Massages?

[mommaU4]

I have a question about massages. My DH is always wanting to send me to a masseuse or to a day spa to get a professional massage but I always say no.
It's not that I don't like massages but the only person who's ever given me one is DH. I just don't think I'd be able to relax enough to enjoy the massage with a stranger doing it, so it would defeat the whole purpose. Also I am, as they say here on the DIS, pooh-sized so I would be even more embarrassed to go in because of that.

I am tempted but would like to hear if any of you have gone and what you thought of it? Was it relaxing? Where did you go? What do you wear?! And are any of you that have gone of a larger size? If there are any masseuse's out there I'd love to hear from you too. Thanks guys.

 

[golfgal]

I love getting massages. If you don't want to go for a body massage, start with an hour long facial. They are wonderful as well! I tend to prefer them to a full massage because they often come with a scalp and neck/shoulder massage. If you want to do a couple things, do the facial and a pedicure.

You are fully covered during a massage other then the part they are working on. They have seen all shapes and sizes of people and it is their job so I wouldn't worry about that.

Take a friend with you if you are going to do a full day experience. You will have more fun that way and you will have someone to chat with in between treatments.

We were going to go to Banff (Canada) this January with DH's old job and they have the MOST FABULOUS spa there, but since he changed jobs, we aren't going now

 

[4cruisin]

I had the same reservations as you. (I am very pooh sized) I had my first massage on the Disney cruise. My dh and I booked a couples massage so we would both be in the same room together. It was wonderful. The 2 girls were extremely professional and kept us covered at all times. I did keep my undies on but I believe you can be as dressed or undressed as you wish. It was so relaxing and my legs never felt better. Maybe you could talk your husband into going with you?

 

[Tracey1974]

Oh gosh! Go! It is great! I was like that for a while so the first one I went to was right before my wedding and I got a 1/2 hour one because I was nervous. Then I was hooked! I usually go 3 times a year and even had 2 pregnancy massages. It is very relaxing!

I used to leave both undergarments on but now I just keep my undies on. If it is a day spa, they will usually give you a robe and some disposable slippers. The room is darkened and they give you your privacy to get under the covers. The only time I was very apprehensive was right after I had the baby b/c I felt like my body was a mess but again- the room is pretty dark so you really can't see anything. Start off with a shorter one and work your way up.

I always request a woman- they should ask you what you would prefer. I just feel more comfortable with one.

Good luck!

 

[mommaU4]

I always request a woman- they should ask you what you would prefer. I just feel more comfortable with one.

Good luck!

Oh, good point! I hadn't even thought about whether it would be a male or female giving the massage!

It would have to be a female for me because I know for sure I'd never relax if it was a guy. I'd be so tense, I'd need a massage after my massage!!

 

[golfgal]

Oh gosh! Go! It is great! I was like that for a while so the first one I went to was right before my wedding and I got a 1/2 hour one because I was nervous. Then I was hooked! I usually go 3 times a year and even had 2 pregnancy massages. It is very relaxing!

I used to leave both undergarments on but now I just keep my undies on. If it is a day spa, they will usually give you a robe and some disposable slippers. The room is darkened and they give you your privacy to get under the covers. The only time I was very apprehensive was right after I had the baby b/c I felt like my body was a mess but again- the room is pretty dark so you really can't see anything. Start off with a shorter one and work your way up.

I always request a woman- they should ask you what you would prefer. I just feel more comfortable with one.

Good luck!

I started requesting just women and then one time I forgot and I got a man, oh boy, I ALWAYS request men now because their hands are a lot stronger. Most of the males I have had for massages would rather look at my DH then me .

 

[mommaU4]

Most of the males I have had for massages would rather look at my DH then me .

 

[Jennifer S]

I hate them. Got them twice. It wasn't that I was modest or couldn't relax. I thought it hurt. Maybe I'm just sensitive. I prefer a facial.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

I suffer from migraines and deep tissue massage seems to be the only thing that keeps them at bay! I've been to neurosurgeons and taken expensive migraine medicine but nothing works like my weekly massage !

The lady who does my massage therapy is blind and this is how she makes her living. She is fantastic!

I just wear panties. You're always well covered, though. Like when she works on my back everything from my waste down is covered. Then when she works on my leg, only the leg she is working on is uncovered and the same with my arms.

I had a guy give me a massage many moons ago and it wasn't bad either. As I said, you're always covered.

Do it!!! You'll love it!!

 

[Mom2Ashli]

OMG! I love them. I am normally so relaxed I could care less about anything else around me. I have had both Men and Women and they were both equally GREAT. Except this last one in October was a bit to rough. But it still felt so good.

