Are full body massages worth the money?

[MichaelJackson]

Last time when I was at a massage parlour, I first tried foot massage, and it was pretty good! Now, I'm considering getting a full body massage and wondering if it's worth it. Do you feel significantly better afterwards?

[CharlieH]

Depends who you let twist you like a pretzel !

 

Be careful where you go and who you let manipulate you. Very few even bother asking pertinent question or "contraindication" before such treatment. There have even been fatalities.

 

Unless you are going for nothing more than a "feel good factor" perhaps a relaxing aromatherapy oil massage, caution is recommended. Personally, I would be very wary of the full body Thai Massage, not as a therapeutic treatment but by exactly who is doing it and whether or not their training only consisted of watching the girl in the next cubicle for an afternoon ! 

[OneMoreFarang]

Huge quality differences.

IMHO blind massage is often good quality. You can find them i.e. on google maps.

 

Avoid places with pretty girls. They are not employed because of their massage skills. 😉 

[Jingthing]

Personally I think people over 60 especially with any medical problems should avoid Thai massage from non medical professional practitioners. Relaxation massage though sure why not?

[Sandboxer]

For me the "after feel" only lasts about a couple of hours. It's really the actual time that I am being massaged is what feels great. 

 

I've started to get (overpriced but YOLO) massages at BKK and DMK in the departure lounges right b4 the flight. Makes me fall asleep on the plane more easily and the 4-5 hr flights I usually take more bearable.

 

Oil only for me. 

[NativeBob]

waste of money and mockery

[brewsterbudgen]

Stick with the full body oil massage and you can't go wrong.  You should feel significantly better afterwards.

[DualSportBiker]

I've enjoyed predominantly traditional Thai massage since about '96. For some reason I avoided them for the first few years... Anyhow, in 1998 I ruptured two disks in my lower back (L4-L5, L5-S1). Bumrumgrad suggested immediate surgery for a estimated 450,000 Baht. I got a second opinion from home and have yet to have surgery. I struggled with mobility for several months but after confirming with doctors back home, started to get Thai massages right next to my house. The masseuse was 10 years my senior and after eight years of massage service, still went to see her Ajaan once a month for additional training. She slowly but surely reduced all my sciatica to zero, and within six months I could stand for an hour without any pain. That had been impossible before - my legs would tighten up and I would need to lie down after less than 10 minutes standing...

 

Long story short, I now ride around Thailand on and off-road, drive 4x4s off road and exercise quite seriously. At 55 I am apparently quite fit, especially for someone with two ruptured disks. I might have slowly recovered naturally. There may have been another way to get to where I am, but that is speculation. What I do know is that I am fully mobile, live an adventurous life, and whenever I get a twinge in my back or legs, a two-hour Thai massage will typically deal with it.

 

In recent years the lack of any issue has allowed me to change to Thai-oil massage which still involves manipulation and focus on nerves and tendons, but includes oil and balm. It is more relaxing and although more expensive, it is my treat to myself on a fortnightly basis... 

 

Just this Sunday I found a new masseuse with 15 years experience at the Ministry of Health Head Office. She worked in physical therapy and recovery roles there. I have never had a better massage. 

 

So, is it worth it? Depends on your status. They are luxuries for the perfectly healthy, and can be life-changing for those with issues. Only you will know which camp you are in...

[scubascuba3]

I like a foot massage first, chat to the girl to see what's on offer in the oil massage. Earlier today started with a foot massage, then after 10 mins went upstairs for an oil massage and gave her some length

[MalcolmB]

Soapy massages are my favorite.

Both refreshing and relaxing. 
 

[Robert Paulson]

Go for full release 

[LukKrueng]

On 6/26/2024 at 11:53 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

Avoid places with pretty girls. They are not employed because of their massage skills

In my experience those who are really really very pretty don't have any skills at all unless you count being pretty as a skill....

[Formaleins]

On 6/26/2024 at 11:53 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

Huge quality differences.

IMHO blind massage is often good quality. You can find them i.e. on google maps.

 

Avoid places with pretty girls. They are not employed because of their massage skills. 😉 

You can sneak up on the too!

[Ralf001]

defo worth it if prostrate milking is included.

[OneMoreFarang]

25 minutes ago, LukKrueng said:

In my experience those who are really really very pretty don't have any skills at all unless you count being pretty as a skill....

They have skills, and often experience, but not so much with massage. 😉 

[Asquith Production]

58 minutes ago, LukKrueng said:

In my experience those who are really really very pretty don't have any skills at all unless you count being pretty as a skill....

 Being pretty I count as lucky. 

[alien365]

To me, Thai massages are painful and I come out aching more than when I went in. Oil massages are much better for relaxation. 

[Ralf001]

2 hours ago, LukKrueng said:

In my experience those who are really really very pretty don't have any skills at all unless you count being pretty as a skill....

They all pink on the inside.

 

[khunPer]

On 6/26/2024 at 6:31 AM, MichaelJackson said:

Last time when I was at a massage parlour, I first tried foot massage, and it was pretty good! Now, I'm considering getting a full body massage and wondering if it's worth it. Do you feel significantly better afterwards?

Full body oil-massage for two hours...

[thecyclist]

On 6/26/2024 at 11:53 AM, OneMoreFarang said:

Huge quality differences.

IMHO blind massage is often good quality. You can find them i.e. on google maps.

