Do any of you use massage to relax your muscles?

I don't mean as a weight-loss reward, but more as part of your fitness routine as a way to loosen up and improve some flexibility?

I've been so sore lately, and my body hurts, so I booked a massage for Friday, I just don't know if I want to do the sports type or deep tissue.

Swedish isn't an option for me, I carry too much tension in my back/shoulders.

Massages are just the best. I'm due for one. Overdue, actually. I go for the deep tissue. They are just all around amazing. I went through a regiment when I injured my shoulder and it definitely helped with range of motion and pain management.

I'm a promoter of massage! I do massage pretty much daily for the kids I work with. Helps with their spasticity. I know a lot, and I'm thinking about actually enrolling in a course to get a certificate in massage therapy.

I do a hydromassage before I leave the pool and it has seriously improved my neck condition and I don't get sore and painful since I started it. But hydromassage works for me while massage doesn't. I am not really fond of a person I don't know touching me.

We get massages weekly through the university athletic department and it is awesome. Ours are pretty much sport/deep tissue. I love them. I'm not sure how much its helping with athletic performance;however, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.lol

I'm a massage therapist and I LOVE massage, period!

If you want a firm Swedish/deep tissue combo, the therapist whould be able to accommodate! Blending techniques makes for a good customized massage! I like what is sometimes called "Deep Swedish", a nurturing, firm pressure Swedish massage with some deep tissue work in areas of tightness and "knots" followed by more firm Swedish style massage. Heavenly!

I highly suggest doing this for yourself once a month at least if possible (weekly is better) but even once a year as a thank you to your body is fabulous. Many schools offer lower cost massages from students or new practitioners at more affordable rates to make it possible to save up for this "luxury". You deserve it!

Thanks so much, ladies! I'll talk to the therapist on Friday and maybe she could do a combo for me

I know I should do it more often, especially with how hard I am on my body.

Also, steam shower before or after (or not at all)?

Its complimentary with the massage.

I would say before... because I think that would really help relax you before hand and then when you're done with the massage you will be super relaxed... and you dont have to do the shower after the massage if you're all melty.