Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with massage

Other sources for physical intimacy?

~Sushma~ — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:03:39 -0800

Lonely, hungry for intimacy, ravenous to be touched, coddled or stroked. I'm old, sick and unattractive, I used to be smoking hot but men don't look at me any more, nor do they even acknowledge my presence. The area I live in is sparse for dating, and I've even tried one night stands. I have given up. What are some other ways to get the physical needs I have for the human social intimate relationship I do not have? I've done the CL casual encounters, internet dating etc.... Going for a massage now to see if it helps, and yes I have a loving and much loved pet....but I need more. Any resources? I'm sure there are others like me out there.

How to calm oneself after a severe emotional shock

flutable — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 05:27:28 -0800

What are some good centring/calming exercises for a massage therapist? I've had a huge shock and need to get myself together before Tuesday. I'm a student massage therapist, and every week my class has a clinic session, where we treat "real" clients. (who'd knock back a $20 massage?).

But this last week I've had an immense emotional shock, to do with an ex. It had nothing to do with clinic. The incident has riven my soul, and unsettled me very profoundly, to the point that I have vivid, almost panic attacks (mild histeria, perhaps?) that usually leave me in a blubbering mess.

I'm working through the underlying issues, which will take several months and much reflection. However my immediate concern is my performance at clinic on Tuesday night (27 October).

Does anyone know any "centring" exercises I can use to calm my mind before clinic? I could skip the clinic completely, but would have to catch up another time.

The reason for mentioning the massage aspect is that it's easy for a client to pick up if the therapist is unsettled. The treatments we give are primarily relaxation, and I'd hate for a client to end up as wound up as I feel!

I haven't done much meditation before, but have found that simply observing the breath as I breathe in and out a few times can help.

Any other suggestions would be great!

What type of massage should I try... if any?

cheapskatebay — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 13:55:04 -0800

What type of massage should I try... if any? I'm mustering up the courage to schedule a massage, and, given my quirks described below, I'd appreciate any recommendations as to the kind of massage I should have, if any, and the type of questions or requests I should ask of the therapist.

I'll be running a half-marathon in a little over a week and I may have an opportunity to schedule a massage two days after that race. This would be partially a reward for finishing the race, but primarily an attempt to get over my fear of having a massage. I'm a mediocre but dedicated runner. I'm not experiencing any particular running-related pain or injuries; this just happens to be when I have a window of time to schedule a massage.

I'm scared of getting a massage, even though I suspect it would be helpful and would ultimately feel good. I am very inflexible and I find the little stretching I am able to do to be painful and difficult. (I find it painful to use "The Stick" on my legs, for instance, for any other runners who are familiar with that device.) I've had substantial reconstructive surgeries on both of my shoulders, too, and I tend to flinch when anyone touches my shoulders or upper back. In general, I find it very difficult to relax, either mentally or physically. I'm nearly always "tight" and I often experience mild discomfort and, rarely, some pain in my neck and shoulders as a result.

I'm not particularly concerned about post-massage pain (this question was helpful in that regard); I'm more concerned about discomfort and pain, and the inability to relax, during the massage.

It may be that I'm the sort of neurotic, stiff, physically sensitive person for whom massage just doesn't "work." Since everyone I know who's had a massage has liked it, though, and since it just might do me a world of good, I'm willing to try a massage to see if I'll benefit... with a lot of trepidation!

Is there a particular type of massage that might be appropriate? Swedish massage is what some have recommended, as it is apparently more gentle than deep tissue massage.

I assume I will need to explain my concerns to the therapist, and I'm fine with that. I'm sure that trying to relax ahead of time, arriving early to get acclimated, and doing what I can to maintain a positive mental attitude will be helpful, too. Are there any particular questions you think I should ask, given my specific concerns?

Massage therapist in South Florida?

6and12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:03:59 -0800

Can anyone recommend a massage therapist in South Florida? I've been living in Hollywood, FL, for a few years now, and I'm finally in a position where an occasional massage fits into my budget. There are so many options here, however, that I don't know where to start looking. I've always found good LMTs through friends or word of mouth, but I'm at a loss down here (not at a loss for friends, just friends with leads on LMTs). In the past, I've worked consistently with people who specialized in Swedish, deep tissue, or Thai massage, and I've liked and benefited from those styles. Something close to Hollywood would be ideal, but I'm willing to drive a bit for the right person. In the past, I've preferred small practices to large spas or hotels.

What's the secret to loose-limbed happiness?

Cool Papa Bell — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:03:02 -0800

You know that loose-limbed, joints-fully-lubricated feeling you get after a massage or a jacuzzi? I want that feeling all the time. What's your secret? Yoga? Pilates? Some other wacky stretching technique you learned in a Himalayan monastery?

Is it a drug? A vitamin? A secret herbal supplement stolen from a race of giant, intelligent apes?

