Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with massage

Sports massage in NYC, please.

betterton — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 10:36:36 -0800

Can you recommend a good sports massage in New York City? I'm looking for someone who is used to working with athletes with tight muscles and/or injuries.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Do you cancel a massage if your back is zitty?

Anonymous — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:08:39 -0800

Massages and pimples. I have an appointment this weekend for a massage at a fancy spa (yay), but I have recently had a very very nasty break out on my back. And some of those pimples have been popped and are still sort of scabby. Should I cancel the appointment? Or has the masseur seen worse and I'm worrying for nothing? Help!

Help me get a massage in Chicago like the ones I got in China.

Bunglegirl — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:40:26 -0800

Help me get a massage in Chicago like the ones I got in China. Chicago Mefis: I've traveled to China a few times now and each time I've had great massages. I've only had one massage in the U.S., mainly due to cost, but it was very different than what I experienced in China and Southeast Asia. I prefer a hard massage—the kind that leaves you hurting for a day or two but eventually straightens you all out. The one Swedish massage I had in the U.S. felt nice during but left no impression on my muscles and didn't get any of the knots out. I'm not sure if shiatsu or deep tissue would be enough for me. I've had an Ayurvedic Massage in Kerala, India and had the same reaction as I did ot the Swedish massage (only I was covered in a lot more oil).

The massages I've had have been in Western China usually in a nondescript storefront. They've been preformed by blind men, older women and young women, all of whom kneaded my back into submission. The massage is always done fully clothed, usually with a sheet over my body as well. This level of coverings isn't necessary, but I don't need a traditional massage with oils and relaxing music. I've been massaged in places with dirt floors so I don't need anything fancy. One massage was done by a girl hanging from bars on the ceiling who effectively massaged me with her feet. Afterwards hot sandbags were rolled across my back. Some of the massage parlors in China also had people being treated with traditional methods (cupping etc.) and I like that it was seen more as a health treatment than an indulgence.

I've also had massages in Thailand and like them nearly as much. I am quite flexible, so I need someone who's really willing to put her body weight into it. I could go for any combination of Thai or Chinese massage. I've thought about looking around Chinatown but don't want to get find myself in a brothel or worse. I'm female, so I'm not as worried about the proposal of a 'happy ending' as much as just the 'ick' factor. I want someone who knows what she's doing.

The main treatment I want is for my back which suffers from the usual "sitting in front of a computer all day" problems and the weight of a large chest. I am confidant that if I were to get massages on a regular basis my mild back pain would be cured. I also enjoy the rest of the massage and am always amazed at how tense other parts of my body are, like my hands. A friend who lives in China (and took me to one of the massage parlors) told me that it's quite normal to get a massage and isn't seen as an indulgence. I'd like to find a place with the same mentality that doesn't charge "spa prices" so I could return often.

So far my friend, who is a professional masseuse, has no recommendations for me other than to look for places that practice Tui Na. I'm not sure if Tui Na is what I'm looking for, as I've read it described as "similar to Swedish massage." The closest place I've found is Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, which has inexpensive massages from its students. The price is great for me. Do any of you have personal experience from Pacific College or another reputable place in or around Chicago that doesn't charge day spa prices?

I have seen this question so I know a few cheaper places in Chicago but I suspect they might not be what I'm looking for.

Pain Following Massage

nikksioux — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 21:19:40 -0800

Is pain after massage normal? I have had four massages in the past three months. All of these were by different massage therapists. Twice I experienced no pain at all afterward, but the other two times (including today) I am having some relatively severe neck pain post-massage. I was pretty equally tense every time going in. Does anyone know what could cause this? Is it common? What should I do to prevent it in the future, I want to enjoy massages, not regret them.
Thanks!

My touch lamp has the same vibrating static electricity feeling that my massage clients used to have. Why?

kristymcj — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:43:07 -0800

My touch lamp has the same vibrating static electricity feeling that my massage clients used to have. Why? I just though that I was feeling a client's "vibes" or "energies" but I feel the same thing when I very lightly touch my touch lamp.

Personal recommendations-- swedish massage in Seattle

yazi — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:12:23 -0800

Seattle Mefis: Anyone know a top-notch swedish style masseur/eusse? Was just in NY and my friend had me meet him for a few hours at the famous Russian steam baths on E. 10th. I booked a massage, explaining that "I have sciatica problem, and woujld like Swedish style, and someone who will be good working on a specific problem". Well, it was FANTASTIC. She kneaded, pounded, pressed out the most painful point where the sciatica is enflamed, then soothed, stretched out my hands, legs, etc. Wow. It was 30 minutes, but the greatest. She was so thorough in only 30. Anyone in Seattle? ... hopefully someone highly professional who might even have a hot shower/steam room in their place of business. (I once had massage in Sea. where the man did have his whole basement level fixed up like that.) I looked at previous MeFi posts: some people talked about massage in Seattle, but nothing this specific. Thanks all.

