Today I woke up and my lower back was really tight. It was suggested, after I complained, that I should go get a massage. One problem I have managed to live my life so far without getting one professionally. Don't get me wrong I have had partners give me a few minutes of back and\or foot rubs but nothing I had to pay for.
I felt like such a noob as I knew nothing about what was expected or what a massage appointment entailed. Good news is I survived and am here to write about it in the hopes that those in similar situations will avoid some of the anxiety I experienced.
So here is how it went:
I called and as luck would have it they could fit me in for an appointment in an hour but said I should come five minutes early to fill out some paper work. Now I am freakishly early for stuff, more so to places that I have never been before, so I quickly showered, grabbed my keys and drove to the Massage Parlor (spa). I ended up being about 15 minutes early and I had to fill out a standard questionnaire. You know the form I am talking about, the one that asks you to list medical issues, emergency contacts and where it hurts.
After filling out the form I was asked if I would like to upgrade my basic massage by adding aromatherapy scents and\or a peppermint scalp massage. I declined the offer not wanting to stray too far from the introductory rate (about $70) for 50 minutes. I only had to wait for a minute or two before my Registered Massage Therapist (Jocelyn) greeted me and escorted me to a room. Jocelyn was a petite, friendly woman who was a few years younger than me. Once inside she asked if I had any specific areas that I wanted her to focus on and then said what she would be doing is a Swedish Massage with a lower back focus. She said she was going to step out for a minute or two and I was instructed to remove everything but my underwear, get under the covers and lay facedown on the massage table with my head in a donut kind of headrest.
Jocelyn started with my back, then moved to my arms and legs before finishing with my neck, shoulders and head. As she moved from one area of my body to the next she placed hot towels on the area. Inspite of her being small in stature, she was very strong. She said she was giving me medium strength but it was more than enough and I don't think I would have found hard enjoyable at all. The entire massage was about 50 minutes in length and I was left feeling very relaxed when it is over. My back was feeling pretty good as I dressed and went out to pay. As I was waiting to pay for my massage the lady in front of me was stuffing money into a tip envelope. I wasn't aware that was expected... I don't tip my Physiotherapist after a session, so it hadn't occurred to me. When the lady that was in front of me left I noticed the small sign that said gratuities of 15-20% are appreciated. I left her $15 on my $70 bill.
All in all I think it was a really positive experience. The place was clean, had a very tranquil atmosphere, and everyone was very nice. I think I will go again the next chance I get (even if my back isn't sore).