Please help me find a great business name

IdleRepose — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 03:32:59 -0800

Can you help me find a name for my new small business - it is going to reflect my recent Swedish/therapeutic massage and waxing qualifications - and interest in helping people ease tension in their bodies to help them deal with the rest of their lives. I am hoping to attract sport-related clients, but also people who want relaxation massage (so a flowery spa type name might not work). The business name needs to appeal to a broad range of people, enable me to expand later to broader aspects such as pilates, holistic healing and possibly life coaching. I have to be really careful not to have a name that gives the wrong impression about the type of massage (e.g. Euphoria). What do you think would work? 'Align', 'Ascend'.....??

Back walk massage in Tokyo?

avocade — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:03:28 -0800

I've got a bad back and neck from playing piano and double-bass a large part of my life, and lately working a lot at the computer. Since I'm in Tokyo for another couple of days or so, I thought I'd ask around for the absolute best massage in town, that also won't break the bank. (It's a pretty sizable traveler's bank, but I'm not rich.) I've seen the (in?)famous massage where a woman (men are too heavy me guess) walks on the back and cracks the joints. Is that something recommended? Looks darn cool! :)

Colorado Springs

mightshould — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 10:13:01 -0800

I'd appreciate recommendations for places in Colorado Springs that provide fingernail painting and massages. My best option will be to find a place that provides a range of services so the person who’ll receive the gift certificate will be able to select whatever suits their fancy.

Disclaimer: I know nothing about nail painting and massage type places, so if these types of service are not offered in the same place that’s good for me to know. If you know of a place that's a great experience that provides one or the other, that's also a possibility.

Do buddha bellies require pregnancy massage tables?

the luke parker fiasco — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:08:21 -0800

Asking for a friend: How does massage work for people with big bellies? A friend wants to get her father a gift certificate for a massage, but is concerned because he's got something of a buddha belly (i.e. he's not big all over, just in front). We guessed that this shouldn't be a hindrance, because of things like pregnancy massage, but wondered a bit about how exactly it works. Could he get a back massage if he had trouble laying on his stomach? Would she need to check with the establishment beforehand to see if this is something they can do? Is there special equipment to accommodate this sort of thing, and would the masseuse need to be notified in advance?

Preventing erections during massage

ascetic — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 07:20:22 -0800

Some questions about getting an erection during a massage I am a 20 yr old male who is interested in seeing a masseuse to relieve some tension and pain I have all over my body as a result of an intense judo/jiu-jitsu regime I have started.

I am concerned about getting an erection during the massage. Maybe it's just me, my age, or both, but I get erections very easily. Sometimes I get them while leaning against the bathroom sink to get a close inspection of my teeth in the mirror.

How do masseuses react to erections? How can I prevent one, and what do I do if I do indeed get an erection?

Thin, angled prostate massager or other tool for self massage?

Not Supplied — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 02:04:40 -0800

(NSFW) Prostate massager, dildo etc - Where can I find an angled one with a handle, that isn't too thick. Alternatively, is there another tool I can repurpose for self massage of muscles inside the pelvis? Hi there. I'm looking for a prostate massager for a slightly different purpose - to massage the levator anii muscles close to the pelvis.

I bought this one, and it looked ideal - the handle enables me to manipulate it around myself which would be good for locating trigger points in the muscles. Also, the shape - curving up at the end - seems about right.

However, it is too thick for me (anal virgin) - the full sensation is quite good for sex, but it doesn't give me enough room to manouvre for massage and is distracting from what I'm trying to do.

Anyone know something similar that's thinner?

If it has the right shape, I guess I could always make a handle myself.

This seemed to be the best type of tool for the job, but if you know something from another field that would work - massage, motor mechanics, beekeeping etc I'd welcome your creative idea.

Low Stress Vacation

BrotherCaine — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:33:03 -0800

Where in Northern or Central California is a good place to vacation in late April/Early May with swimming pools, ~~movie stars~~, hot springs, massage, day hikes and/or B&Bs with vacancies? My wife and I are thinking of taking a road trip this year from eastern SF bay area to somewhere between Cambria and Mendocino or inland with the aforementioned amenities. We like to travel cheap, but with hot showers. Three stars at two star prices kind of thing. 7-10 mile day hikes would be fun, below freezing nights less so. Also, extra bonus points for B&Bs with hosting pets, small towns with cozy used book stores, and restaurants with at least one vegetarian (not vegan) item on the menu.

Should I tip the masseuse?

MaryDellamorte — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 19:20:27 -0800

Do you tip the masseuse? I've never had a professional massage before and I have a certificate my boyfriend got me for a full hour massage. If I do tip, what should I tip? I'm completely in the dark here. Thanks.

Affordable Massage Philly?

harnharn — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:52:45 -0800

Where can I find the community wellness center in Philadelphia that offers affordable massages? I was at a party last year and someone mentioned a wellness center in West Philly that offers massage and acupuncture at affordable, possibly sliding scale rates. Anyone know it?

Please help me get back in the saddle!

bunnycup — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 05:32:58 -0800

Where should I start - a chiropractor, a sports massage, an orthopedist, acupuncture or what? I recently started horseback riding again, and though I have NOT suffered a fall or other acute injury, I have had crippling pain in my upper back (between shoulder blades) for about 2 weeks. I have tried stretching and gentle yoga, soaking, heating pads, ibuprofen etc., resting the muscles - and none of it has helped. I really want to get back in the saddle sooner rather than later, because it is really helping me cope with a very difficult personal situation and has become my primary form of exercise.

