I'm debating if I should splurge and buy myself a massage. I have so much tension in my neck/shoulders/upper back that it is starting to give me migraines.
What type of massage should I get? Swedish? Deep tissue? Hot stone?
Is it awkward is it to get a full body massage? What exactly does it entail?
Do it! I get one every three weeks to relieve knots and tightness in my neck and back. I would start with a Swedish massage as a deep tissue may be to intense if it's your first massage. It's not awkward at all IMO and I get fully naked. You are covered at all times and if you are uncomfortable ask for a female masseuse.
Post by keweenawlove on Aug 20, 2012 21:14:35 GMT -5
I love them! I've been having them since I was about 16 so I got used to the full body ones fast. The masseuse should be professional and not make it awkward. Normally they tell me to lay down on a table under a sheet so you can feel covered up at the start.
I agree with pp. I don't think I'd start with a deep tissue. That's my go to, to really make it feel "worth it." A Swedish will be a good starting point. You should be able to tell the masseuse areas to focus on more and go a little harder on.
Swedish. it's the most "generic" start to someone who hasn't done it before.
No, it's not awkward at all. A good massage therapist will tell you to take off whatever clothing you're comfortable with. That can be all or nothing. I leave my panties on. You're on a warm, soft table with bolsters for your knees and ankles and a couple layers of blanket. The therapist will hold up the blanket and have you flip over, but that's about as "awkward" as it gets.
Funny story: an old BF gave his mom a massage GC for Mother's Day. She put it off forever because she thought she'd be bare-ass naked on a cold metal table in the middle of a room somewhere. She finally went, and got a robe, slippers, lunch, and a delightful massage. I think she's gone a lot since then
Start with a Swedish and you can always tell the therapist more or less pressure as you go. Deep knots take some pressure to work out, but you shouldn't come out bruised. Hot stones are a personal preference. I don't really care for them enough to pay extra. I'd rather pay for an extra half hour. I'd ask for a whole body with emphasis on neck tension. For that I really like when they have the bed warmer and start you on your back so the heat can start easing those tight muscles.
You can leave on bra and panties if you want, but I'd really recommend taking off the bra. They will keep everything but what they are working on covered so your privates are never exposed. And if they do your glutes, it's always been through the blanket for me.
The therapist will usually talk to you first, then step out so you can undress and get under the blanket and then come back and knock before they enter.
I vote 90 minute, full body, swedish massage. Best.thing.ever.
You can tell the person that you have tension in your neck/back and they will focus on that. But I personally feel with a full body they "clear out" the tension in my neck/back. Like the work it through my whole body. It's such an awesome feeling.
Post by phunluvin82 on Aug 21, 2012 0:07:25 GMT -5
I have had chronic neck/shoulder issues for years that cause me to get (often severe, migraine-like) headaches. I see a chiropractor regularly, which helps with alignment and helps keep the headaches at bay, but sometimes I NEED a massage for all the tension, knots, etc.
I get therapeutic/deep tissue massage. I have to say it's not necessarily as pleasant as other massages...when they get really aggressive on the knots, it freaking HURTS. BUT...afterwards I feel amazing.
I get 3-4 a year, but would be getting them every month in a heartbeat if I could afford it!
Definitely worth the splurge! I love massages and wish I could go more often. I'm not comfortable being naked in front of others, but have no issues with a full body massage -- like PP mentioned, your privates are always covered and the masseuses are very professional about it (assuming you go to a legit place). I keep my panties on because that is what I am more comfortable with.
I usually go for 60 min, but the time seems to fly by and I always wish it would go longer. I have also recently tried reflexology (foot massage) and found it extremely relaxing. It's a little sore sometimes since they work on specific pressure points, but I felt much better after. Each pressure point is tied to a part of your body, so if you tell them you get migraines, they will focus on a specific area on your foot. For the reflexology massage, I was fully clothed and sat in a comfy chair. I did a neck and shoulders add-on, and they did a great job of working on the knots.
Whatever type of massage you get, be sure to drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins that are released during the massage. Most of all, relax and enjoy!!!!
Depending on what a doctor can prescribe, your insurance might cover them, I would def check on them. I had a few and honestly was not to keen on them especially since I felt ridiculously sore after, which left me in a worse situation then I started.
I would start with 60 minutes and you may want to plan for a 2nd massage a few weeks after to further loosen things.
Also drink a lot of water before and after and have an ice pack ready for after. I get massages monthly to fight knots and can have sore muscles after from the massage because they are so tight. The ice will really help. I have not had any luck with heat.