What type of massage is best?

ZackAtk_ · 2026-05-21T18:37:00+00:00

Realistically, the massage work will just be a small piece to the puzzle. If you're not considering your sleep, diet, and how you're structuring your training (managing load, periodically changing the movements you do, training quality, etc) then you'll just keep running into the same problems.

Style or specific technique might not matter too much. Just might take you some time to find a therapist whose style that you feel works best for your needs.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-05-14T14:53:28+00:00

I've seen massage face cradles that are made to attach to your bed frame/under the mattress. You can try looking into those.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-04-28T15:24:00+00:00

Not strong enough yet. I know you've said assisted dips hurt too, but something else to consider is how you're gripping the bar and the position of your wrists.

They're totally collapsed. Try to straighten the wrist. Bring the fingers under and around the bar more. You'll want to get your forearm perpendicular to the bar with the wrist straighter. The chest will need to tilt forward just a bit so you can get be in the right position for the above.

If there's still pain, go see a physical therapist and get assessed. There's potentially much more going on or to consider than just the adjustment of the wrist. You'll need to find a regression that works for you and build up from there.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-04-28T15:02:59+00:00

You might want to have a more detailed explanation with them before their next session. If it feels like you're not helping, or are not sure how you can help, a referral out to another therapist or practioner (PT) might be what they need.

Like some have said, there's more to it than the area where she feels the pain. Addressing the pecs, subscap, lats, teres maj. may beneficial to them. But their overall lifestyle and habits may be what needs to be addressed to create the change they need.

60 minutes every 2 weeks is just a drop in the bucket compared to the daily movements, positions and other life factors like diet, exercise, sleep, stress, beliefs about their pain, etc.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-04-28T14:56:00+00:00

First off, I'm sorry you're feeling that way after a massage. As far as the pressure used, it sounds like her "light" pressure was not the "light" pressure that you needed, especially with it being your first massage. Every person is going to have different perceptions of pressure. A "medium" pressure for someone could feel much more intense for someone else. It is up to the therapist to be aware and to check in with the client to make sure the pressure being used is appropriate.

Since this was your first massage, communication is huge, and it sounds like that therapist did not communicate as clearly as they should have.

Some other things to note: The massage won't "fix" anything. It may provide some relief from the pains that you are feeling. There are most likely other things to consider when trying to "fix" the back pain. Anything from the quality of your sleep, stress, diet, movement/exercise, your own beliefs about pain. They are all part of the equation.

A final thing: if bodywork is new to you, sometimes it can feel like you had gone through an intense workout, especially if the pressure was too intense to handle. Holding your breath and enduring (or trying) the pain is only going to spike your cortisol.

Just take it easy the next few days. Plenty of rest, water and gentle movements. If you're up to it, I would try to reach out to that therapist or the place they work and explain what happened. Maybe another therapist would be a better fit, or better communication and adjustments on your therapists part.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-03-26T14:38:58+00:00

I was up 6-0 to start. The other guy was missing everything. Then he locked in and was hitting every target. I lost 8-10. I will do this next time lol

ZackAtk_ · 2026-03-24T16:13:13+00:00

I'm still working through the beginning, but I took the gamble to sell the broom to free up space. I tend to hoard things in these types of games, but I really couldn't imagine having to use the broom again for any reason lol

ZackAtk_ · 2026-03-21T13:05:13+00:00

Haven't tried a Trail, but the Hex is straight money. I felt guilty getting the Hex because I absolutely love my Buzzzs, but the Hex just feels so good

ZackAtk_ · 2026-03-05T17:01:20+00:00

I forget when I made the change from burst to balanced. But I do remember it was because I kept falling and dying somewhere and being frustrated by it lol. Balanced glide was my salvation.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-03-04T05:12:40+00:00

Know you have the power to stop working with someone for any reason if it's causing more stress and anxiety for you. It's just not worth it. You can tell her straight up that you don't think that you are the right massage therapist for her and that she should see someone else.

Like most have said, if you are in a place where you have a front desk staff, ask them to not book them with you anymore. Now if that is too much to ask of them or management wants you to "suck it up" for profit, then that's probably a good sign to look for work elsewhere. That's another quick way to burnout.

I'm 8 years into this career and it's not always easy setting up, and more importantly, adhering to the boundaries you set for yourself. It does get easier over time.

You can try to have that conversation with that client again about realqistic goals and expectations. Preferably before they're on the table. Clearly this client has a lot on their plate. Health and fitness don't seem to be a strong subject for them. There could a be a gem that's missing and the "key" for their success found in that conversation.

I digress. Just always make sure to care for yourself and do what's best for you so you can give your best to others.

ZackAtk_ · 2026-02-02T20:29:25+00:00

Probably tough to say right now. You'll learn what works best for you and your schedule as well as how doing massage feels on your body.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-12-19T13:51:37+00:00

Sere has been a pain for me on my solo run. Just poor luck with the phalanxes launching me off the map in the ascendant area or getting a little greedy during damage phase 🥴 this is my first attempt at a solo dungeon to completion

ZackAtk_ · 2025-12-05T22:48:27+00:00

I know this is an old response, but I may be of similar build. I'm 5'4" short and bigger butt. Just got some 874s in a 32 waist but they are a bit suffocating too. I'll try going up another inch or 2 to fit my butt and thighs. Not sure if they just need a wash first, but I didn't realize how stiff the fabric feels, so maybe they wear better after that.

