The Tiny Aftermath of My Ultramarathon – Part 2 (Ow, the Massage, Consarn It!)

November 13, 2014

Aurora crying in pain after her deep tissue massage
It’s been a while since we’ve had a crying picture here on the blog. About time, huh? Here I am in pain from my massage (which we’ll so get to in this post)

Picking up from last time

So, she’s working on my back. And whatever is happening is hurting like crazy.

But I’m trying to take it since she already did this whole thing at the beginning of are you suuuuure you want a deep tissue massage?

I’m all stubborn and for some reason, I think it’s so important what this stranger thinks of me and if she thinks I’m strong enough to handle a deep tissue massage.

But as she’s working on me, it’s feeling like she’s doing something to my nerves or something back there (I’m not totally sure) – but no matter what it is she’s working on, it doesn’t feel like my muscles.

Anyway, I power through, but am in pain throughout the day (which seems to almost be getting worse). I get to sleep, but wake up in the middle of the night. Finally, the next morning I know I have to do something (besides cry about it). So, I looked up a chiropractor on yelp. (If only I’d used yelp for my massage therapist, right?)

Thankfully, I find this spectacular chiropractor in Ohio who sees me right away. (Tiny side story: My parents were using both cars and the cab company didn’t have any cabs available in the near future (ah, the Midwest). So, amazing B came to the rescue and drove me there!)

When I got there, I was told, “no wonder you’re in pain! Your ribs have been misplaced.” Crack, crack, crack. A few adjustments later, I was so happy!

So, what did we learn from this (hopefully)?

1) Maybe consider looking up reviews of massage therapists before visiting them. Those online review sites exist for a reason. I get doing things on a whim, but I guess massages are more important to get right than I’d initially thought (though I don’t know why I didn’t think it would be important to get a reading on the person who’s going to be adjusting my precious, precious body).

2) Maybe don’t care what some stranger thinks about what you can/cannot take – and if something is not good for you, don’t let your stubbornness get in the way. Perhaps don’t constantly be always out to prove something. (‘Cause in this scenario, what are you honestly trying to prove?)

3) Don’t be afraid to voice your opinions/concerns. Yes, a massage therapist knows more about the body in general than I do. But I also know some stuff about my body. And if I want a lot of pressure on my legs and not much on my back, it wouldn’t hurt to ask for that. As Sheryl Sandberg says, Lean In!

Will I learn, and avoid something like this next time? Let’s hope so!

I'd love to hear from you! So whaddya say?