Acupuncture vs Massage

My insurance allowance for massages has recently run out so I had to search for a cheaper alternative for pain relief in the form of acupuncture. I had pretty good acupuncture before, however this one is done by a doctor whom I'm not really sure if he knows what he's doing.

So far earlier this year when I had massages, I felt I had better relief than my current acupuncture.

Anyone care to provide their observations?

A gentle massage is very short lasting, for me. It feels great while going on, but after, the benefit is gone. A deeper massage KILLS me.

I like acupuncture immensely. And, for me, the effect lasts longer.

Clarie, I think you're going to find that, as usual, our experiences are all over the map.

I've had more experience with accupuncture. Like Sherrine, I did it for about 6 months, though only once a week, I think. I found it very interesting (once, he put one needle in my foot, and I suddenly had a very strong taste in my mouth!) I'd leave feeling wonderfully relaxed and loose, but it never lasted more than a day.

Then I did Cryotherapy (some special kind of massage with ice afterwards) and thought I was on the right track, when suddenly, my body rebelled big-time (OW!) and the guy left me hanging - never even called me back. I guess he realized the $500 he'd gotten out of me was all he was going to get ;(

I've gone to a few gentle-massage therapists over the years, and it's always felt yummy. But they all tell me the same thing: to really do any real good, they'd have to get deep, and it's obvious that I'm not up to that. They'd have to do it often, getting gradually deeper. And unfortunately, my pockets aren't deep enough for such a thing.

I believe all these different modalities can be great at the right time, for the right person. If only cost was no issue!

Good luck with this.

Debbie

I do prefer Massages, but at $70 per session and the benefit doesn't last very long (we are talking hours) it seems quite expensive. I like deep tissue massage especially on my calves muscles, as Acheybody nicely put it, my pocket is not deep enough as well.

I might go back to trigger point injection, at least that last for a day or so, combine that with acupuncture, might get some value out of it.

Thanks for your input.

I have that book... if I can get access to lignocaine, I'd done it myself daily. It's by far the most effective treatment for my legs, but the effect doesn't last very long.

Well, I've got another problem. I'm hyper mobile. I can't do any pressure point massages on myself, or I'll break my joints. I'm already borderline osteoarithtis. The thumb copped it the most... probably from too much typing...

By the way, I forgot to mention - the new technique which is really helping me is based on the new research about abnormalities in blood vessel shunts and all that stuff. My OT is always on top of the newest research.

I have to just chime in and say that I go to acupuncture once every two weeks (my insurance pays zip and its expensive at $65.00 and hour, whilst I am not working)

But what I will say is that it gives me such relief, I have become a true believer, went in with a lot of skepticism .

I will go in with pain at a 10+++++ and leave pain free!!!!, Does it last? Unfortunately no...but at least for a day or so I feel good.

If I could go 2xs a week I would be so happy.

Massage lasts less longer than the acupuncture, in MHO.

what has also helped me is Epsom salt baths, problem is, can't be in the bath tub all day

so that's my 2 cents worth