I’m sure you are looking at this title thinking, “what? Why is she talking about massage and pizza? What does massage have to do with pizza? What does pizza have to do with massage?”
Let me back up here.
Once upon a time, my business coach referred to Massage Envy and all of those other chains as the Pizza Hut of massage, and I loved hearing that. You see, there’s nothing wrong with Pizza Hut; you know exactly what you’re getting when you go there. It’s cheap, prepared quickly, and available pretty much anywhere. No matter which location you go to, if you get a meat lover’s pizza, you’re going to get a meat lover’s pizza—nothing more, nothing less.
But what about those times where you don’t want Pizza Hut? Where you want something a little nicer, better ingredients, heck, even gluten and dairy-free but still delicious. You’re going to pay a little bit more for it, aren’t you? There is a gluten-free pizza place near me, Renee’s. It’s gluten-free and in a 100% celiac-safe environment. And their pizza? It’s GOOD. And it’s not Pizza Hut. You’re not going to get a large number of toppings pizza for $7. You’re going to pay around $15 for it, but it’s going to be one of the best gluten-free pizzas you’ve ever had. Or if you’re looking for a good, Detroit-style deep dish pizza (I’m looking at you, Buddy’s), you’re not going to get that at Dominos!
That’s how we operate at Michigan Massage and Wellness. You’re not going to come in and get a one-hour massage at the “membership” rate of $45 (or whatever they are charging now). But, you’re also not going to wonder what kind of massage you are getting because the therapist you saw last month has moved on. You’re also not going to get a cookie-cutter massage that doesn’t address your needs or complaints. You will get targeted, specific work on whatever is bothering you at the time of your appointment. We will dive into our toolbox of knowledge and tools (literal tools like the massage gun or cupping tools) to treat that elbow tendinitis. Or suggest a Lokte Method session to work into those hips that are constantly aching no matter how much you stretch. And if you want to relax? We’ve got you covered with that too. And with us, a one-hour massage is an actual one-hour massage. We don’t list in any fine print how 10 minutes of your 60-minute session will be for the consult and undressing/re-dressing. These are all factors you should be weighing when you are shopping for a new therapist.
I saw a new student in class recently who was telling me about all of his movement problems and restrictions, aches and pains, and when I asked him if he was getting regular bodywork, he said, “yeah, I go to Massage Envy, it’s only $45”. My question here is: is a cheap massage worth it if you are still walking around in pain, unable to go back to your activities and hobbies, or even get through your day-to-day life without wincing?
So the next time you are tempted to take advantage of a Groupon, or intro offer, or anything else that screams ‘THIS IS SUPER CHEAP,’ ask yourself: what kind of pizza do you feel like having?
In good hands,
Rebecca Tamm, LMT