Getting a massage

[Baltimore Shooter]

No, I don't mean the kind with the "happy ending". I've noticed that my back is all tensed up and nerves are getting pinched so I went to a massage therapist today.

I feel okay, but I think my back needs a lot of work. To be honest, I don't think I actually know how to relax anymore, even while sitting on the couch or lying in bed.

Do you have a certain type of massage that relaxes you and loosens up the muscles, esp. in the back?

Warren

[2000lux]

Massage will work. I prefer really deep tissue massage. I've found a massuse who has amazingly strong arms and hands and she really does an number on me. The other thing is that 1hr is usually not enough. I usually get a 90 minute session and that makes a big difference. You may need to go more than once.

In the short run Alieve is an excellent pain killer / muscle relaxant. I only take it at night because it works so well. Advil is good too, but Alieve is stronger.

You might also consider a chiropractor. I personally find that it's my muscles that pull my back out of whack, so the benefits of going to a chiropractor tend to wear off quickly. Massage works better for me.

Yoga is great. It will streach you out gently. Learning to meditate will help too.

Get a hobby. Get out of news mode. Go see some friends. Have a beer...

Gotta go shoot now.

[cameragod]

If you do have a deep tissue massage try not to work the next day to get the full benefit from it.

[2000lux]

You might also look in to Rowlfing therapy. It's ulta deep tissue massage. Quite painful from what I've heard, but the effects are much longer lasting.

[<straighten out>]

you might want to see a chiropractor too. after an adjustment my back feels amazing.

[Gedy]

the tension builds and the muscles ache and all the sitting around (driving, editing, staking out) doesnt help. My back gets out of wack here and there and I head to a chiropractor and he adjust it and after I leave it feels 100 percent better. Some people have mixed feelings about Chiros but if your in pain and Asprin isnt working.. you might want to check it out..

Good luck..

[LE French]

For a great story about getting a massage, check out Dave Delozier of KUSA's column about it, "Rubbed the Right Way". It will make you laugh, which is one of the best stress relievers there is!
http://9news.com/ent/dave/