 

[kdibattista]

I'm a massage therapist.... YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!!!!

You definitely want to start with a Swedish (as a first timer). It's very long, relaxing strokes.

I always tell my clients to get undressed to their comfort level. Most of the time it's just panties or completely naked. You will be completely covered with the exception of the area they are working on.

Please feel free to PM me if you want more specific info.

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I love my massage therapist....she is booked a year in advance and I have a monthly standing appointment..

She knows that I do not like deep work so she goes easy on me. It is ok to say you are hurting me and can you please lighten it up. A good massage person can do that and do not let them tell you that you need this deep work. You know your own body and what works for you best. How can you enjoy and relax if you are being hurt.

Good luck and hope you find a good massage therapist.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I suffer from migraines and deep tissue massage seems to be the only thing that keeps them at bay! I've been to neurosurgeons and taken expensive migraine medicine but nothing works like my weekly massage !

I'll have to try the migraine reason! Think my DH will buy it? Actually, he likes it when I go get one because then he doesn't have to give me one.

 

[mommaU4]

I'm a massage therapist.... YOU HAVE TO TRY IT!!!!

You definitely want to start with a Swedish (as a first timer). It's very long, relaxing strokes.

I always tell my clients to get undressed to their comfort level. Most of the time it's just panties or completely naked. You will be completely covered with the exception of the area they are working on.

Please feel free to PM me if you want more specific info.

Thanks for the information everyone. I do have one more question though. Might be a dumb one but here goes. Do you tip the masseuse the same way you would for example a hairstylist? And what is a reasonable price to pay for a Swedish massage?

 

[mill4023]

DW was very nervous when I first bought her a certificate to a spa as a gift. Let's just say she has had 4 children, is VERY self-conscious about her body.

But after the first one, she was hooked. It's something she asks for every birthday, christmas, mother's day, etc. She said that it is so relaxing and such a professional atmosphere, that she doesn't feel self-conscious at all anymore. If you still feel uncomfortable, perhaps you could start with a facial that includes a neck and shoulder massage.

I'm not sure what the norm is, but the spa she goes to doesn't allow employees to accept tips.

 

[Aimee K]

I'm a massage therapist too. You're getting some good advice!

You are always in control of the pressure the therapist uses! It doesn't have to hurt to be effective!

We see clients of all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds. Everyone can benefit from massage!

Massage Therapist can be a tipped profession. Generally if they are at a spa or salon, or they come to your house you tip. If it's at a medical facility and is partially paid for by insurance, you don't need to tip, although you can.

Prices vary greatly, depending on where you get your massage, and what modality you are getting. Our area runs from $60/ hr up to $125/ hr. It's a pretty big spread.

I hope you try massage and enjoy it!

 

[kdibattista]

Thanks for the information everyone. I do have one more question though. Might be a dumb one but here goes. Do you tip the masseuse the same way you would for example a hairstylist? And what is a reasonable price to pay for a Swedish massage?

Tips are the norm in a spa setting however I do not accept them with my own personal clients because I already get $70 for the hour. A one hour swedish in a spa runs about $60 - $80 around here.

I always make sure to ask at least twice during the massage how the pressure is. Don't hesitate to speak up if it's too light or too much... we get paid to help you relax and we don't get offended when you speak up!!!!

P.S. A deep tissue is great but for those of you who have had a "painful one", you didn't get a good therapist. A massage (deep tissue or not) should never hurt bad. Deep tissue doesn't mean deeper pressure... it actually means getting to the deeper muscles and we have special techniques to do that without causing much pain .

 

[toto2]

I go to a massage therapist every second thuesday. The cost ( in canadian money) is $70 for 90 minutes , and my insurance gives me $20 back.

If an erea hurts , it probably because it need to be worked on !

I dont tip my therapist , since he is self enployed and works from home . it might be different in a spa.

These are the best $70 dollrs I spend on my self. I told him that he cannot go on vacation or be sick ever !

I have friend who has been HIV positive for almost 20 years , and because of the medecines he has been taken , is body is not the best looking around,so he was very self counsious. Robert , my therapist said he did not care , that his oldest costumer is 82 yeras old , and that for him , it is just has plasurable to give a massage , because he knows the benefits his customer receive.

 

[aprilgail2]

I started requesting just women and then one time I forgot and I got a man, oh boy, I ALWAYS request men now because their hands are a lot stronger. .

I agree..I had a female once and it just didn't cut it..the men I have had have given much better massages than the females.....I usually get undressed down to my underwear...you are toally covered with big blankets and they only expose the part of your body they are working on....I really prefer getting my neck, shouldars and back worked on over any other part...the leg massage doesn't do anything for me...