 

Avoid places with pretty girls. They are not employed because of their massage skills. 😉 

But often provide additional services, so I was told by insiders, the technical term is happy ending. Never experienced it myself, but it sounds good.

[thailand49]

Ive had back issues since 20 years old, told to operate I did the research, Ive got an Ortho surgeon in my family and PT. 

Ive found many who feel only by a professional Ive tried Chiropractic Chinese medicine, certified licence in States, Ive had blind massages, total today since living in Thailand Hundreds if not close to a thousand. 

Many Doctor in States will tell you they are bias to anyone not licenced dont but to me that is out of ignorance how many have traveled outside of U.S. longer than two weeks.

Through the years Ive have countless of PT session many of the things done are similiar to what Ive gotten a legit places in Thailand done by women who have toiled for year. As noted you need to try many doing so you will know it is the provider today minimum 3 times a week two hours narrow down to 1 hour foot another hour Thai.

There are in the end a number of bending even some snap your neck one must try to know unless you already know can ask not. My regular shop over 10 ladies older years of experience after you will know which knows trained or experience what they are doing. I dont like the snapping of the neck request dont and if too hard or soft just let them know. You got to try doing so you will know who knows what they are doing or goung through the motion.

It is so cheap I firmly believe if it wasnt for massages I wouldnt be able to walk. 

 

[thesetat2013]

On 6/26/2024 at 11:39 AM, CharlieH said:

Depends who you let twist you like a pretzel !

 

Be careful where you go and who you let manipulate you. Very few even bother asking pertinent question or "contraindication" before such treatment. There have even been fatalities.

 

Unless you are going for nothing more than a "feel good factor" perhaps a relaxing aromatherapy oil massage, caution is recommended. Personally, I would be very wary of the full body Thai Massage, not as a therapeutic treatment but by exactly who is doing it and whether or not their training only consisted of watching the girl in the next cubicle for an afternoon ! 

The oil massage is probably the best. It will not hurt your muscles after you have gone. I usually get that and feel great after. Whenever I get a Thai massage, i am hurting for a few days. None of the people working in this industry have had any schooling and have no certificates to show they know anything about the body anatomy at all. So you are at risk of them causing serious damage to your body. If you do opt to get a Thai massage, make sure you tell them to do it not hard. 

[Skeptic7]

Yes...but you need to find a good masseuse. I really love Thai Traditional Massage, but can be too intense and painful for many. A good masseuse can sense and push you to your limit...then ease off without exceeding it. Many either don't have this ability...or are just trying to make you squeal in pain. Some seem to take pleasure in that. Never had a terrible Thai massage, but some are far superior to others. You know it's good when you leave feeling energized and invigorated. 

[Yamu]

On 6/26/2024 at 2:31 PM, MichaelJackson said:

Last time when I was at a massage parlour, I first tried foot massage, and it was pretty good! Now, I'm considering getting a full body massage and wondering if it's worth it. Do you feel significantly better afterwards?

 

Lets be honest youre looking for someone to pull your pencil. Just go to a bar girl (or ladyboy) friend

[seajae]

all depends on the masseuse, some are good but many are not, once you find one that actually knows how to do a proper massage its good, I did have a great one but she stopped doing it and the only one I tried after didnt know what she was doing. A good 2 hour massage by a masseuse that knows what they are doing is great, one by someone that doesnt leaves you feeling very uncomfortable.

 

[KKra]

10 hours ago, thesetat2013 said:

None of the people working in this industry have had any schooling and have no certificates to show they know anything about the body anatomy at all.

so sorry, it seems you are not properly informed.
But I can assure you that looking for a fully qualified therapist is worth it, and makes a difference. 
In my case, they avoided OP-treatments, that I was told were necessary, for difficult to recover conditions after accidents.
 
the "gold" standard of training is the full set of 
Professional Thai massage for
Health (150 h),
Therapy I (200 h) and
Therapy II (150 h.)

training at WAT-PO.

( watpomassage.com )

[KKra]

9 hours ago, Skeptic7 said:

are just trying to make you squeal in pain.

AAUW in Thai : give me more, give me more

[geisha]

On 6/26/2024 at 6:31 AM, MichaelJackson said:

Last time when I was at a massage parlour, I first tried foot massage, and it was pretty good! Now, I'm considering getting a full body massage and wondering if it's worth it. Do you feel significantly better afterwards?

Im 71 and use a good massage shop, usually around 400 baht up’, for an oil massage, not the typical Thai massage that is too hard for me . I have one usually every three days, and yes, I do often use the Blind massage shop in Jomtien, they’re a bit cheaper, 300 B I think for an hour. Very good. Otherwise I’ve used Lets Telax which I ve always thought a bit of a show and too expensive.  There is one called Relax on the first floor above the Sportsman Pb/ restaurant on Thappraya. Jomtien, just after the Big bus station for Bangkok.  Not very cheerful faces but very good. I find all these massages places help me greatly and so relaxing. 

[proton]

No, last one in 2008 nearly crippled me. Stayed on Suk Soi 22 this week, bloody massage girls so annoying, would not have one of those hags touch me for free.

[geisha]

On 6/27/2024 at 10:05 AM, thecyclist said:

But often provide additional services, so I was told by insiders, the technical term is happy ending. Never experienced it myself, but it sounds good.

I doubt very much that the blind shops offer happy endings !  I’ve known lots of them for many years . Never heard the like. The cheap road shops do that .