Get a massage at least once a month

was interesting as an experiment. I found I didn’t need massages every month. But after some time had lapsed I really needed one. I found them more enjoyable and relaxing when she had to really work out kinks and stiffness, than as a routine “gotta-do-this” thing. She also taught me some exercises to ease stress and undo tension on my own, and that was often enough to meet my needs. Something I could see doing on a quarterly basis, I think.

I hadn’t been for a massage in quite a while. Frankly, I was feeling pretty loose and relaxed. But lately I have noticed a gathering tension in my back and shoulders and figured my last day of vacation was a good time to get a few knots worked out.

It began raining pretty heavily and the far off roll of thunder along with the meditation music made for a very relaxing start. My masseuse gently scolded me for having taken so long off as she pushed, prodded, elbowed and kneaded the lumps of tight muscles in my back, neck, legs and hips. The more she loosened things up the more I realized how uncomfortably tight I had been. By the time she had flipped me over and massaged my chest, throat, face and scalp I had vowed not to let so much time pass before seeking helpful hands again.

Part of my birthday good to myself package was, of course, a massage! It was great to have the stress and knots of the last month worked out. I got a masseuse I had not had before, and although she was very good, she wore latex gloves during the massage. I don’t know if it was totally psychological, but I did not feel the energy I usually do from a massage. I’ve never had a masseuse wear gloves before but I suppose these days one cannot be too careful.

Spent a little more and had a deep tissue massage done. It was worth it. She broke up a lot of tension and knots, especially in my back and shoulders. Today I am feeling much looser, and not sore.

Got one massage the last week of January. It was your standard Swedish, just to get back into the habit. Valentine’s Day we did a couple’s massage, which was nice. March I am going to book an appointment with Rolanda. I know she will really work me over and get some of those deep, stubborn tissues loosened up.