I know there are a lot of directions to go, and I've gotten some conflicting advice about what to pursue first: a chiropractor, a sports massage, an orthopedist, acupuncture or a few other things. If anyone has some advice on which may be most likely to help, which should logically precede the others, which is not likely to help at all, or any other thoughts, I would be really grateful. If you want to accompany your advice with any recommendations for specific practitioners in the Bucks County, PA area, I would welcome that, though it is not the primary purpose of my question.

Assume cost is not really an issue (my insurance covers these things if referred by my PCP) and I have easy access to each type of practitioner. I am female in my 20s.

Anyone Know of a Traveling Masseuse in NYC?

kayzie — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:24:28 -0800

I'm looking for an extremely reputable and professional massage therapist to visit an office in midtown Manhattan and give several (15 or so) 10 - 15 minute neck-and-shoulder massages to the individuals who work in the office. HELP!! I am an out of towner, and am providing this service as a thank you gift for a high-end client of mine, thus the experience must be stellar on their end. My Google results have been quite vague, and I'd be thrilled for any help you could give. Thanks!

NYC couples massage

akabobo — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 12:41:23 -0800

Do you know a good couples massage place in the upper east side NYC? Looking for a place to get a couples massage in NYC. We had one on our honeymoon (side by side massage), and would like to do it again when we visit New York City.

We are staying on the upper east side. Juvenex was recommend in this thread, but we wanted to do it Saturday afternoon before an early dinner near Washington Square, however it looks like no men until the evening are allowed at Juvenex.

Price range 400-500 total, although if you know a deal that would be good too. Looking for romantic, but not too over the top for a couple in their late 20s.

Help me craft a business-sharing contract with my boss.

headnsouth — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:28:05 -0800

Please help me negotiate a business arrangement with my boss that has me doing some work as an employee and some work as an independent contractor. There are a lot of business-contractish questions on AskMe but I don't see this one yet; sorry if it's been discussed before (this one isn't really the same).

I'm a massage therapist new to the area and I work part-time for a chiropractor who has an established practice. So for several months I've been working for him part-time as support staff, getting to know his business & billing & notes etc. At the same time I have been seeing clients independently in my home studio, but not too many yet. The idea when I started was for me to eventually see clients in the chiropractic office in addition to the office support work, while still developing my own practice outside his office.

My seeing clients at the office is win-win. He will have a (really excellent) massage therapist on site, I benefit from being part of an established practice. So how to set things up? He owns the professional building where the office is, so he could charge me a flat monthly rate for renting space to me. Or he could get a portion of each massage no matter how many I do per month. Or something else I'm not thinking of? What to do about the big difference in my hourly rate as support staff ($notmuch) or doing massage ($agoodbitmore). Pay me a flat rate somewhere in the middle regardless of what I'm doing at a given time? Does it make a difference whether the massage work is subject to withholding/payroll tax the way my employee pay is, or whether it's a cash transaction for which I'm responsible for my own taxes?

And what about clients who see me at my home but who I met through his practice? He has referred a few people to me but in a formal business arrangement should he get a portion of those hours as well?

I have always been either a corporate girl or a freelancer. This quasi-self-employed-but-not-really situation is new to me and I would appreciate any suggestions that more contract-savvy, business-savvy mefites have to offer.

Is there such a thing as a good massage chair?

mcarthey — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:45:04 -0800

Looking for an affordable and decent massage chair (or attachment). I realize there may not be a massage chair or chair attachment that is worth the money, but I'm looking for something that will provide some level of comfort and not break the bank. I go for the occasional massage, so I know it will never replace a professional, but I have also tried different versions of chair attachments that were terrible and almost painful as they dig into your back.
Of those I've liked were some real expensive ones at Brookstone. Specifically their chair with all the attachments is great. The leg massager is unique and enjoyable, but well beyond what I'm willing to spend.
I'd like it to focus primarily on my back, but bonus points for one that is versitile enough to work in other areas.

Head, knee and toes fine; shoulders not so much.

piratebowling — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:08:15 -0800

My shoulders hold all of my stress. What can I do about it? For as long as I have been getting shoulder or back rubs from friends, they have noted that my entire shoulder and neck area feel like one huge knot. Rolling my shoulders makes a horrible grinding/popping noise. Good massages hurt like hell (In the best possible way), but never seem to really alleviate the issue. Is there something I can do to try and halt this? Is there some posture or stretching exercise I should be doing? Should I invest in a hitachi magic wand and not really care what people think I'm using it for?

Stats, if that is needed: fairly petite, mid 20's female. Chest not big enough to be causing this problem. No other part of my back seems to be affected.

Help find an Angeleno to massage my back!

guruguy9 — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:37:42 -0800

Have a slightly fickle lower back after a car wreck (have had phys therapy etc) and tweaked it moving furniture this weekend. Does anyone have a good massage therapist in the Downtown Los Angeles or East Hollywood area that specializes in massaging that kind of issue?

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!