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Massages

Samisty

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Did the camino frances in May/June 2014. Moving to Logroño soon and definitely wanting to do it again!
I walked the camino in the summer of 2014 and had an amazing time!

My boyfriend and I are moving to Logroño in January and he's a masseur so I was thinking for work he could talk to alburgue owners about offering massages.

On your caminos would this be an option you would have liked and what do you think would be a reasonable price for a 15/20 minute massage?
 
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I only saw 1 masue at an alburgue & he was kept very busy. I think it is a great idea, it also is quite a talking point for those of us watching as this fellow would hang them from the ceiling by the ankles. He had the same pulley system I use for dressing game. Very interesting.
He charged 8 euros
 
I only saw 1 masue at an alburgue & he was kept very busy. I think it is a great idea, it also is quite a talking point for those of us watching as this fellow would hang them from the ceiling by the ankles. He had the same pulley system I use for dressing game. Very interesting.
He charged 8 euros
Yikes! I can't get this image out of my mind.

But if you used a different system, I would certainly get a massage en route.
 
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In Villafranca del Bierzo, I had my one and only massage, on my legs, when I thought I would not be able to walk another step. The hospitalera arranged it for me and the masseuse arrived at the albergue, quite late. I expected space would be limited, but I was still surprised when she set up her table in the middle of the dormitorio in full view of the pilgrims who were getting ready for bed. I am still embarrassed when I think of it. :D But it was wonderful! I can't remember how much I paid for it.
 
Yikes! I can't get this image out of my mind.

But if you used a different system, I would certainly get a massage en route.
Yes I would suggest a table vs an inverted massage, but he would start with a cushion with them laying flat, then hoist them up. I apologize for my " game reference " I was just surprised to see the equipment. I would also recommend at least a semi private location, as I am sure the number of folks who used the service would have been more.
 
Spain has a licensing process for people who offer therapeutic massage treatments. Your partner may want to check that out before offering that service publicly. I'm not sure where to find that out!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I've done an Ayurvedic massage course in India. I usually take a bit of oil with me for my own use: calves, lower back, neck area. BUT..... if I see a fellow pilgrim in pain, I offer a short session, use my oil, and never charge any money. The good-feel-smile you get in return is reward enough. If you want to support yourself on The Way, there's no reason why not. I remember the saying "The Camino Provides"..... and love to live by it. So if I see you somewhere with a limp or bad back, I will stop and say hello to you :). Buen Camino
 
I had a massage in Palas do Rei last Camino.

The manager of the apartments where I stay was very helpful! He delivered me to the fisiotherapista on the main street in town for much needed massage.

The 'complete' massage for 36 euros was quite an experience.

It was a cold room. I was pretty much naked except for two towels I asked for to cover strategic places.
The receptionist kept just walking in and chatting with the therapist as though I wasn't there, leaving the door wide open as she talked.
I guess if you've seen one butt you've seen them all!

The massage was strong - on the edge of being painful.

When I asked what type of massage it was, she said 'deportivo' or sports massage.
I cried out a few times and nearly kicked her in the teeth twice.
I usually like a fairly deep and strong massage, but this was almost more than I could bare.

However, I have to admit it worked and I felt much better the next day!

If you are in Palas de Rei, try the massage!

Regarding doing massage along the Way, you may have to check out the local laws.
I'm sure you'll need to get licensed - unless maybe you do them "donativo?"
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Not sure what age range you are thinking, but it might be a bit pricey for younger folks. But then they may not have need for one. I appreciate the Ayurvedic method; as a volunteer in India, I had the good fortune of this experience to treat……yep; bronchitis. I seem to be prone to this everywhere but my home in Victoria, Canada.
 
I had a calf and foot massage one day that was offered where I stayed. He was very busy and the physical benefit was like having taken and entire day off.
 
Due to ongoing injury, I looked for massage or physio when ever I could. I was surprised there were so few...

I tried a massage therapist in Fromista and o'cebreiro and physios in Leon, ponferada and arzua.

They were all great. Very professional. They charged about e30 for an hour....

What really surprised me....with the physios, is that they didn't get many pilgrims coming to see them...
 
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I think it is the usual thing - pilgrims are so tired at the end of the day they don't want to wander around looking for a massage. I agree, the way to go would be form a relationship with the local albergues, offering to visit if necessary.
 
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