This past weekend I enjoyed the most painful relaxation I’ve ever experienced. Let me explain.
My lady friend bought me a very thoughtful Christmas present, a gift card for a professional massage. Guys, I know what you are thinking, but you are wrong. This was not one of those “massages” you might arrange after a bachelor party, or while on a golf trip with your buddies. This massage was from a professional therapist, and was advised due to the stresses and tension I often feel in my shoulders and neck after a long week.
Many years ago my then-wife bought me a massage for a father’s day present. The therapist asked me my aches and pains, asked the type of music I wanted in the background, the lighting and whether or not I wanted to chat or enjoy the silence. I chose soft piano classics, dim lighting and silence.
The therapist then asked me what I did for a living. When she found out I was the publisher of her local newspaper, apparently she forgot all about the request for the soft music and silence. For the next hour she pounded me with every complaint she had ever heard about the newspaper. She may have helped ease some of the tensions in my back and neck, but frankly I don’t remember. To this day, all I can remember was that I was more stressed when I left than I was when I got there.
After this bad massage experience, I was a little reluctant about using my gift card. We called for an appointment, and since it was my first visit, I was asked to arrive early to answer some questions. I figured I would just leave out the part about my occupation.
I can tell you that I now have forgotten all about the bad massage experience a few years back. I told the therapist about the tensions in my back, shoulders and neck, and told her I wanted a “deep tissue” massage to help ease those pains. Well, she listened, and proceeded to beat me up. The kneading of my muscles was a bit painful at first, but afterward I could move my shoulders and arms better than I have for weeks.
So, guys and gals, if you’ve never experienced a professional massage, I wholeheartedly recommend it. There are several professional salons in the area, so ask around or check the ads in The Telegraph.
It only hurts until it’s over.