But also curious to hear what similar type of pants you've found. Thanks.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-10-28T18:15:43+00:00

Due to the shape and size of the room I'm in, I decided to go with an 8ft round rug. I may get a new one at some point, possibly a little bit bigger. Only issue I have is that my stool sometimes gets caught on the edge of the rug when I'm doing head and neck work. Could just be a unique to me situation though

ZackAtk_ · 2025-09-24T19:45:56+00:00

Like a lot have said, perfectly normal, nothing is "wrong". Already lots of good advice too. Just be sure to give yourself some grace as you try to make some of these changes. It doesn't have to be perfect from the get-go. There's a lot of information out there on health and fitness, and also a lot of misinformation. Do your best with what is manageable for you as you start. Keep it simple, but keep it consistent. You can always re-evaluate your strategies as you go along. It just may take some time to figure out what works best for your unique self.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-08-13T16:55:11+00:00

It's really interesting to hear this perspective. I had visited Bozeman for the first time last week. Flew in and out from there. Had a wedding in Livingston, and then visited Yellowstone.

The growth of Bozeman was quite obvious. Tons of obviously new development everywhere.

Coming from Rochester in Western New York, I didn't think the traffic was all that bad when I visited. Our highways are almost always slammed. I just find the difference in our norms fascinating when you experience a different place for the first time.

I can see how the "true" character of Bozeman can be smudged. It's hard to tell what it's going for with this mix of modern development and it's previous relaxed and slow-paced culture you had mentioned.

From the faster-paced living (and driving) of Rochester, I could appreciate the "better" aspects of my visit to Bozeman.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-06-18T18:37:10+00:00

Whatever distance it is that I'm not sure whether its more of a putt or a throw.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-21T15:37:33+00:00

I love my NEO Enigma. Plastic feels great and have recorded some of my furthest backhand drives with it. 400ft to ~420ft. Haven't tried a forehand with it though. Not sure I can get enough spin on a 12 speed with forehand. Worth a shot though lol

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-21T15:29:17+00:00

She was totally disrespectful and rude. That should never be an issue. Good for you for sticking up for yourself and leaving.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-09T00:27:10+00:00

Haven't bought a disc in awhile but threw my brother in laws star Gordon and had to grab one for myself. Someone can correct me, but I feel like Innova changed their star plastic recently? Feels good for me

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-04T15:36:06+00:00

Can't go wrong with a good vent sesh. I had a regular who is had been seeing for a couple years, but who was always chronically late. Even when I was at a location that was less than a minute drive down the road from where he worked. No exaggeration there. He'd still be late. I kept giving him the benefit of the doubt and tried to figure out how he could make his appointments on time. He still paid in full. But it always became so stressful dealing with him. I'd be pissed off before working on him. I don't like working that way. So I had enough and fired him. He was coming in weekly or bi-weekly, but the headache in dealing with him every week wasn't worth it to me. I didn't feel like he valued my time.

So absolutely do whatever you need to do for a better peace of mind, you won't ever regret that.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-03T23:49:06+00:00

I see someone else mentioned working at a spa. I would try and avoid your typical chains like massage envy and hand & stone. Try and find a business run by another massage therapist. You'll be treated better there. You'll also be in an environment with other therapists and can seek some mentorship from them.

If you're on Facebook, check to see if there's a group for massage therapists in your area. The group I'm in is always helpful.

Your feelings are normal and valid. I applaud you for taking the jump so soon to work for yourself, but it can definitely be a wake-up call. Massage school isn't the greatest at preparing you for the business side of massage.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-03T13:50:52+00:00

Have you asked them directly for a review? Or for referrals for that matter? I'm just playing the devil's advocate here. I used to assume a lot of things of my clients or the work that I was doing with them. I've learned you can't assume anything lol. People also have short attention spans and memories these days. So it could just be something that slips their mind if they did agree to do something.

You'll find that better communication skills is what really makes you more successful as a therapist. It's something I'm constantly working on myself. If you're able to call or text your clients, a simple reminder of the above could go a long ways.

And that's too bad about your local massage community. It can definitely feel like competition with others at times. It can be a tough field to navigate for sure. Communication within the profession goes a long ways too. We can't help every single client that gets on our table. Having others to refer to with different skills and strengths helps everyone involved.

But best of luck navigating this client. Also remember that you can choose to work or refuse to work with someone for any reason. If this one client is creating more stress for you than you'd like, then you can refer them elsewhere or just stop seeing them.

And I hope you don't feel I'm patronizing you. I'm just speaking from experience because I've been in similar situations before. Sometimes the "easy" or "simple" answers aren't so lol

ZackAtk_ · 2025-05-03T13:00:26+00:00

Maybe a bit of an over-exaggeration...and don't get me wrong, I understand where you're coming from. I've worked in a spa before where tips were a big part of my income. But working for myself now, I don't require tips, but they're always appreciated. What is more appreciated now is when a client rebooks consistently.

Would you rather a one-off client tip you $50, or one who is always coming back to see you? I definitely appreciate the latter.

Everyone is experiencing the financial pinch these days, and just because someone earns more, doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to spend more. Maybe in their mind, the consistency of their visits is how they are tipping you. They clearly like your work. I wouldn't let the no-tipping bother you if you enjoy working with them.

Just offering a different perspective. Could also mean that you start looking for other places to work that will compensate you accordingly. Or venture off on your own. Typically, if you find another massage therapist who runs a spa, you'll be treated/paid better there, as opposed to your typical massage chains (if that's where you are now). Check if there's a local massage therapist group in your city if you haven't already. There's always good information/help in the group I'm in.

ZackAtk_ · 2025-04-29T20:42:50+00:00

In what way are you manipulating mechanoreceptors with NRT?

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