Professional massage ideas?

[Cheyenne]

I know zip about getting a professional massage. I had one once years ago that I got as a gift, and it was hilarious. The woman slathered me with oil and lightly rubbed it in.

I think I want to try something that actually FEELS likes like my muscles are being massaged. Deep massage- is that what it is called? Something to relieve stress and relax me? Any suggestions on how to find a good massage therapist and what to ask for?

 

[willfulbrat]

I'm not sure if I know how to spell it, but rolfing is a deep massage, almost painful. But you move differently after it's done because you feel different.

 

[Merelan]

Rolphing sounds disgusting, but I get what you meant.

I would call around, even check and see if there is a local massage college/school. They need people to practise on for demos. That means free.
Or check with your doctor, if you are lucky enough to have a good one who believes in stress relief.

 

[R Nitelight]

Massage college?
There's a thought.......

 

[Juspar Emvan]

Ask at your local beauty clinic, or physiotherapist. Or look in the phone book under sports therapy.

Shiatsu(sp?) is a Japanese massage that is very deep. Probably what you want is Sweedish. There should be lots available wherever you are, and tehy shouldn't be hard to find.

 

[cymbidia]

I get massages about once a month, Cheyenne. There are basically two types of massages:

Massage designed for relaxation
Massage designed for pain management

There is, of course, some pain reduction inherent in relaxation massage and some relaxation resulting from the application of techniques designed to alleviate pain.

I called a massage therapist when i was in Canada, at Lake Louise, on vacation a few weeks ago because i had one of those crummy stiff necks that don't seem to go away. You know what i'm talking about. Anyway, i called a massage therapist and she put to rights in an hour what had been bothering me for two days PLUS i was incredibly relaxed at the end of it.

The massages i get more-or-less regularly are just for the incredible sensory/sensual pleasure of it. They still go deep, they still do good stuff to my muscles and skin, but it's not composed of the somewhat alarming intensity that massage therapy often entails. You can find these kinds of massages at any day spa in your area.

Among the very many different types of massage available to you for relaxation might be:
Swedish
Shiatsu
Acupressure
Reflexology
Rolfing (as has been mentioned)

This is only a partial list, too, and some of these are pretty wildly physical, as in you'll feel, hmm, pummeled if you're not used to the sensation of being handled like that. Choose with care the kind of massage you seek. Rolfing is, for example, a VERY physical type of massage. Each of these has its strengths and weaknesses. I think you'll just have to ask what kind of massage they use, then go look it up.

A good massage, one that you're seeking for pleasure and not because you're in need, is one of the really fine things in life. Enjoy.

 

[Bigdog]

Cheyenne, based on what you said I would think Swedish massage is what you desire. My wife gets one every couple of months to relieve muscle tension in her neck and back. She just found a new place that is great, only $70 for 1.5 hours. The extra touches were nice, they also applied a cooling facial cream and gave her chilled bottled water when finished (apparently massage is dehydrating). She would go more often if we could afford it, it helps with her migraines.

 

[Bob Peale]

Several of my friends go to the local massage therapy institute. The cost is less because the practitioners are students, but it is a very regulated environment, so the liklihood of hanky panky is greatly diminished.

 

[cymbidia]

hanky panky

Are you referring to sexual touching in a massage setting?

I've never encountered such a thing, and i've had many massages. As long as you're seeing a certified and legit massage therapist, there will be none of that. All day spas, for example, would be completely safe - plus there's the added enticement of a facial AND a massage, or a pedicure and a facial and a massage, or...

Real massage therapists don't give head. At least not on the job.

 

[Bob Peale]

Real massage therapists don't give head.

True, but I've lived in several major cities now where, the majority of practioners were sole proprietors or small businesses.

In one city, there was a ring of Eatern Bloc "therapists", ostensibly licensed, that had interpreted their crafta little different.

In another, it was one enterprising young man who's actions resulted in a fairly reputable day spa being closed.

I could go on, but the purpose of the comment wasn't to cast dispersions on the craft, only to offer low cost alternatives that were low risk.

Man, do I sound bitchy? Who peed in my cornflakes?

