I am new to this community and was amazed that massage wasn't a choice of treatment.I am a big believer in massage.So many aches and pain are due to stress and strain on muscles.There are also many new massage businesses popping up everywhere that it has forced prices to be more competative.Massage is not just a luxury .It is a good way to maintain your health.It increases circulation.It stretches the muscles. You release endorphins.so your body makes its own painkillers.It Releases lactic acid from muscles so it helps you detoxify.There are so many different forms of massage .There is swedish which is more of a lite touch for relaxation.There is myo fascial release that is deeper and more targeted on stretching muscle.There is trigger point not so relaxing but very effective at relieving knots.Thai massage is a combo of massage and passive stretch.And many more modalalities.

Maybe you tried massage and found it too gentle or too rough.Maybe you didn't get the right type of massage.

If you decide to try massage don't be afraid to tell therapist what you like.If you need more or less pressure tell therapist.It isn't necessarily no pain no gain If you are tensing up you are working against one another.You should always know that you are in control and not the therapist.It is your time and your money so speak up.

I am not saying that there aren't other options to relieve pain.I just really believe in this one.I hope this helps someone .