The Next Dark Age
We're in it Now
The Deep Tissue Massage
The first time I went to the suburban chain, Heavenly Massage, it was with their $99 Day at the Spa advertisement. Facial, massage and pedicure. My verdict was that it was perfectly functional, but I felt very shuffled around and it was not the place for the “relaxing spa” experience (they don’t put you in a big fluffy robe with a tall glass of ice water, and the reception area shares space with the waiting area and the manicure room. Loud.) . Particularly awkward, I remember, was that the three ladies that took care of me were all of the eastern European – little patience for modesty – types.
Having said that, when I want a good deal on a massage that grinds my muscles into pudding, this is where I go. And since by Tuesday I knew I wasn’t going to make it through this week, I took today off and called this morning for an appointment.
The Deep Tissue Massage is not what you do when you want to “relax”. It is what you do when the muscles between your neck and shoulder blades actually hurt to touch. This is not for the la-di-da spa experience. In fact, it is sometimes actually painful. And afterward, your skin might even “feel the burn”. Hot stone treatments are good for the kind of relaxing that could put you to sleep. Swedish massage is the thing in between. Good for the newbies.
I needed it. You know how I know I needed it? Because the therapist, Meloney (yes, I did spell that correctly), spent so much time on my shoulders that she skipped other parts of my body to keep the appointment to an hour. But I feel so much better now.
Next Time: Edumacation on the Therapeutic Facial
The Next Dark Age 