Anybody used massages?

I often have neck and shoulder tension and stiffness, which often causes me head pain. Many times this head pain turns into a migraine. I was wondering if anybody here has experience with massages. As my insurance won't pay for it, I will have to try one of the "spa" places around town. If I going to spend money on a massage, I would like some info on what type might be best. Anybody have any preferences?

I've been using massage for my migraines for quite some time now and it definitely helps with the muscle tension. I would suggest looking for a RMT - Registered Massage Therapist and also one that does cranial therapy and accupressure. I am also trying acupuncture - the verdict is still out on that one.

You might try neuromuscular therapy. Here is a description of this type of massage therapy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuromuscular_therapy

I've had some success with this form of massage therapy.

Martin

My migraine pain is centered at the base of my skull and also travels around my scalp. I use a shiatsu massager that I think I got from Amazon that works very well to break up the pain. I can push back on it and increase the pressure and that really does help. I probably use it 3 or 4 times a day. I need a lot of pressure in order for it to have an impact and even though my husband is willing to massage my scalp and base of my skull he can't massage as hard as I need.

Every chance I can get or afford. A few things I have learned. Definiately someone registered and when picking a massage place, lean towards a spa over sports thereapy as a spa person tends to have a lighter touch.

Communicate from the very start so you can partner up.

A massage whereby the practitioner has pushed you too far can totally turn you off of them, so don't be a hero and tell them to go for it. Don't be afraid to say, ouch if a tender spot has been hit. Better to have it as a medium to light touch and come back another time for a stonger one, than to never come back again because you were hurt. The practitioner wants to be your specialist.

Continually breath deeply. It is heaven to the body.

I absolutely love massage and on occassion it has even reduced me to tears (not pain)

Enjoy.

Thanks so much for the info everyone. Give me some good starting points to start my search with. If I can work it
into my budget, I think it could help me a lot. My poor husband would also love to get off shoulder rub duty.

All good advice. Although I always pick a deep tissue massage over the gentle, relaxing spa type massage. Those don't do anything for my pain. I love shiatsu or thai massage too. That involves lots of stretching. It really helps my neck and shoulders that get locked up.

good luck,

MAry Anne

My doctor recommended a getting a therapist who does deep therapeutic massage. If you ask for this and try several therapists you should be able to find what you are looking for. For a while I was getting 2-3 a week. It helped somewhat with all the neck and shoulder pain, but it never went away. Sometimes if they went too deep I would end up with a headache as well. But I still do love a good massage.

I've done several different types of massage, and am fortunate to be able to get them weekly. I have had the best results with RMT's that work in sport rehab. Yes, this type definately is more painful some times, but I have found it much, much more effective then the alternative.

Yes I find massage to be one of the only non-narcotic treatments that helps my head and neck issues. That sucks your insurance won't cover it...I only have my $10 copay for up to 20 visits a year so I try to take full advantage of it! I've been to a spa place (horrible for me...way too deep tissue), a therapist who works with a lot of whiplash patients (good), and more recently, someone who specializes more in myofascial release (best so far I think). You need someone who is used to working with headache patients so they know how best to try to relieve pain, not cause more. I have some very tender points directly below my scull I am sure to point out so they can be eased into it. If I had to pay full price however, I'm not sure if I'd do this...a good place will cost over $60/hour, depending on your area. At first, you want to be going 1-2 times a week, then weekly, then as needed. My advice would be to avoid the spa and look for a place that is more therapeutic (such as normally would take insurance, although you aren't going that route). Try to negotiate on the price since you are paying cash--you shouldn't have to pay their list price when a place routinely accepts a much smaller amount from the insurance as settlement for the bill. Best wishes.

I have had very good luck with a chain in the US called Massage Envy. They are in many of the major cities. An hour is only $49 when you become a member. You pay for 1 per month. If you do not use it in a given month the credit accumulates. I have found their therapists to be well trained if you know what to ask for. The best part for me is that I can find them when I am in a strange city on travel and really need a massage then since traveling usually causes me many problems. Better than trying a spa hit or miss

One of the younger Naturopaths at the centre I go to previously trained in Swedish Massage so I see her every couple of weeks. She definately eases the pain uses a bit of acupressure on my shoulders. Again for me only sinces to give very temporary relief but its better than nothing. Unfortunately its not that cheap - around $80 here but its worth it. She does so awesome accupressure points on my face too and that feels great when I have a migraine. Best of luck!

It would be best if you find a FMT that has been trained in massages for migraine relief. Someone that knows the right trigger points that help to relieve stress.