[TheBulldozer]

I raise this question only because I just yanked a muscle at the gym and I'm getting myself over to a massage therapist in a few minutes.

But quite simply, what are the benefits of massage? Are there any besides the fact that it feels good? What types of massage is best? Is massage therapy just a bunch of hippy nonsense? What does research show about massage?

All these things leave me really curious. If anyone knows more about the topic than I do, I'd love to learn from your knowledge.

[brofists]

A couple months ago when I just started lifting, I was doing curls and yanked my neck by jerking the bar without utilizing proper form. My left shoulder and neck area was extremely stiff and I was unable to rotate my head to the right without massive pain. My neck was basically sideways all day long.

Then I decided to go to a chiropractor. The massage was basically the guy beating the living shit out of you to get the blood flowing, it was pretty painful, but felt like the good kind of pain. Afterwards I had accupuncture (which was pretty relaxing).

After the whole session ended, my neck became less stiff and more flexible.

[libertad1312]

I do not know about researches, but I can feel the difference. Note that a good massage should not feel good, but rather painful. Whenever I am feeling sore of having some backpain I go for an hour of Thai massage and feel like new after this. But massage is not massage and it might take a while to find the really good ones. Usually the ones at temples are decent.

[Chaos]

I have never really enjoyed a massage. I've tried several times in different countries but I always end up finding them not so enjoyable.

Sometimes I wonder if it's something wrong with my musculature or what's the reason for finding them so annoying.

[Saweeep]

(08-17-2014 04:15 AM)libertad1312 Wrote:  

I do not know about researches, but I can feel the difference. Note that a good massage should not feel good, but rather painful. Whenever I am feeling sore of having some backpain I go for an hour of Thai massage and feel like new after this. But massage is not massage and it might take a while to find the really good ones. Usually the ones at temples are decent.

Thai massages are hardcore!

I used to get a massage everyday between training in Thailand. I could only handle a Thai style massage once or twice per week though.

Had a two hour one here in the Uk and couldn't move or train for 3 days it was that intense!

[Parlay44]

Drink some water like an hour or so beforehand. Massage definitely moves the blood around your body and in and out of your muscles. I think it gets all the toxins out too. Drink some more water after then take a piss. Best time for a massage is right before bedtime. You'll sleep like a baby.

[samsamsam]

What I find interesting is I will go in for certain aches and as I am getting massaged other places are sore as fuck. I find them beneficial, but also reveals information about the status of your body.

[Truth Tiger]

I'll admit to being a massage hound for years. Here's my take on it, from a long-term recipients perspective.

Although I have had male MTs, I truly enjoy and prefer a woman's touch. As guys we probably work hard and our muscles have memory of repetitive activities (or injuries, car crashes, that tackle football game when you threw out your back in high school). For me, I used to drive 35 mi every day, one day, from home to work - including weekends as I've been massively committed to growing my business. I haven't been dating much as my focus has been work and planning overseas trips as a reward. Getting a massage every two weeks (esp. at places in the $50-$60 range, usually Chinese therapists) is a very worthwhile indulgence.

I find once I've had a massage (especially before bedtime), I sleep absolutely great. One down side is I tend to get aroused or at least stimulated during the massage which isn't cool for a straight CMT (no happy ending). It's not so easy to ignore when I get home which can end up keeping me awake a while so I either do my best to not let that energy build during the massage (breathe through and move it around) or release if I have to (less frequently than I used to, keeping some of our sexual energy inside is important I believe). Knowing you are there to accept their healing touch creates an intimate connection and don't be surprised if you start to like your therapist. Danger zone in terms of dating, just keep it fun, affectionate, light since they see lots of guys and are used to that kind of reaction. Be the cool client and they will go overtime sometimes to make sure they hit your sore spots.

If you find a local HE place, that is another dimension which I only discovered a few years ago. The best combination, IMO, is that elusive great CMT-style massage with HE. Just go home and sleep. I've made that my Fri or Sat night routine more than once. I'll admit to being a bit reclusive although when I go out I usually have a good time but don't find night game in my part of the US to my taste (West coast) so I figure it's a waste of $20+ in drinks, my valuable time, gas, etc. when I really want a woman to pamper me instead of me playing clown to her needs.

