Massage.... Gotta Have It

[TxGyspy]

I have started getting weekly 1 hour full body massages for the last 2 years. At first it was really hard to let someone else do that much touching on me, but now it is a have to have treatment. My muscles stay tense....sometimes really tense. As far as I can tell, my body has learned how to go to sleep without relaxing. Massage really helps with my muscle tension issues. Not that my muscles aren't re-tensed by the next day, but it helps to keep things from getting out of hand.

I took a trip out of the country for a few months last winter and was in an area where there were no masseuses. I was in so much pain by the time I got back that I was whimpering.

Does anyone else find that massage is an important part of their PTSD therapy?

 

[Smushroom]

I find massage helps tremendously, but I still can't get over people touching me. I have so far managed to do settle into a fortnightly routine of having 'reflexology' done on my feet. I find it so relaxing. I have a massage once in a while when I really need it, and I find it helps for days. I am the same, I can't relax when sleeping. I constantly find myself at my desk at work or even just walking around with my shoulders raised almost up to my ears! I have to take a deep breath and lower my shoulders, but guaranteed they will be up around my ears again before I even notice.

I wish I could get massages more often, but it's something I'm working toward. So far, the fortnightly 'reflexology' sessions are great :)

 

[Nicolette]

I have weekly massage (fully clothed) and Anthony now makes me go (takes me) as he says I come out a different person. If I don't have one on Saturday as usual I am normally a right royal pain in the butt come Monday due to pain from muscle tension.

I also have reflexology with the only problem getting someone who knows how to do it properly versus it being a foot massage. There is one girl who does my feet but when she isn't there it's just not the same and I don't get the relief. She even tells me what parts of the body I am having trouble with before I tell her - even my heart.

 

[Smushroom]

I also have reflexology with the only problem getting someone who knows how to do it properly versus it being a foot massage. There is one girl who does my feet but when she isn't there it's just not the same and I don't get the relief. She even tells me what parts of the body I am having trouble with before I tell her - even my heart.

Same here Nicolette. There is one or two ladies that I feel actually know what they are doing, and if I can't get them, I won't go, otherwise it is just a 'glorified foot massage' While that would still be nice, you can get a foot massage for half the price anywhere...

 

[Shellbell]

I have fortnightly full body massages, although I would go weekly if I could afford it.

I find it helps a lot, as I hold so much tension in my upper back, neck and shoulders and jaw, plus lower back issues as well. If I leave it longer than 2 weeks, there are so many knots that it's really painful. If I go every fortnight, the massage is more relaxing than painful :)

I'm okay not having my clothes on for the massage, as it's a woman. I couldn't handle being massaged by a man at all.

 

[Philippa]

I'm a massage therapist, but I don't go for a massage very often at all. The last one I went for was pretty zany and I found the therapist creepy, and didn't want her hands on me. In some ways it has made me extremely discerning who I allow to touch me.

I bought a hand held, infra red massage machine, so I can just lie back and guide this thing to whatever place on my body needs help, and the results are not the same as with a person, but still quite relaxing. I was seeing a body counselor for a bit, that is, she intentionally moves difficult stored up emotions like grief and anger, using massage...and I did find her to be very tuned into me and intuitive, so I would like to see her again, but just making the appointment can be challenging...especially if you are having "am I deserving" thoughts.

I did book a facial for next week though, so I'm looking forward to that.

But yes, I would say that massage is a very good habit to get into receiving and worth the investment, if you get a good therapist. You need to find someone you are totally comfortable with though, and because they are all strangers until you meet, that can make it difficult.

 

[anonymous]

I'd love to give it a try. Especially my neck and shoulders which were injured in my car accident. However, I feel I can't inflict my body on anyone.

My body is totally gross and disgusting. For the first time ever I will post this anonymously, I don't want anyone to know how much I hate my body.

 

[piratelady]

I've splurged on massages a couple of times and they do wonders. My problems with it are: I'm self-conscious about my fat and I figure they will see my scars from cutting and judge me. :bag:

I have weekly massage (fully clothed) and Anthony now makes me go (takes me) as he says I come out a different person.

You can get a massage fully clothed?

 

[TxGypsy]

My body is totally gross and disgusting.

I'm sorry that you feel that way about yourself. I don't particularly like walking in front of a mirror naked, but I'm pretty sure it is different than what you feel. Your neck and shoulders should be a pretty neutral area. You might try just getting a chair massage of those areas. (((((Hugs!)))))

 

[TxGypsy]

You can get a massage fully clothed?

I wouldn't think it would not be a very effective massage if you were clothed. Most of the massage therapists I have met have been wonderful, understanding people. It seems that you just aren't attracted to the profession unless you are a certain kind of person. There are always exceptions, and if you don't feel pretty secure with your therapist simply don't go back to them. I have the same issue with fat and I'm pretty self conscious.

When I was in Mexico this summer I got massages every 5 days for the month that I was down there. I did so much better while I was there that it was very noticeable! I think part of it was the massages and the other part was water exercise. These massages were NOT what I was used to in the US. I was completely nude and they massage all but a few square inches of your body....including the belly. I was absolutely mortified at first, since I have a lot of belly. Once I was able to relax, I realized I was getting a lot more benefit from the all over massage than I got from my massages in the US. The Mexican culture is different from the US and being big doesn't really mean that you are unattractive. Not nearly the unhealthy body image thing there that we have here.

 

[Philippa]

I was absolutely mortified at first, since I have a lot of belly. Once I was able to relax, I realized I was getting a lot more benefit from the all over massage than I got from my massages in the US. The Mexican culture is different from the US and being big doesn't really mean that you are unattractive. Not nearly the unhealthy body image thing there that we have here.

Most therapists have seen every body size there is, and yeah, certain bodies are easier to navigate, but that doesn't mean that the bigger bellies are any less deserving. A belly rub feels so glorious though, and you can learn how to give yourself a belly rub, if you feel like you aren't able to be comfortable with your body to have it done by someone else.

I think there are a few cultures that value the big bellied as prosperous and attractive, and thin people are the rejects.

 

[Britt.f7]

I don't mind getting facials or having my arms and hands massaged, or my scalp, but anything else you can forget. Though I have had a massage once, it took me a lot to just relax.

The few times I've let my husband massage me, I immediately tense up the closer he gets to what I call my private area. I know I'm not "suppose" to do that, but I do. Now that I'm heavier I can only imagine that I would feel worse.

My sister gets a massage once a week and likes it. She even lets her son massage her shoulders and feet. I couldn't imagine it. Just creeps me out.

I know, I'm a bit odd in this respect.