According to physical therapist Erin DiGangi, the appropriateness of a painful massage is incredibly subjective because pain tolerance varies so dramatically from one person to another. "It’s also important to note that pain and damage are not the same. For instance, deep tissue massage, whether hands-on or with a device like a foam roller, can be painful but effective for some people. Meanwhile, some painful massages can cause bruising, which is an indicator of minor damage. In the end, if you are not comfortable with the intensity level of your massage, you should always trust your body and discuss your specific needs with your massage therapist," she says.