There are certainly therapists who are worth paying top dollar for, but I really can't argue with the discount Asian massage places that due legitimate massage. I have one of those places and another that delivers the HE plus very strong massage. Depends on my mood. I notice I am really relaxed the next few days and it makes me even less invested when approaching a woman. Not quite as great as having a regular FB (which I also have now though not fully to my standards but she also massages / treats me well) but going without touch for too long is IMO rather unhealthy. I know I get more anti-social when I don't get hugs, touch, etc. May sound strange to admit but I don't care - I know myself.

I also can REALLY focus on my work, exercise routines, when I know I'll reward myself with a great massage after kicking my ass. I think there are also documented health benefits for blood pressure, heart disease, etc. We're not meant to be isolated animals and most primate species have regular contact. I don't believe we're direct descendants but we've got similarities and who doesn't like someone lovingly rubbing your back or feet? To each their own, of course.

Getting set up with a regular therapist is a win-win. They look forward to seeing you, know what you like, you can talk if you want but better to just chat a little in the beginning and let yourself enjoy the session. Remember, a massage isn't just about relieving muscle tension but emotional tension. If you're dealing with some intense stuff, past trauma, etc. (aren't we all to some degree?) you could experience strong emotions during the massage. Keep breathing and if necessary, ask the CMT to pause, get you some water, etc. A real CMT gets that process and will be very professional about it. This is meant to be a safe place for you in a world where very few exist. Take care of yourself, brothers.

===

Heh TL;DR - Big fan. We need touch to stay sane (IMO) else choose to become a celibate monk (also a noble path). Find an inexpensive CMT or Asian massage that does legit work. If necessary, look up 'happy ending' places. Keep your belongings (wallet) within sight especially until you feel comfortable with the place. I recommend at least once a month especially if you're hitting the gym and working hard. Spoil yourself!

[Engineer]

Seconding Truth Tiger, his epic tome of a post matches my experience 95%. I get a massage about once per month from an expert therapist and it's worth every penny when I'm training hard. Speeds recovery, helps me sleep, makes me feel better in general. It makes a huge difference who does it and how, so if it's not optimal switch to someone else, or make a request for them to change the style. I found the "perfect" one for me after about 6 tries.

I'm a cheap bastard and this is the one area I'm not shy about freely spending my hard earned coin.

[Doctor]

Absolutely not hippy nonsense. Massages have literally kept me together and in working order. I have also spent a long time working out harder than most. Once you're in tune with your body, you can get areas worked on that are potential injury spots thus preventing injuries. If you do anything athletic (lifting or otherwise) massages will remove knots and keep your mechanics in proper working order. Even if you aren't, it can help with things like posture if you hit your upper/mid back/rear delts/rotator cuff or your hips if you sit with your hamstrings/hip flexors/IT bands.

There are different sorts of massage or therapy to try too. Acupuncture, A.R.T., cupping, graston (can be particularly brutal and incredibly effective). Some people absolutely love the different ones like acupuncture, while others get nothing from them. Try them out and see what you think.

[Giovonny]

The San Antonio Spurs have multiple full time massage therapists on staff. (So do the Seattle Seahawks)

Need I say more?!?!

[Onto]

I played football for a long time after college in city leagues and after 10 years of it my shoulder/arm was in really bad shape. It got to the point where on Monday I couldn't use a mouse anymore at work. This intern who was a rugby player recommended a therapist. That therapist "cured" me in 15 mins. Cured. He had hands from God. He also had a 3 month waiting list so I scheduled a once a month visit just in case I got injured doing something. After every session I felt like a million bucks.

He used the Pfrimmer technique, he also knew a lot more about muscles, nerves, joints, stretches, exercises than most. It's important to get someone good. That said, I've been to several massage therapists who were worthless.

