Among Friends

[tashy]

I really need to start pampering myself,my kids are grown and gone it's just me and hubby,he has been trying to get me to get massages for yrs,so far I have had two,first one hurt,second time it was pretty good,now I'm thinking about doing a monthly massage plan with massage envy,never been there before,but intrested,any advice, is it worth it,I want to do a facial too,never had that either.

[Meowingkitty]

I did for a year at Massage Envy and cancelled after a year. I got sick of trying to fit in a massage around my schedule and I don't like companies that are always trying to upsell. I went to another place for a few months that did not have a minimum years contract like Massage Envy and quit after about 5 months. Just got sick of feeling like I had to go because if I didn't make it that month I would lose that months massage that I paid for. I also had one facial at Massage Envy and never again. Whatever they put on my face made it burn. Then they tried to sell me all the stuff they used for around $200.00. No thanks.

[Mermaid22]

My friend who just celebrated her 65th birthday loves Hand and Stone. so we all chipped in for a gift. Another friend at the party says she has been going  on a monthly plan for massage /facial and loves Hand and Stone as well. 

[Winkk]

I used to get massages but stopped because even though it felt good at the time that feeling didn't last long.  I know it's supposed to help release toxins but I didn't think it ws worth it.  But, my sister has been getting monthly massages for years.

[reiki604]

I try to get a massage once a month or so. I did go to Massage Envy for awhile but it kind of felt like a factory to me and I felt I had to jump and get out up after the massage because of the schedule. I like going to a a place where I don't feel rushed. I also did not like their facials. It's trial and error until you find a massage therapist you can gel with. The best I found is to have the therapist come to my house. Now that is the way to splurge!

[OnlyShopsOnline]

I went for one Swedish relaxation massage years ago.  I'm always so tight and tense, and I felt no difference when I left.  For me, it's a big waste of money, lol.  

[Moonchilde]

It depends first on why you would be going. If you like the idea of feeling pampered, and feeling pleasure while you are being massaged and for an hour or two afterwards, I'd say try it out. If you expect each and every massage to make a difference in how you feel physically for days, it probably isn't going to happen.

There are so many ways to try out different types of massage & pampering experiences - I would go with Massage Envy last rather than first. Experiment, and then if you find you really enjoy the hour-long, nekkid typical Swedish-type massages, read up on Yelp for massage therapists and spas in your area. See what people like and don't like about the places.

Massage Envy has a reputation everywhere for wildly fluctuating competence of their therapists, and for the persistent upsell. Not saying you couldn't find a therapist you like there (my niece has), but the odds do seem to be against it being a consistently relaxing experience.

There are luxurious spa pedicures, fully clothed chair and table massages and "Chinese foot massages" which are a mostly or fully-clothed combo of body and foot reflexology massage, all of which cost less than a traditional full body massage and can usually be had much more on the spur of the moment, without a much in advance appointment. You might find you like the spontaneity.

For any kind of massage, if someone is pressing too hard, *tell them.* You can make that understood even when someone doesn't speak (much) English.

Experiment - and have fun!

[Caaareful Shopper]

Not monthly (oh, how I wish!), but about 4 times a year.  I'm very particular about the masseuse, so I have the same one every time and schedule it around the masseuse's schedule.   I have a friend that owns a beautiful spa near where I live, and I could get as many massages I want for free.  However, I don't care for the masseuse there (lol).  Wonderful person, but hands feel robotic to me, so instead I go to Serenity Day Spa.

[Abby Grace]

Hi tashy,  My husband & I go for a massage every 6-8 weeks.  I can't speak to Massage Envy, because our massages are at a spa. We feel they are worth it.  We've never been pressured to buy anything additional.  Gosh, I think that would ruin the entire "relaxation" aspect of the experience. This is a big red flag to me.

If you decide to pursue this, it's important to get the right therapist.  My husband prefers someone who also works for a DR, or at a therapy facility. We both agree that when you find the right therapist, stick with them, as they will already know what you prefer and need from the massage.   Good luck!

[DecorDiva]

I have been getting monthly massages for about 25 years (before all the massage chains started).  My massuese is a certified medical massuese in various things (sports, masectomy, etc).  The advantage to this is that she knows my body and when I need work on a certain place -, back, neck ,etc.  she can concentrate on that.  The effects aren't that long lasting, but it does relieve muscle tension.  I would recommend finding someone you like and stick with them.