably on the table, contact me before booking so we can discuss whether the session can accommodate your needs.

What About Ashiatsu Massage?

Ashiatsu massage uses the therapist’s feet instead of their hands. By doing this form, we apply a broader pressure than our hands could ever do due to the size difference of our feet instead of hands. Ashiatsu allows us to get more done in the same amount of time because of the difference in the pressure.

It’s one of the techniques I offer at Inspire Movements, and it can feel quite different from massage performed with hands or elbows.

But here’s an important distinction.

Just because you enjoy deeper pressure doesn’t mean every Ashiatsu technique will be appropriate for your body or preferred position.

Your comfort, health history, and the area we’re addressing all matter.

Sometimes a different technique or a modified approach makes more sense.

I’m not interested in forcing a particular technique into a session simply because it’s the one you originally had in mind.

Tell Me What Happens When You Lie Down

You don’t need to arrive with a medical explanation.

You can simply say:

• “My low back gets uncomfortable when I lie on my stomach.”
• “I can’t keep my neck in one position for very long.”
• “I sometimes get tingling when I lie a certain way.”
• “I’m concerned about staying comfortable for a longer appointment.”
• “Can we talk about positioning before I book?”

Those details help us have a more useful conversation.

I may ask follow-up questions about your symptoms, relevant health history, or whether you’ve discussed the issue with your healthcare provider.

The purpose is to make an informed decision about whether massage is appropriate and how the session should be approached.

When Massage Might Not Be the Right First Step

Not every symptom should be addressed with massage.

New or unexplained numbness, weakness, severe pain, or symptoms that are getting worse deserve medical attention.

If you experience sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or saddle area, seek emergency medical care.

Massage should not delay necessary medical evaluation.

The National Institutes of Health also provides guidance about massage therapy safety, including circumstances where additional precautions may be necessary.

Your Comfort Is Part of the Session

I don’t expect everyone to arrive feeling exactly the same way or to be comfortable in exactly the same positions. Variety is a key to any massage, the same could go for your massage.

Some people are perfectly happy lying face down. Although, lying facedown does tend to make the sinuses run or stuff you up. 😅

Others have concerns worth discussing first.

Neither situation makes you a difficult person to work with.

What matters is communicating clearly so we can decide whether massage is suitable and how to approach your appointment.

Looking for Therapeutic Massage in Colorado Springs?

If you’ve been avoiding booking because you’re worried about lying face down, you’re welcome to ask questions before scheduling!

At Inspire Movements Massage Therapy, we’ll discuss your goals, comfort, and relevant health concerns to determine whether an appointment is appropriate.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Inspire Movements Massage Therapy or book your therapeutic massage in Colorado Springs.

Inspire Movements Massage Therapy
1295 Kelly Johnson Blvd, Suite 250
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Call or text: 719-459-0780

About Jessica Deardorff, LMT

Jessica Deardorff is the owner of Inspire Movements Massage Therapy in Colorado Springs. She has practiced massage therapy since 2016 and holds Colorado massage therapist license MT.0021143.

Her therapeutic approach includes Ashiatsu, myofascial techniques, cupping, and individualized massage focused on each individuals’ needs and preferences.

Disclaimer: This article is educational and does not provide medical advice or a diagnosis. Massage is not appropriate for every condition. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about unexplained, worsening, or concerning symptoms.