The main reasons that people do not get massages more often is that they don’t think they can afford the money or time for them. On the other hand not many people who have had a massage from someone who knows what they are doing are unimpressed. How to get the benefits without the costs?
Do a massage course yourself, make some friends there and swap massages with one another, the cost of the course can vary widely depending on the length of the course and where you study but if you don’t mind giving some massage to get some back yourself this can be a satisfactory arrangement.
If you can’t (or won’t) spend time and money on a massage course buying a massage machine may be an option for you. There are massage appliances ranging from basic wooden and plastic hand operated roller style tools that cost a few dollars right up to electric heated massage couches that can cost thousands. They are all good to a point (so long as you buy them from someone reputable) but they have limitations too. Massage machines cannot think for themselves (not yet anyway) you still have to know how to place them. Falling asleep on one can chafe your skin, mechanical massagers with timer switches are safest. .
There are cheaper cash only massage stalls around the place that do not operate under health department regulations, some of which offer adult services (you might not want anyone you know to see you walking out of such a place). Your health fund is unlikely to pay for these appointments and there is no guarantee the masseur/masseuse is even trained.
Even if you think massage is an indulgence rather than a muscle therapy, it is a healthy indulgence. Most other indulgences will put you into an early grave. Massage is good for your general circulation, it can shorten muscle recovery time, it can calm you down when you are stressed and it frees up body stiffness.
Self Massage & +40 Fitness has been written for everybody who likes getting massage. By using simple leverage with your own body weight and posturing yourself correctly using the best angles and tools you can give yourself the benefits of massage for no cost.