Question for anyone that incorporates deep tissue massage into pain management About This Page:

[Tracy M.]

I have fibromyalgia and get a massage ever few weeks. Has anyone had experience with deep tissue massage at any of the spas at WDW? I only go to one person for my massage, she’s very experienced with fibro and I don’t feel like I’ve been abused afterwords which can happen with other massage therapists I've tried when she was on vacation. Normally I’d just have a massage before I went on vacation and one as soon as I got back but we’re driving to Disney and I’m worried that 2 days in a car will leave me very stiff and sore.

So I’m just wondering what other peoples experience has been with the massage therapists at WDW.

[Sandra Bostwick]

Hi Tracy. What a great question!

I've never had a massage at Disney, but massage therapists do have extensive training. That being said, though, I've had a few that were poor for one reason or another.

Usually, a good massage therapist will ask you what sort of pressure you prefer before they start. Then, since descriptions are subjective, a good massage therapist will ask if you prefer more or less pressure while they are working.

If yours does not do this, make sure you let her know what you prefer.

I'd also be certain to let them know about any sore spots, trigger points, or sensitivities.

It's also important to decide if you want the person to "work out" the big trouble spots, which can cause some soreness.

As always, make sure you stay hydrated. Oh, yeh, and have a super trip!

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Sorry to be slow to answer, I am in the middle of a huge Fibro flair,
Have never gone to the spas at WDW so can't help you there, I can only guess they would be wonderful..
If you go please let us know how it was..

[PAmommy]

I've had good luck at the Mandara Spa at the Swan/Dolphin Resort and also at the Canyon Ranch Spa at the Gaylord Palms ( a bit off property but REALLY worth the trip if you will have your own wheels!).

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Tracy,
Have you visited out Fibro group?
http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...php?groupid=22
We are a bit slow there because I think we "fibro Fog" our, But we do get there & chat Fibro..
Come bye for a visit..

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by PAmommy

I've had good luck at the Mandara Spa at the Swan/Dolphin Resort and also at the Canyon Ranch Spa at the Gaylord Palms ( a bit off property but REALLY worth the trip if you will have your own wheels!).

If you go to the Mandara Spa in the Dolphin, they have a private patio with a stunning view. You can even order room service delivery and have a full lunch! The spa also has two beautiful large rooms...a tea room and a quiet/meditation room. There are beautifully sculpted wooden canopies.

Just one thing...if they still have not fixed the steam room or sauna(I forget which heat it was) tell them it is about time to do it!

I didn't hvae a massage there, so I can't comment on that, but the space is tranquil and exotic!

[IvyandLace]

I also have fibromyalgia and get a deep tissue massage every few weeks which really helps me with pain management. I have been fortunate to have had massages at three spas on Walt Disney World property. One of the very best massages that I've ever had (anywhere!) was at the Disney Institute (now Saratoga Springs) in 2000. I do not remember the name of the lady who gave me the massage. It was one of the most relaxing massages I've ever had while still being "deep tissue".

My next deep tissue massage took place at the Animal Kingdom Resort Spa. Per allearsnet.com: "The Fitness Center spa treatment hours are 8:00am to 7:00pm, by appointment. Treatments include: Massage Therapy, Skin Care and Body Treatments. Niki Bryan Spa provides services at the Fitness Center. For pricing and other information visit: http://www.relaxedyet.com." I had an 80 or 90-minute massage here in 2002 following one of my visits to the World. The spa is located in the fitness center and was quite small. I do not remember anything concerning the actual massage or how I felt afterward.

My most recent massage experience occurred in 2005 at the Grand Floridian spa when my husband and I had a couple's massage. I was quite pleased with the massage as I ended up with a masseur with strong hands who also incorporated stretch into the massage. This massage occurred at the very beginning of our WDW trip and I do not remember being sore afterward; however, it was very pricey.

If I were planning on getting another massage at some point during my WDW trip, I would look to either the MandaraSpa at the Swan Resort (The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort - Orlando Hotels, Florida) or the Canyon Ranch spa at the Gaylord Palms (Gaylord Hotels - Meeting Hotels - Convention Hotels - Vacation Hotels)

Hope that helps! IVY

[Sandra Bostwick]

Originally Posted by IvyandLace

Hope that helps! IVY

Great info Ivy! Thanks for taking the time to post that! I am SO jealous of all your spa experiences in Disney!

Remember, though, the Mandara Spa is in The Dolphin.

[Laughaholic]

There is also a Nikki Bryant Spa at the Contemporary, so if you have had luck with any of their other locations (as Ivy and Lace mentioned about AKL) you may have some luck there!

[Tracy M.]

Thank you for all the info!

I'm hoping that I won't need anything besides a hot soak and some advil after I get to WDW but it's nice to know all the options My neck and shoulders are my real trouble spots.

I have a girly spa day planned at WDW with my SIL for nearer to the end of my vacation, my FIL gave me a gave me a gift certificate at Christmas but I hope to be able to have more of a relaxation experience than therapy.

For anyone that has fibro that is interested in trying out deep tissue massage the first few times you get one there is a possibility of a lot of discomfort and while they never got to the enjoyable point for me it makes a world of difference in the amount of day to day pain and stiffness that I have.