Massages

[harllee]

Several people on the Forum have recently said that one thing they are looking forward to after their Covid vaccine is a massage. This afternoon I had my first massage in over a year. It was a therapeutic back massage that used trigger points. It was not the relaxing sort of Swedish massage. In fact it was painful at times. But I must admit my back feels better and I have an appointment for another massage of the same type next week. The massage was not cheap, cost $110 but well worth it if it helps my ailing back.

Who else is getting a massage and what kind are you getting?

 

[aaronc879]

Several people on the Forum have recently said that one thing they are looking forward to after their Covid vaccine is a massage. This afternoon I had my first massage in over a year. It was a therapeutic back massage that used trigger points. It was not the relaxing sort of Swedish massage. In fact it was painful at times. But I must admit my back feels better and I have an appointment for another massage of the same type next week. The massage was not cheap, cost $110 but well worth it if it helps my ailing back.

Who else is getting a massage and what kind are you getting?

Are you expected to tip on top of that $110? Is that for 60 minutes or 90? Around here you can get a 60 minute massage for $60-70 and I will start doing so soon. I will get a theraputic massage. Not major deep tissue but not relaxation either.

 

[harllee]

Are you expected to tip on top of that $110? Is that for 60 minutes or 90? Around here you can get a 60 minute massage for $60-70 and I will start doing so soon. I will get a theraputic massage. Not major deep tissue but not relaxation either.

It was an 60 minute massage, actually went about 70 minutes. The person giving the massage owns the business so I did not tip. It was more than I am use to paying for a massage but I knew that ahead of time. This guy is a specialist in backs and came highly recommended. He is so popular it takes a week or 2 to even get an appointment. If it helps my back, well worth the money. I also have a appointment with a very good back doctor but I could not get an appointment with him until June.

 

[Ready]

I have a gift certificate for a massage that I’ve been waiting to use. Now that I’m vaccinated I will probably set up an appointment fairly soon.

Did your therapist wear a mask while doing the massage? I’m assuming you were not required to wear a mask yourself?

 

[Closet_Gamer]

I've had two swedish and will get another one shortly. (They re-opened for these services in the UK a few weeks back.) My wife has also had one and will be going again.

Its fantastic. Massages being unavailable is a seriously first world "problem" but wow did I miss them.

I always tip. Both because if you get the same person again it pays big dividends and because I just think anyone doing paid-by-the-job type work can always use a helping hand.

 

[harllee]

I have a gift certificate for a massage that I’ve been waiting to use. Now that I’m vaccinated I will probably set up an appointment fairly soon.

Did your therapist wear a mask while doing the massage? I’m assuming you were not required to wear a mask yourself?

Both of us wore masks (sign on door said it was required). Since I was only getting work on my back the mask did not interfere. When making the appt I asked if he was fully vaccinated and he said yes. He also said he wipes down the table between massages and changes out the covers. I don't think he used gloves--that would be hard to do on a massage. He told me he had to shut down under state orders for about 3 months last spring but that most all his existing clients came back, some were in such bad shape by the time he reopened they could barely walk. I know of several people who have been going to him weekly for a long time. At $110 a time that is expensive treatment. I hope I can get my back issues resolved with just a few treatments. This morning my back feels little stiff but no pain so far and I slept very well, which is good.

 

[harllee]

I've had two swedish and will get another one shortly. (They re-opened for these services in the UK a few weeks back.) My wife has also had one and will be going again.

Its fantastic. Massages being unavailable is a seriously first world "problem" but wow did I miss them.

I always tip. Both because if you get the same person again it pays big dividends and because I just think anyone doing paid-by-the-job type work can always use a helping hand.

If the person giving the massage is an employee I also always tip. The person referring me to the back massage therapist said she did not tip him since he was the business owner. At $110 per massage I think the tip is built in.

 

[Aerides]

Massage prices can vary greatly, a lot of those subscription places are popular in the $75 range per month, DH goes to one of those, and always uses the same therapist after trying a few.

I am more a fan of a facial (face massage!) but I will spring for a massage on occasion. Most places will offer several different kinds. For example, I have no interest in a hot stone one, or one that's really deep pressure. And a really good not-too-rough one can put me to sleep and I don't really want to sleep through something I'm paying for! Similarly, I've had facials where the aesthetician was too chatty and I can't relax enough. And I hate when they try to recommend products...

Hotels have crazy markups, but you often get to use the spa services like sauna, steam room, pool, while you are there, and they often have fine print about a 20% service charge which is added that includes the tip. But if they don't, yes I would tip generously on any good service. If it's a relaxing vacation then a massage or facial after a day at the beach/pool is my favorite.

Did your therapist wear a mask while doing the massage? I’m assuming you were not required to wear a mask yourself?

Depends. Here in S Fla yes they are, and I am required to, in every hotel spa I called. DH's place doesn't require it during the service, but it might be up to the therapist. Right now every hotel spa I called has the therapists in gloves as well, so I'm waiting on a massage till that's over. Call in advance and ask about their covid protocols and any place will rattle them off for you.

 

[Midpack]

DW gets deep tissue massages once in a while, she always tips.

 

[Jerry1]

And a really good not-too-rough one can put me to sleep and I don't really want to sleep through something I'm paying for!

I fell asleep once. I had been going to that person for awhile. I told her next time just turn out the lights and I’ll pay her by the hour for room & board.

 

[harllee]

DW gets deep tissue massages once in a while, she always tips.

Midpack, how much does a deep tissue massage in your area cost?

