HELP! My Aching Back in PATTAYA

[MrBill]

I arrived in Pattaya yesterday after 1-1/2 days in BKK. Today I woke up with some serious knots in myt back, probably from not paying close attention to the differing height curbs and other uneven pavement. Problem is, about 2-1/2 months ago I herniated a disk in my lower back. My chiropractor did wonders which allowed me to make this rescheduled trip. So I am a little gun shy about letting anyone who claims to be a masseur touch my back. Not looking for any happy endings other than the4 relief in my back. Fortunately the part that is stiff is not in the lower part where I had the disk problem, I just want to be able to explain the situation and trust that when the masseur says "OK no problem" he really knows what I have said. I am staying at Mike Hotel which has Mike Massage, Mike Barber Shop, Mike Billiards and everything Mike above the department store, but I am having doubts about their specialization. As always any help would be appreciated. I dod look through the massage directory on the site but still can't see a clear choice.

 

Thanks

 

Bill

[Gaybutton]

Of course, none of the Thai masseurs are doctors, but the ones that seem to be the most skilled are the blind masseurs. From where you are staying, the one that is probably easiest to get to, with an excellent reputation is TBMI (Thai Blind Massage Institute), located in the Jomtien Complex.

 

If you are going to be in Bangkok, one of the most famous massages in the world is the massage done by the monks at Wat Po.

 

[PattayaMale]

You may want to consider Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. They have a Physical Rehabilation department. They have all forms of treatment (accupuncture, hydro, etc>). It might be a better choice than having someone that you are not quite sure of work on your back. Not expensive.

 

True story. I had a sore back and went to have a massage. It felt good but when he was finished my back "went out". I really could not walk. I had to lay on my back as though I was sitting in a chair until my back went back in. I was trying to laugh with the Thais as they were concerned too, but it was very painful. I have had many massages since then with no problem but I have decided not to have one done when my back is hurting.

 

Good luck

[Guest wowpow]

I also strongly recommend a visit to Bangkok Pattaya Hospital. See the Doc who will probably have you X-rayed in a few minutes and then advise.

 

I suffered for many years with a painful lower back occasionally going into agonizing spasms. Bangkok Pattaya have sorted it out. I get pains very occasionally and they seem to be good at getting rid of them.

 

The last time the Doc said No massage and No traction try heat and he gave me pain killers and muscle relaxants. I got a pack of Sabai at Big C which you warm in the microwave and apply. 2 days later no pain!.

[Guest buaseng]

Of course, none of the Thai masseurs are doctors, but the ones that seem to be the most skilled are the blind masseurs. From where you are staying, the one that is probably easiest to get to, with an excellent reputation is TBMI (Thai Blind Massage Institute), located in the Jomtien Complex.

I have not, to my knowledge, suffered a herniated disc but have had intermittant back pain (especially after sitting for long periods) on and off for about a dozen years. After the long flight to Thailand I invariably go to the TBMI as soon as I can where after one or two sessions the back is fine for weeks or even months thereafter.

 

As for other massage - the only ones I indulge in are oil/cream massages (without happy ending - not wanted) for relaxation and to relieve general tension but I remind my regular masseur each time "bao bao" and not to try any chiropractor type manoeuvres!

 

However, in view of your stated history I agree that a visit to the Bangkok Pattaya hospital may be your best option in the first instance.

[Bob]

After all the massages I've had in Thailand - mostly at the Olde Thai Medicine Hospital in Chiangmai but I too have been to the Blind Institute in Pattaya - I've never really asked for any particular massage and I wonder, based on Buseang's comments, if you can ask them to focus on your back, neck, or whatever? Not sure why I never asked but I haven't. Based on my experience, 95% of

regular Thai massage is focused on your feet, legs, and arms with very little attention given to the

neck or back area.

Or, alternatively, is there any massage place that specifically treats people with sore backs?

[Guest buaseng]

I wonder, based on Buseang's comments, if you can ask them to focus on your back, neck, or whatever?

When I go to TBMI I just ask for a regular but "not strong" Thai massage which seems to do the trick. You CAN stipulate to them the degree of strength you wish your masseur to use. Make sure your allotted masseur is aware before you start - some of them do not have very good English language skills but you can always get the reception or another masseur to translate for you before you start. If it gets too strong just say (or maybe scream ) "bao bao" (Gently Gently).

 

It never occurred to me to ask them to concentrate on my back (or any other area for that matter). Never heard of any Thai massage establishment which concentrates specifically on sore backs.

[Gaybutton]

It never occurred to me to ask them to concentrate on my back

 

Most of these places have at least somebody who speaks enough English to understand what you want. If you can explain that you have a sore back, or whatever, you can ask that person to explain to the masseur that you want special attention given to the specific problem. I've done that and they do an excellent job.

 

I didn't know about having something done at the hospital. That had never occurred to me. Personally, if it was simply a case of sore back after a long flight, I'd go to the blind masseurs first. I'd probably try the hospital if the problem was something more serious.

[Guest fountainhall]

I totally agree with wowpow. I am not sure I know what a herniated disc is (but have suffered from a slipped disc in the lower back and know how uncomfortable that is over a long period of time). If I had had anything remotely serious occur to my back, I would never go to any masseur without having the back x-rayed and thoroughly checked at a hospital first. The chances of something going wrong with even the most experienced masseur are just too high.