I've never heard of a manicurist giving facials and massages.

I go to a spa, and get a fantastic 1 hour massage every other week (when I get my nails done), and a facial every 7 weeks, when I also get my hair done.

Nail work and pedicure is done by a manicurist.
facial is done by an esthetician, and massage by a certified masseuse.

IF you go back there, I suggest you ask if the person who did your facial and massage was trained and certified to do them.

Ditto what Monica said. It sounds like your "massage therapist" didn't know what she was doing. Pressure on the temples? Yikes!

I've had plenty of massages, including many excellent ones given by students at a local massage school, and if I'm not a regular customer I'm always asked what kind of pressure I like, and urged to speak up if the pressure isn't right.

Please don't give up on massage because of this one experience. With the right (trained!) person, it can be both healthy and blissful.

I have had many massages too. Never once did I leave feeling worse than before I got there! I was also very wary after my neck surgery- I was afraid it would hurt but my gal does a terrific job and always asks me about pressure. You just had a bad one, please give it another chance, with a real therapist! You won't regret it.

Trish

I've had deep tissue massages for muscle spasm before and never been stiff and sore for more than a day. Even then the soreness was not as painful as the spasm. But then, I was going to a doctor recommended massage therapist. I just want to repeat what alisande said about not judging all massage therapist by this one experience.

I've gone to the school for a massage too. They were/are great. I'd doze off during it. Love um.
Leslie

I've had a number of massages, but I do believe you can be hurt. Once the masseuse pressed down really hard on my rib cage area, and it hurt. I could barely turn over at night for about a week. I think she fractured ribs.

But...I have gone for massages since then.

OMGoodness! Bless you!! I have only massages at the local massage school,(vocational school, where massages are taught) and the instructor was there "listening." The students always ask me several times if the pressure is right. I have had no problem so far, actually massage part was great.. maybe they should not ask me quite so much about "if the pressure was alright" so I could just relax more, also I didn't feel like answering. LOL. But, I guess it is better than not asking at all. Right?

I get a massage about twice a year, and the pressure feels great on my neck while they do it, but the next day I am always sore. Last time I had to tell the guy to back off the pressure a little. Each therapist and patient is different, so you need to tell them what you like and don't like. You should also drink lots of water before and after.

Had a not so good massage last year vs an AWESOME massage, the year before.
Told my DS that his top notch gift massage vs the bottom of the line one, his DW gave me, I was spoiled with the top notch. They sure did my body right. The other, well!!!! There IS a difference.

I just had a great one yesterday...BUT, when they turn your neck to massage the neck and shoulder, she turned it too far for my neck. I have had a MAJOR headache ALL day long. I know that it is from over extending my neck to each side. However, it is MY fault that I didn't tell her that....as I know that can cause me headaches. I have ended up with a headache when they have done this before. Next time, I will have to remember to tell them not so far.

I also cannot stand to have my feet rubbed...I told her right away, no feet. I am so super sensitive and ticklish that even tho I know she isn't going to tickle, I tense up.

I am sorry that you had to hurt so much from your massage. You really shouldn't have to...unless it is the deep tissue massage.

tee hee, Sandy, that tickle is a tickle. I don't like it :o)But I tolerate it.

I have never had a massage.

I am not sure I could go through with getting one. I like to keep a "large personal space" lol! I can't stand to have anyone (that I didn't give birth to, or got me in that predicament) touch me.

Oh Jannie,
I am so sorry to hear about your bad experience. I don't generally post over here, but I caught this thread and had to respond. First, The state of NY does require a license specifically to practice massage. It sounds like this person has no business offering massage if she is a manicurist. Second, I do hope you will try massage again. When done correctly, it has a multitude of wonderful benefits and should make you feel nothing but good. A good therapist should always be keenly aware of the proper pressure and comfort level for a client. It's true that one can sometimes have some soreness the days following (especially if the session was therapeutic, targeting a specific issue), but that should not be the norm and any good therapist is going to talk to you about that possibility before you ever start the session. I also bet this person did not advice you of the importance of drinking water after a massage. If you are ever in my neck of the woods, I would be happy to re-introduce you to what a massage should be. I've had a successful practice for ten years and still love every minute of what I do and how good I can make people feel. I do hope you will give it another go in the future with a real professional. The best way to find a good therapist IMO is to ask around. Word of mouth has always been my primary marketing tool and it has served me well. It has also served me well in finding my own massage therapist. I wish you well and again,on behalf of all of us in the massage world that love our jobs and clients, I am sorry you had such a terrible first experience.
Erin

I've only had a couple of massages, but they were nothing like you described. Really felt good and very relaxing.