Wind down in Tempe

forallmankind — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 09:50:59 -0800

I will be in Tempe for the New Year and my friends and I could all use some R & R - any recommendations on hot springs, mud baths, massage etc. in that area? (Or any other take-it-easy type activity).

Little Rock Massage

blapst — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:05:33 -0800

Recs for a massage therapist or spa in Little Rock, AR? Giving a massage as a gift from afar. Recipient is a 30-something mother of two with a full-time job. Please only in Little Rock (not Hot Springs - she has not time to travel more than a few minutes from home). Also, recs from personal experience more helpful than links to reviews.

How to find a good massage therapist in Portland, Oregon?

Auden — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:46:03 -0800

How to find a good massage therapist in Portland, Oregon? (and what kind of massage would be appropriate?) I'd like to get my 65 year old mom a massage session or two for X-mas.

She's had some problems with muscle pain in her legs (probably due to statin use) and has thrown out her back a few times over the years, but is otherwise in good health.

Is there some form of massage that would be more suitable for her than others, and are there massage therapists in the Portland/Beaverton area of Oregon that people can highly recommend? I'd rather that they didn't come to her house but rather worked from a nice clinic or spa or other work space.

(oh, and how much should I expect to spend?)

Pregnancy. Hand-held massager. Problems?

paterg — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 03:59:22 -0800

Pregnancy. Hand-held massager. Problems? My wife is 23 weeks in and having some back pain. I thought maybe one of these might be good... (I know it's not a "real massage" replacement). What I'm particularly interested in hearing is if anyone has "Don't Do It" experience... If it's relevant, I was looking at one of the homedics percussion or wave type.

I know they're just covering their butt when they recommend to "consult your doctor"... but it doesn't really help me...

Thanks!

massage therapist in Melbourne

hithere — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 18:46:02 -0800

Looking for deep tissue massage therapist in Melbourne's eastern suburbs I'm looking for a therapist that can do very deep tissue massage in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Ideally, within about 15 minutes drive of Glen Waverley.

It's a long walk. But I will walk hard.

toaster — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:26:50 -0800

How much should I tip (if at all) for a 10-minute massage after running in a race? I saw this thread, but I was not sure if it applies.

Casual massage classes in DC

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 15:23:46 -0800

Anyone know of places that offer massage workshops in the DC/MD area? I've looked around at some of the local massage schools, but they don't seem to offer public classes and I'm not looking to become a licensed or registered massage therapist, just looking to surprise my honey (hence the anonymity).

I am moving my head like Michael Keaton in Batman. It's bad.

miss lynnster — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:43:04 -0800

Good massage therapist in Livermore, California? (If there aren't any, then in San Mateo.) Hellllp. My shoulder & neck have frozen up 'cuz I've been driving & working too much, and my lower back is starting to act up too. OWWW. Giant knots are KILLING ME. Must do something before it gets worse! Current client is waaaay out in Livermore & I don't know the area... but I was thinking of getting a massage at lunch tomorrow? Been getting home after 8:30pm so the only time I could get a massage otherwise would be in the early morning in San Mateo before I go to work, I guess.

Suggestions?

non-sexual massage marketing madness.

sindas — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:44:21 -0800

[AdvertisingFilter] I am looking for the most effective way to advertise for a massage therapist living in the DFW area. My mother is a very good massage therapist, but advertising her business has proven to be very difficult over the years. She works out of a building with a bunch of rooms. The massage therapists that work there rent out the rooms from the owner of the building. It does provide advertising (at a cost) but it has proven to be ineffective.

Methods she has already tried include the obvious word-of-mouth, the Ft. Worth Star Telegram newspaper, and other small periodicals.

We are looking for a solution(s) that will provide more business, and not only be cost effective, but help ward off unwanted "perverts" looking for happy endings. She does the standard swedish, as well as deep tissue work and trigger point.

Are there any Mefites that can offer any advice on the best way to advertise for this type of business?

Lookin' for upper back heat

dino terror — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:09:04 -0800

Does anyone know of a back cushion that heats the entire back rather than just the lower back? When they specify, these back cushions with heat seem to only provide heat to the lower back because I assume that's where people usually need it. This is the case for the entire Homedics line according to their FAQ. Whats the deal? At first I was just looking for a heat pad but the manual said they are not to be sat on or leaned against so I returned it.

Where can I get one of those painful greased up wrestler massages?

dino terror — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:03:37 -0800

[Massage Filter] I remember watching an episode of Lonely Planet / Pilot Guides / Globe Trekker where Ian Wright went to some Arab country (I think either Turkey or Iran) where you go into this bath house and this greased up muscular guy basically does wrestling moves on you to completely give your body a painful but in a good way loosening up. Can I get any info on this?

