I love deep tissue massage and used to get them on a very regular basis before I got my fibromyalgia under control.

I used to take 600-800mg of Morin before going to ease the pain and allow them get as deep as possible. It also helps after the fact by keeping any swelling down.

I used to undress down to my underwear and wrapped a towel around me. A towel was draped over my behind at all times because my massages only addressed the upper body.

In my experience the light levels were usually low, often relaxing music is played and some even burn candles and offer scented oils for the actual massage.

I've never done the heated stones but would love to try them one day.

Jodi-

I'd vote for the deep tissue, but I've never had a stone one. That could be cool too. Do you mind harder massages or like them?

Just wear something easy to get out of. You'll strip down and they'll cover you with sheets... they'll move the sheets around as they are massaging parts of you. Not sure how the stone one works, but it should be similar.

Don't wear any jewelry and don't shave right before the massage. Be sure to drink lots of water afterwards to push the stuff they are massaging out of your system. Be parepared to tell them places you would like them to spend more time on (maybe back or feet, etc).

You might want to be careful with a deep massage if you have never had any kind of massage.
I had just a regular massage, and I could barely walk the next day, my calves were soooo sore!!
I joked that I needed to get a massage to get over my massage.
Just something to think about. I would love to have the hot rocks on my spine though!!

I have had three massages, all different people and I guess different kinds. My chiropractor did deep tissue massage on my hip when I had bursitis- hurt like the devil but afterwards I felt more relief than I had with physical therapy or medications.

Not sure if a "beginner" would want to start with deep tissue, will they switch if you are uncomfortable? I just wore my underdrawers and a towel (had to remember to shave that morning!, LOL). My mom gave it a try and I think she kept her bra one- most masseuses will understand is you don't compeltely strip and I don't think i would use one that insisted on it!

My best message was from a guy. The women didn't seem strong enough to work out the kinks in my Type-A personality tension knots!

Janie, who is under MD orders to get another one ASAP.

I don't like the deep massage. I prefer a regular massage so it does not hurt.
Judy

The deep tissue massage will get in there and get the knots and kinks out, they will work deep into the muscle.

Hot Stone uses the heat of the stones to sooth the muscles, you will get some kinks worked out, but its purpose is more relaxing.

As a therapist I would recommend the Hot Stone if you just want to relax, or if you are "elderly"/frail. If you have lots of stress and tension built up in your muscles, or if you are in good physical shape, even if you've never had one before you will be ok.

Your therapist should tell you to undress to your level of comfort, you will be covered by a sheet and possibly a light blanket. For me, if the ladies leave their bra on, I just ask if I can unfasten it while I work their back and then refasten it when I finish. Depending on the policy of the hotel, the therapist may ask if you want your glutes worked (your butt muscles, don't be offended by this, athletes such as cyclists or runners often want those muscles released, as will some folks that are on their feet for long periods of time)

If you have questions, or are nervous let your therapist know, we want you to be comfortable. Be prepared to let them know things such as if you have had surgery, it may affect how deeply they will work in those areas

Enjoy! Ellie

Do the hot stone massage....you will love it!
The deep tissue massage may not be good for the first time and once you get a hot stone massage you won't want any other kind.

Another vote for the hot stone massage... I also prefer a "regular" Swedish massage to deep tissue.

I've only had one deep tissue massage. Hurt like he!! and I hated it.
The hot stones sound nice, though!

If you've never had a massage before, I'd probably go with the hot stone. Sometimes a deep tissue can really hurt.

Make sure you drink tons of water afterwards, those deep massages release a ton of toxins and can make you feel icky. You need the water to flush them through.

In my experience, the deep tissue was quite painful especially in my neck where I do have tension build up. Afterwards my neck hurt for weeks!!. I hear the stone massage is very relaxing. I do enjoy the regular massage quite a bit too.
I hope you enjoy your massage!

My daughter loves deep tissue massage. I can't take it because my fibromyalgia makes it way too painfulÂas it's taking place, and in days following. (I must ask Jodi how she got her fibromyalgia under control.)

The heated stone massage is wonderful, though.

Heated stones do nothing for me...

However, I regularly get deep tissue massages - really works out all the kinks!

I prefer a regular massage so it does not hurt along with
the heated stones.

You know, deep tissue massages are usually specialty massages and generally cost more than regular therapeutic or swedish massages. I would bet they would and could give you a regular one instead of a deep tissue one if you think that may be too hard on you. You could always ask.

Granted I have a low heat tolerance, but hot stones in the summer just doesn't seem all that relaxing to me.

The amount of heat in the hot stones should be like having a nice heating pad on your back, not so hot they burn.