Male or female massage therapist? That is the question I had when I called to make a last-minute appointment last weekend for a deep tissue massage. Since graduating physical therapy two weeks ago, I haven't been getting my usual weekly work up. I had so much tension in my calves and shines. I couldn't take the kinks anymore and it was beginning to impact my workouts.
I never had a male massage therapist before, but I was desperate. So when the receptionist told me a male therapist was available, I accepted. Then next day I reluctantly went to my appointment not sure what to expect.
One of many things I learned during months of physical therapy was the importance of massage. Massage has many health & fitness benefits. For athletes and fitness fanatics like me working out 2-3 hours a day, it has added benefits of aiding with recovery time and improving overall fitness performance.
Alleviate Muscle Soreness
Massage can prevent or delay the onset of muscle soreness. Muscle soreness can develop 12-72 hours after exercise. Massage can promote blood flow to muscles preventing fatigue from happening.
Stress Relief
Stress is the culprit of many healthy conditions and can interfere with physical training if not managed. Massage is one way to manage and reduce stress.The body releases endorphin's during massage. Endorphin's are the body's natural pain relief mechanism. Massage can help decrease anxiety and increase relaxation.
Improve Flexibility
Massage stretches muscle fibers which promotes flexibility. Flexibility is important for maintaining optimal fitness performance.
Pain Management
Massage during an injury recovery can assist with breaking up scar tissue that builds during the healing process which can be painful. Regular deep tissue massage allows an individual to increase their activity gradually while managing that pain.
Increased Circulation
Massage helps with blood flow into the muscles. Good blood flow is needed for fitness. Think of muscle as a kinked hose. Water can't get through it when there is a knot.
To my surprise, my back and neck were in worse shape than my legs. He told me I had stress points in places that he rarely sees in people. I thought that's not a surprise. I've only had a few things going on this year. A foot injury, months of physical therapy, the pressure & stress of my job, my Mom's heart surgery and my emotional roller coaster. Like I said, just a few things.
It ended up that he did a better job than the female therapists I've had in the past. The one disappointment I had was that he didn't work my calves as much as I needed, which meant I had the fun of taking an ice bath at home that night to give my legs relief <-- painful & cold but so much relief.
Even today my calf is still coiled up like a snake. Icing and rolling hasn't given me much relief. Guess I need to schedule another massage! This time though I will stress to the therapist to focus on my calf more.
Do you have a male/female preference? Do you get massages regularly? What do you prefer deep tissue or Swedish massage?
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Britt@MyOwnBalance says
I definitely prefer Swedish massage. I don't like to be in pain at all during a massage. I want to basically be falling asleep. I had a male therapist once at a very well known spa on 5th Ave and it was horrible! It felt like he was giving me a Chinese fireburn rather than working my muscles. I don't think it had anything to do with gender but the fact that he just wasn't a good therapist.
The Skinny-Life says
I was surprised the deep tissue wasn't painful at all. I actually felt really sick and dizzy afterwards. Pretty sure it was toxins built up in my body because I hadn't had a massage in a long time.
GiGi Eats says
PERFECT TIMING! I just got a STUNNINGLY AMAZING massage the day before yesterday! AHHHH it was too good to be true. The best part = the place is RIGHT AROUND the BEND FROM MY HOME! And oh wait, it's SUPER INEXPENSIVE TOO!!!!
The Skinny-Life says
They are REALLY expensive! I usually buy a Groupon with multiple deals.
Heather J. says
I never ever got massage 🙁 im def missing out i think, groupon always has amazing deals in my area, i think the time has come!
The Skinny-Life says
Yes to Groupons! I always buy the package deals so I can get more than one.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
I've only ever had one massage, and that was only when my neck was so sore from stress that I couldn't turn my head. Ugh. I seriously wish I could get them more often because of how many health benefits they have, but I always feel so bad dishing out the dough! And now that I type that out, it seems ridiculous... I mean, why should we feel bad investing in our health, right?
The Skinny-Life says
I usually buy a Groupon and get a package deal. This last one I got really sick afterwards from all the toxins built up in my body. They are really good for your health & worth the investment.