[Parlay44]

Try walking up behind a girl you know and start playing with her hair. "You have really nice hair". Then start massaging her shoulders at the base of her neck. Get a good strong grip. She'll be a little weirded out at first but then she'll submit and start to like it. Just after she starts to like it you stop and walk away. "Ok enough for you".

[TheBulldozer]

(08-18-2014 06:44 PM)Giovonny Wrote:  

The San Antonio Spurs have multiple full time massage therapists on staff. (So do the Seattle Seahawks)

Need I say more?!?!

My bigger question is, when is massage necessary? What kind of massage?

I want to get in the locker room, and no homo, see what they do in these massage rooms. When I go for a massage I want to know how to pick a masseuse that knows what they're doing and how it can help my body.

[Giovonny]

(08-19-2014 06:35 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

when is massage necessary?

When your muscles are sore, tense, and in need of some stimulation and rehabilitation.

(08-19-2014 06:35 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

What kind of massage?

Almost any type of massage will be helpful. (As long as it is done by a professional)

Honestly, I don't think there is a big difference between "types" of massage.

I mean, we are just talking about different ways to rub a muscle.

That said, as a man, you want an aggressive massage. Something that is deep and strong like a deep tissue massage.

Not just a "back rub" that a girl would get. You want the type of massage that NFL running backs gets on Monday mornings.

(08-19-2014 06:35 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

I want to know how to pick a masseuse that knows what they're doing

I'm sure you can read reviews for masseuses in NYC.

I just Googled "sports massage new york city".

Here what came up:

https://www.google.com/search?q=sports+m...channel=sb

I would contact all of these places and tell them your exact needs and wants.

Ask them exactly what you asked us. Go into their offices and talk to them, talk to the other people in there.

Ask for recommendations. Talk to other clients and get there perspective.

Just like choosing a doctor, lawyer, accountant, contractor, etc. Talk to a few a get a sense for who you are comfortable with.

Try a few different people until you find someone who you are happy with.

(08-19-2014 06:35 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

how it can help my body.

It relaxes muscles and removes lactic acid from the muscles. It removes stress and tension from the body. It aids in the rehab of muscles and allows for faster recovery.

It has many of the same benefits as stretching or yoga.

Google "sports massage new york city" and go talk to a few professionals about this.

[Vaun]

I go about once a week for a lot of reasons. There is a story about Bob Hope, who lived to 100, who had two massages a day, one in the morning and one before bed, for over 40 years. I dont know how much this lead to his health, but my masso seems to think so.

I am high stress. I am also prone to anger. I also used to lift heavy and work out hard and needed the manipulation. I use massage for relaxation and sports therapy.

It works for me, but so does acupuncture. Its a routine for me but it helps me relax, I dont drink or smoke and I need a little relaxation especially if I am sleep 5-6 hours a night and working 60+ hours per week. Thats what it does for me, but everyone has different needs.

[libertad1312]

(08-19-2014 06:35 AM)MaleDefined Wrote:  

My bigger question is, when is massage necessary? What kind of massage?

I think this always depends on your body.

The best massages I had where these when the masseuse would say something like "you walk a lot", "you sit too much" or "your arms are stiff" after the first 1-2 minutes. Then they can adjust the massage accordingly.

But these masseuses are hard to find though and usually you just get the standard program. But even this is probably much better than nothing at all.

[The Catalyst]

On the suggestion of Wall Street Playboys I went ahead and got a deep tissue massage. More specifically I was walking past a place that happened to do it and I remembered reading WSP's tweet/post many months/year/s ago. Major props to WSP- he gained even more credibility with me than he had originally. Hurt a bit, but definitely got rid of muscle knots I didn't know I had and sent me into a deep relaxation.

[ChefAllDay]

If you have any kind of injury, the muscles around that injury adjust to protect against further injury and alleviate pain in that area. The problem is that often throws other areas out of balance. Regular massages by a trained therapist are extremely important in health and well being. Even more so if you have someone who doesn't talk much and you can meditate during the treatment.