I still feel guilty that I'm STILL going to massage therapy at the physical therapy place locally, but when it's done I feel so much better. I understand your concern with the "new-agey" claims. My current massage therapist was telling me about her continuing education classes that she needs to have for national certification. One class that is accredited teaches "chakra" type stuff and she was almost embarrassed to tell me about it. I had to assure her that I have a completely open mind but still I'm somewhat of a skeptic when it comes to people bs-ing me. However, since I've been exposed to much of the metaphysical new age stuff prior to getting sick, I still have an open mind about it.

The massage you experience sounds different from what I get, which is usually in the mid back to back of the skull and the neck and my nerve dead shoulder area.

I'm with Darrell on the "if it feels good, do it" I was so dissappointed in my previous PT regime that I almost gave up on it entirely. However, since I found a local place with good vibes, I find myself looking forward to not only the massages but the weight training they have prescribed for me to get my muscles back in shape. At this point, if the insurance won't cover any more, I've already decided that I'm going to continue getting massages and join a club for my own weight training. In fact, I'm planning on it.

Whether it's psychological or not, I feel better and have noticed that I have a much more normal posture and physical abilities than before I started going in for it. Yesterday, I managed a whole 10 minutes total on the exercise bike with an uphill climb programmed in for the first time! I did okay until I experienced a "hot flash" at the end of the workout. Guess my body still has a few more surprises for me. Damn hormones.

Jen