 

[Alan]

I have been getting deep tissue massages for decades now to help with sciatic and other back and shoulder problems.

Masseuse wears a mask at all times, as do I except at the point I lie face down on the table. She also does a Covid test (LFT) twice a week as do all the staff at the parlor.

 

[garyt]

Midpack, how much does a deep tissue massage in your area cost?

I paid $69 an hour here in Mi a couple years ago. Rates are all over the ball park though. I find they're usually cheaper through a chiropractor's office for some reason. I haven't been back due to covid.
Anybody find real differences in therapists? I went to one where I had to wear underwear and she wouldn't work my glutes. The whole reason I go is because of low back, glute, hamstring tightness. I would have felt weird insisting that she work the glutes so just kept my mouth shut and never went back. Found another who had no problem and just about made me cry with the deep pressure.

 

[pacergal]

I have had massages many times in the past--concentrating on upper back and shoulders.
More when I was working than now.
Cost anywhere from $60-100, luckily our insurance allows up to $600/year for massage.
I have found two great therapists.

 

[harllee]

So it sounds like the $110 massage I had yesterday is on the high side. But he really worked hard and seemed to know what he is doing and my back is feeling better today. I have a friend that goes to him every week, so about $6000 per year for back massages (or a little less, i think she gets a slight volume discount). But this friend has already had back surgery and this massage keeps her functioning.

 

[Mr. Tightwad]

I've probably had 100 to 150 massages in my life. I've had a 60 minute massage for as little as $15, and as much as $50 or $60. There's plenty of locations in my area. I generally go with the $20 to $30 ones, they usually do a great job.

About 18 months ago I got one of the deep tissue ones. She really gave it to me, I can still remember how much it hurt. Afterwards I couldn't stop raving how great it was. I consider massages my favorite BTD activity.

 

[eytonxav]

I've played pickleball with a guy that gets a couple of messages a week, followed by a cryo treatment. Claims he needs it to recover as he plays almost every day.

I've yet to get one, but his claims of how good it made him feel made me curious.

 

[bjorn2bwild]

..............About 18 months ago I got one of the deep tissue ones. She really gave it to me, I can still remember how much it hurt. Afterwards I couldn't stop raving how great it was. I consider massages my favorite BTD activity.

Heh heh, I used to get deep tissue massage from a guy who specialized in treating athletes. He is 6' 6" and strong. No doubt he can prise state secrets from foreign operatives without leaving a mark.
When I left the area, he recommended that I continue self massage with a Ma roller.

There was a definite learning curve, but I now give myself daily therapy to address a chronic low back condition.

 

[harllee]

Heh heh, I used to get deep tissue massage from a guy who specialized in treating athletes. He is 6' 6" and strong. No doubt he can prise state secrets from foreign operatives without leaving a mark.
When I left the area, he recommended that I continue self massage with a Ma roller.

There was a definite learning curve, but I now give myself daily therapy to address a chronic low back condition.

How does that thing work and where did you buy it?

 

[bjorn2bwild]

How does that thing work and where did you buy it?

You lie on the thing.
The basic technique is to use body weight to apply pressure to the target area. The shape is designed to go down the back with the spine in the middle.
I use it mainly to relax the muscle/fascia in the hip area (P.S. - to clarify, not on the spine). The tip is to go slow, apply pressure until the muscle relaxes. It takes time, I spend an hour or two each day for my particular problem.
I do some other movements that are hard to explain. Here is the website (a bit woo-woo). Also, there are knock-off products if you search "body roller".

https://themaroller.com/

 

[iloveyoga]

Several people on the Forum have recently said that one thing they are looking forward to after their Covid vaccine is a massage. This afternoon I had my first massage in over a year. It was a therapeutic back massage that used trigger points. It was not the relaxing sort of Swedish massage. In fact it was painful at times. But I must admit my back feels better and I have an appointment for another massage of the same type next week. The massage was not cheap, cost $110 but well worth it if it helps my ailing back.

Who else is getting a massage and what kind are you getting?

I get a full body massage once a month. She really digs into the tight/sore places like my neck and shoulders. Probably like a sports massage. I quit going some of the months during the pandemic, especially when my therapist came down with Covid (!), but am back in the regular swing now. I always wore a mask and so did she. It is very helpful to all my problem areas.

 

[iloveyoga]

So it sounds like the $110 massage I had yesterday is on the high side. But he really worked hard and seemed to know what he is doing and my back is feeling better today. I have a friend that goes to him every week, so about $6000 per year for back massages (or a little less, i think she gets a slight volume discount). But this friend has already had back surgery and this massage keeps her functioning.

Mine ends up being $80, tip included.

 

[Nick12]

Can't beat Planet Fitness gym membership $22 per month, unlimited massage chairs and massage water beds!

 

[zippy2020]

I go to a massage therapist who also trained/licensed as an acupuncturist before she decided to focus on massage instead. She was gone for 7 mo. helping her elderly parents on their GA farm, but just returned.

90 minutes is what I regularly schedule for, full body. $175 and worth every penny. Both of us wore masks and both of us are vaccinated, but she has immunity problems so it's safer for her if her clients wear masks.

I was going once a month before she left town. She's only back for 5 weeks and then going away again for 2-3 months, so I had a session early this week and scheduled another 2 weeks from now.

I spend way too much time on the computer so my entire back and neck were super-tight.....ugh!

 

[Nick12]

I've at times thought about those $3K massage chairs for my living room. It could pay for itself compared to the cost of regular massage monthly.