Thai massage in Manhattan?

lia — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:16:45 -0800

ISO thai massage in Manhattan I'm feeling rather rundown and need a massage, I've had them all over the world and for my money nothing is better than Thai, but I don't know where to have a proper one in the city. Lower East Side/East Village/Chinatown vicinity preferred, but not required; extra points for a place that won't break the bank!

Just how stupid am I being?

Ash3000 — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:23:18 -0800

Don't laugh - am I right to let my body image issues get in the way of getting a massage? Are there cases where that is a legitimate concern? Early twenties, soon to graduate college, male, 5'10ish, 240ish (about a 33 on the BMI scale), back covered with hair, okay face, a little muscle definition. I have pretty big self-consciousness issues related to my being a. very hairy and b. overweight - the general belief that I'm hideously ugly. I'm a pretty sensitive person, mostly related to an emotionally abusive upbringing.

This weekend I have the option of going to a spa in the Palm Beach Gardens area of Florida and getting a massage, maybe also a facial or some other spa service. Damn that would be nice - I am SO stressed out with work, among other things. But the idea, particularly in an area I perceive as being filled with rich OC-like people, of getting a massage with a massage therapist who can barely keep at holding his/her disgust in at touching me, my back, my stomach, etc, makes me shudder. And the whole idea of getting my body waxed, particularly the cookie-dough front, makes me WAY more self-conscious. (Also, wouldn't the skin be too tender afterwards for a massage right after?)

Am I being stupid? Are there spas that are bitchy enough that this would be a real issue? I really want to have this massage, but the thought of the aforementioned scenario makes me literally sick to my stomach.

Sport Massage in NYC Advice

jtajta — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 11:59:53 -0800

NYC Sports Massage: Can you recommend someone to help me with my flexibility and soreness, particularly in the hamstrings? I'd love someone who is familiar working with athletes. East Village area preferred. Thanks! Anyone have any success stories? Any advice? I'm thinking that I'll try to visit every two weeks or so (I don't have much money), in addition to working on stretching on my own. I've come to the realization that almost all my injuries are related to tight hammies, so I really want to get them in better shape. I'm already seeing a PT to work on the trouble spots and, again, stretching more at home; I think that really working the muscles could help too.

Massage DVD recommendations?

forallmankind — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 13:21:12 -0800

Massage DVD recommendations? I checked on Amazon and there's an overwhelming 166 results.

Active Release Techniques for sciatic pain??

sweet mister — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 16:49:09 -0800

Experiences with Active Release Techniques (ART) (TM)?? I went to a really good sports doctor today for a muscle strain/inflammation problem (piriformis/hamstring) that simply won't quit. X-rays showed a slight degeneration of one disc but he didn't think that was the problem and I agreed. It seems to be a vicious circle of muscles spasming and causing other muscles to go into spasm, while also compressing the sciatic nerve. It's manageable with Advil and stretching and it seems to be VERY slowly improving. Emphasis VERY.

He recommended some sensible physio but also Active Release Techniques which I'd heard of but didn't know much about. He demonstrated a pressure point release which had a really quite amazing effect on the strength of one muscle. However it's a chiropractic technique, and I'm adamantly opposed to chiropractic on the grounds of snake oil. (I don't want to argue that point here).

However he pointed out it was a soft tissue manipulation, which is fair enough, and googling it seemed to suggest that it has worked well for some people. I've had good results myself doing deep tissue massage on myself with a tennis ball and it seems vaguely related to that.

So does anyone have direct experience, especially if you don't trust traditional chiropractic? What should I expect? Bonus points if you have piriformis or sciatic issues.

What goes on in an Asian Spa?

quibx — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 06:42:58 -0800

What exactly goes on in the Asian Massage parlors in Rhode Island? Flipping through the Phoenix, there are always ads for spas and massage parlors in Rhode Island. Considering they are in the adult section, one can only assume what goes on in there. But if they are doing what I think they are doing, how can that be legal?

Massage in St. Louis?

torticat — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:38:19 -0800

Please, anyone know of a good massage place in St. Louis? I would like to give my sister-in-law a certificate for a massage or two, but I live 1000 miles away and can't check places out for myself. I don't want accidentally to send her to someplace skeezy. Just looking for a good massage therapist and a pleasant, relaxing place. Thank you St. Louisans!

No Happy Endings!

bastionofsanity — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 09:07:24 -0800

NYCFilter: I am interested in purchasing a massage/spa package as a gift for my female roommate. Preferably located 60's east side or along the PATH route. Any suggestions?