 

[Never]

Ohhh. I love giving massages.
You'd feel the one's I give. The last gentleman I gave a massage to was screaming for me to stop! Tears rolling down his face and everything.

My massage technique is to pull the muscle off the bone, squeeze until it's putty, and then rearrange it in a more aesthetically pleasing manner.
Everyone I've given a message to yells while I do it but afterwards they tell me they feel wonderful.

 

[Guest]

Finding a good Massage Therapist

I am have been browsing the board for some time but have never posted before but I felt the need to respond to your query as I am a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Looking for Swedish Massage can be somewhat hit or miss. Like many things in the massage field it [Swedish Massage] covers a broad spectrum in actually its application. From what you have described I would recommend you look for a Therapist who practices: Myofascial Release, Neuromuscular Therapy, Rolphing, Trigger Point Work or Sports Massage. These all fall under what is often termed “Deep Tissue Work”. If you don’t know where to find a qualified Therapist I recommend that you try one of these sites to find a therapist in your neighborhood.

http://www.amtamassage.org/home.htm
http://www.ncbtmb.com/
http://www.aboutmassage.com/
http://www.rolf.org/

Hope you find what you need

 

[Siren]

Wow Cym knows her massages

 

[Cheyenne]

Wow, thanks for all your help, everyone! I will do more research and make an appointment. My neck IS stiff, but I think that is from sleeping in my Lazy boy chair because my allergies are bothering me! A massage sounds very good right now. Hmmm... maybe that day spa thing would be fun now that I think about it.

 

[Laurel]

I get massages about once a month, Cheyenne. There are basically two types of massages:

The massages i get more-or-less regularly are just for the incredible sensory/sensual pleasure of it. They still go deep, they still do good stuff to my muscles and skin, but it's not composed of the somewhat alarming intensity that massage therapy often entails. You can find these kinds of massages at any day spa in your area.

I also get a massage once a month! The place I go to employs several different masseuses, so I tried 6 or 7 different people till I found one I really liked. The lady I go to knows all different styles of massage, but blends them, using different techniques for different problems. She places soft heating pads on my legs while she works on my back, then moves the pad to my shoulders while she works on legs and feet. She also does aromatherapy stuff, and plays good soothing music.

My massages are basically for relaxation, but also to work out this knot that appears in my right shoulder from using the mouse all the time.

When you go to your masseuse, they'll usually ask you what you'd like to get out of the massage, and whether you have any areas that need work. Let them know it's your first time, and they're usually really good about explaining everything.

I pay $55 for a one-hour session. It's seriously the best $55 I spend all week. If everyone put aside a little money every week and spent an hour a month at a masseuse, this would be a happier planet.

 

[Never]

Then I make them lay on their belly and I jump on their back.. maybe hit them on the back with a chair. That always works wonders.

There's nothing like taking someone's shoulder muscle in your hand and squeezing it until your knuckles turn white.

 

[Svedish_Chef]

Then I make them lay on their belly and I jump on their back.. maybe hit them on the back with a chair. That always works wonders.

There's nothing like taking someone's shoulder muscle in your hand and squeezing it until your knuckles turn white.

A massage is just what I want, Never.

I'll even give you a sVedish one

 

[cymbidia]

Re: Finding a good Massage Therapist

I am have been browsing the board for some time but have never posted before but I felt the need to respond to your query as I am a Licensed Massage Therapist.

OHHHHH... look! We have our own masseuse! Oh, oh, oh... come back LMT, come back. Register. Become legit. Post! We don't have any other professional massage therapists here (that i know of)(though i really don't know very much about people's rl occupations)(hey! that would make a good thread...)

Come back LMT!
Tell us about the different kinds and techniques, please.

 

[Guest]

Thank you very much for the welcome cymbidia. I’m not sure if I will register of not. I like to read the board, and stories, from time to time but am not sure that I would post enough to make it worthwhile to register. Although it would have been nice to have been able to edit the appalling number of errors in typing and syntax in my first post

Minor pet peeve: I’m not actually a masseuse. I am a male (not that I gave any indication of gender in my post). The term masseuse comes from French and is the feminine form. The male form would be masseur. I don’t like either term however as they carry to many sexual connotations. Not that sex is a bad thing per say. I wouldn’t be reading this board if I thought it was, but when your profession is listed under the same heading as “Adult Escort Services” in the yellow pages it tends to create some problems. I prefer to be called a (Licensed) Massage Therapist. It makes the services that I offer a little more clear.

