A good massage is hard to find

an affordable one is even harder.

I have found that a good massage at least once a month really helps my body. I feel better...I sleep better....and I have less joint pain after a massage.

I have many different kinds done to me ...mostly it depends on how I feel at the time. if my gut is tender I try to stay away from abdominal pressure including the kind that comes from having my back worked on. the best for me has been reflexology. they hit the trigger points in the hands and on the feet as well as stretch my legs and arms. I usually have some upper body done at the same time.

if things are real bad and real tender then I just have some light work on the hands and feet and then some cranial and temple rubbing.

the real problem is that I feel guilty spending the money to have it done as often as I would like. Most massages cost anywhere between $65 and $75 an hour...and in hotels...forget it...$100 to $120 an hour. It is not that I can't afford it, but there are other things to spend money on and I feel guilty spending that much on myself.

Now i am not sure if I am allowed to mention companies on this site....if not then I understand if the folks have to remove the name...if they do and you want to know it...write to me.

and this is not an endorsement....just an alternative. In our area a new company has opened that is a massage club....the normal costs for the massages for non-members is $65....but for members it is $49 for the first one each month and $39 for any more that month. it is a neat concept....the only catch is that you have to sign up for 1 year at $49 a month and that covers your first massage each month. if you don't get a massage that month...then it carries over and the next month you can have two and still only pay the flat monthly rate. Again...this is not an endosrement...just information on how to get an inexpensive massage

The chain MASSAGE ENVY has locations all over the USA. Something like 600 franchises. I am sure there are some great ones and some not so great...but if you think massages help...here is a place that may help and not cost so much doing it.

Even being blessed with the ability to afford certain things...it just is hard to spend it on myself....I have a great wife and two wonderful full grown sons and I usually feel like I should get them something...of course yesterday i may have found my compromise...I took our youngest (22yrs) with me and bought him a massage as well.

Zanne.....That is too funny. I have been thinking that I would add acupuncture to my schedule and see if it helps. We have a center here that claims they can treat for UC and Crohns....might be worth a try.

Nanners- I hear ya. My hubby gives such great massages (hot stone ones too) that I just can't bring myself to pay for one. Although Im sure it would be fun for a girls day etc. I feel guilty requesting massages so often though. I got the hot stone kit for Christmas. They sell them at chain stores and are made by conair.

First of all...I want nanners and Fitzys husbands!!!! Mine does rub my neck and shoulders once in while but he tends to hurt more than help---too strong of hands [img]/community/emoticons/smile.gif[/img]

Another idea to ease the guilt of spending the $$...I ask for gift certificates for b-days and holidays. My husband likes that idea becuase he never knows what to buy, it is easy shopping, he chats with the ladies where I get my meesages when he goes in to get the gift certificate and he stop up the road for a beer with friends after buying the gift certificate. definitely a win-win situation.

I am making my appointment to use the latest gift ceritifcate tonight. I just let them do my arms neck and shoulders due to nasty lower back issues. But I swear it is medically beneficial to me too.


oh forgot to mention...I buy the "executive message" which is only a half hour and is much cheaper. Still does the trick