I promised a report on my first ever professional massage, which my dear hubby treated me to yesterday. So here 'tis.
All in all, it was a wonderful experience. One full hour of pampering, soft music, a trickling fountain, dim lights, soft aromas, and untightening muscles that had been tight for years--decades even.
I did have to take my clothes off, but I was mostly covered the entire time. Every part of me except the part being worked on was covered. I didn't feel embarrassed or exposed. Nothing like going to the doctor's office and sitting for 30 minutes in a cold exam room with nothing to cover oneself but a piece of typing paper.
My expectations for the actual massage were something like a really good back and body rub, but it's more than that. The therapist did something to my muscles that completely relaxed them and got rid of a lot of pain. My back hasn't been pain free in at least three years. But when she was finished with it, it didn't hurt. It still doesn't hurt today, although I can now feel the tightness returning.
There were a couple of negative effects, however (at least I'm blaming them on the massage). First of all, I had the worst case of restless leg syndrome last night that I've ever had. I've read this condition comes with fibromyalgia, but I've never been bothered with it except for a few twitches and jerks from time to time. But last night, my legs felt like there were little people in there running up and down all through them. All night, I had the uncontrollable urge to move my legs incessantly, which I did. Poor Vann retreated to the sofa, where he spent a sleepless night. I figure that the massage somehow triggered something in my legs that made them restless. What else could it be?
The other negative is that my hair is flat. Now you have to realize that I'm the original big-haired woman. Big hair is an innate quality of mine. Naturally curly and thick, my hair can't be anything but big--at least that's what I thought. But after I came home and showered all the massage oil off my body and out of my hair (which took much shower and shampooing), my coiffure had relaxed too--just like my muscles. I guess that's not necessarily a negative. I'm just accustomed to big hair. And I'm sure my hair will recover when the oil wears off.
At $60 an hour, there's no danger of me becoming addicted to this luxury. But I do hope to treat myself to more of them from time to time. But maybe I'll wear a shower cap next time.
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On 10/02/2008, Joan said ...
Good to be pain free and glad that the massage relaxed you. Sorry to hear of your side effects .Love the cats .
On 10/02/2008, Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio said ...
So glad to hear that the massage helped your pain. I get a massage once a month. I would rather get a massage, than having my hair colored, getting a manicure, or eating out!
I hope the restless legs were a one night thing only!
Hugs,
Penny
On 10/02/2008, Kai said ...
Oh, I LOVE the kitties! LOL! And I'm glad you enjoyed the massage! This may sound crazy, but, at the urging of friends, I tried several different types of massages a few years ago, and they all KILLED me. (You're right about that oil, by the way. It's HEAVY-DUTY, isn't it?) It's good that it helped your back, even if only temporarily. I relate to the little people running through the legs thing! (You know, that Vann is a sweetheart! What a nice thing to do!)
On 10/02/2008, Terri said ...
That kitty graphic is such a hoot! Glad you enjoyed the massage. I've had a couple myself and wish they weren't spendy as then I treat myself more.
On 10/02/2008, Debbie said ...
I used to do massage therapy in the salons I worked at. Ask the therapist to do your head first, with no oil. But, on the other hand tea tree and jojoba oil will flatten it, but you'll have a good conditioning treatment! Can't imagine why the massage caused leg pain, unless they massaged too near a nerve...no idea, sorry.
On 10/02/2008, Lynne in Hawaii said ...
I just love the kitty graphic! I've never had a full massage but I am glad it helped relieve your pain. Too bad the restless legs bothered you...I know I can't sleep when that acts up! I end up pacing because it is too uncomfortable to lay quiet. Hope it passes quickly and the other pain stays at bay!
On 10/03/2008, mom2fur said ...
I knew you'd love it! I think you must have gotten a 'deep tissue massage.' Too bad it doesn't last longer, but I'm glad you got a good day of relief from it. Damn, they should make a body suit you can wear all the time (under your clothes) that gives you a constant massage. How cool would that be?
My mom has restless leg syndrome. It drives her nuts. There is one exercise she tried that helps a little. You stand facing a wall and put your hands up against it, then you do a sort of 'push up' against the wall. I don't know why it works, but it might be worth a try if the bugs in your legs stick around--which I hope they don't!
On 10/03/2008, lila said ...
A massage....mmmm! Wonderful!
the cat photo is really fabulous! So funny!
On 10/03/2008, Shelley said ...
Funny kitty piture. I suffered with Restless Legs for about 5 years. It just showed up one day. I took Carbidopa (pill for parkinsons) everynight before bed. It really worked for me, otherwise I was walking the house at night. I could'nt go to the movies without taking a pill, or go for a drive longer than an hour. Then I went to the Chiropractor for something in my neck and shoulders and after a couple of weeks of therapy, I noticed that my Restless Legs were not bothering me anymore. I have been pill free for over a year now. I use to get paranoid thinking of being someplace without my pill. I would stash them in every purse and the glove compartment of my car, my desk at work. Just in case I got snowed in etc. I know that being low in iron can bring it on. I hope you can find some relief.
On 10/03/2008, sherry said ...
Sounds like overall it was a pretty wonderful experience & I'm glad to hear it helped with your back & muscle pain. The kitty massage graphic is too cute!
On 10/04/2008, kayellen said ...
What a darling picture of the kitty massage:)
Back from my trip just catching up on blogging.
Love massages...I am with you... my hair looks crazy after I leave..having a facial or massage!
I usually head right home for hairdo change! lol
sorry to hear about your legs..maybe ask your doctor about what happened...
Have a great weekend:)
kayellen
On 10/04/2008, Lala said ...
Hi Sue!!! Glad you enjoyed the massage overall... sounds like you may have gotten a "deep tissue massage" (which triggered the RLS)? I'm glad you got some pain relief... and sounds like a really good hair conditioning too!
Thanks for letting us know how it went!
Lala :o)
OH... and the kitty graphic... hilarious... I can "hear" the cat purring really loud!!! :o)
On 10/05/2008, Daisy Cottage said ...
Good Morning Susan!
I loved catching up with you over my own cup of coffee! ;-) One of my favorite things to enjoy too!!
And I'm so happy your massage was a great experience - I've never had one either and my poor back would benefit from one too, I'm sure. I hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
xo,
Kim
On 10/07/2008, Nicole said ...
Where ever did you find that picture of the cat being massaged? So cute!
I love a good massage, but I have been miserable afterward if the masseuse uses too heavy a hand.
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