Whew! Now that that is out of my system what would you like to know?

 

[cymbidia]

Thank you very much for the welcome cymbidia. I’m not sure if I will register of not. I like to read the board, and stories, from time to time but am not sure that I would post enough to make it worthwhile to register. Although it would have been nice to have been able to edit the appalling number of errors in typing and syntax in my first post

There are lots of people here who don't post very often, LMT, and lots of us who are gabby beyond belief and post far too often. There's everyone in between, too. You have to come up with a better reason (okay - it's an excuse and you know it!) than that to back out of this one! And yes, one does want to edit ones spelling/grammar errors all the time in every post forever and ever amen. One runs the risk of... why... there's no risk! No penalty! No one comes at you pointing and laughing if you misspell words and use poor grammar! Though this is a writing site, and though many of us who post here on the Boards also contribute stories/poems (hopefully free of glaring spelling/grammar errors), there's lots of latitude given to everyone's BB postings in that regard, your own preferences for error-free posts notwithstanding.

Minor pet peeve: I’m not actually a masseuse. I am a male (not that I gave any indication of gender in my post). The term masseuse comes from French and is the feminine form. The male form would be masseur. I don’t like either term however as they carry to many sexual connotations. Not that sex is a bad thing per say. I wouldn’t be reading this board if I thought it was, but when your profession is listed under the same heading as “Adult Escort Services” in the yellow pages it tends to create some problems. I prefer to be called a (Licensed) Massage Therapist. It makes the services that I offer a little more clear.

I had a 50-50 chance of being right on the masseuse/masseur thing, and i wasn't. Actually, according to your preferences, i had a 100% chance of being wrong! Ah well! And i totally understand your being a tad sensitive to how your profession is viewed. I'm not sure i wouldn't be pretty bristly about it, far more than you, in your shoes.

Whew! Now that that is out of my system what would you like to know?

You name it. I just think it would be cool to have a (Licensed) Massage Therapist as part of the Lit gang.

 

[Guest]

Cymbidia

Cymbidia, I bear you no ill will for getting my gender wrong or being called a Masseuse / Masseur. When meeting new people and telling them what I do I usually just do my best to explain the reasons for my preference of title then let people call me what they will. <shrugs>

As far as your arguments in regards to registering I’m not convinced. I simply can not see much of a benefit to “becoming legit” as you put it. If you wish to ask me anything I will likely be reading so feel free to ask and I’ll be happy to answer.

 

[Cheyenne]

It doesn't hurt to register- really it doesn't. You don't even have to give your real name and can use a free Lit email address! Are you sure we can't change your mind, LMT? We'd love to have the new blood. Not literally though, no matter what Never might say about it.

 

[Guest]

Registering

Cheyenne, I hope your search for a Massage Therapist goes / went well.

I didn’t have the intention of ever posting again actually...... Ok, I did post an explanation about why men have erections in the morning to the poster of “Morning wood” .... but in both cases I wasn’t so much looking to engage in discourse as to convey information. Replying to you and Cymbidia is more then I really expected to do. All I can say is I’ll think about it. If my posting becomes epidemic and I may change my mind. In the mean time I will be about reading the board from time to time and will likely respond if you address anything to me.

 

[Cheyenne]

hehe... we're hooking you in little by little...

It starts with one thread, then it is a second, and before you know it, you're having FUN and you NEVER LEAVE! This place is like Hotel California. You may as well "check in" and claim your name permanently.

Thanks for the massage info, if I forgot to say that before. I still need to do the research and set up an appointment. I DID look in the yellow pages though. Massage therapists have their own section! You aren't under "escort services" after all!

 

[Mensa]

Define our terms

Isn't "rolphing or rolfing" another term for vomiting?

Is this what happens when they rub you the wrong way?