It also helps if you don’t use the word ‘parlor’ when you are searching for a therapeutic massage.
The local free weekly several years ago required the “massage” ads to be legit massage. So all of sudden the ads started to contain the word “therapeutic”. Same people. I don’t think buzz words are all that reliable.
Lots of good suggestions. Also google “massage therapy” and use some judgment as to which of the links you click on. Word-of-mouth is good - ask all your friends.
You’re the same metro area as we are, but a different part, or I’d point you to the person we see.
Oh yeah.
I have on occasion had nasty muscle spasms in the upper back. Usually heat and ibuprofen do the deed but if it lasts more than a few days it’s time to get it mangled by a pro. One time, the lady spent a full hour working on one smallish area, and I felt like I’d see bruises if I could see the area. It was not a relaxing experience.
But the next day, things were almost back to normal, pain-wise.
If you lived in Chicago I could recommend several… 
I agree with what others have said: search by modality (forget about Swedish massage, which is the sleepytime “relaxation” massage you’ve already experienced) such as clinical therapy, therapeutic massage, deep tissue, trigger point therapy. Chiropractic offices often have therapists on staff. And look for people who have LMT (licensed massage therapist) or LCMT (licensed clinical massage therapist) after their name.
Don’t discount spas. Call them up and ask what modalities they offer. As I said, if all they got is Swedish, give them a pass. Tell them you’re looking for therapeutic massage and see what they say. In my experience, most LMTs are/have to be trained in therapeutic modalities as well – friend of mine just finished his schooling and licensing exams, and Swedish was the beginner level stuff that they did first for their basic foundation, and then moved on pretty quickly to more complex things.
That friend works at a chiropractor’s office. I have another friend who works in a hotel spa, who is also trained in clinical therapy techniques as well as Swedish. So you’ll have to ask.
Find someone who does Gua Sha.
It’s not for the faint of heart, but it works. I’ve literally walked in unable to turn my head and walked out with a spring in my step. But the pain is quite intense.
Yes, there are lot of Chiro’s that also offer massages, and pretty good one.
Out here we have the “foot massage” places where you sit in an easy chair, and they work mostly on your feet an legs. You are full dressed. If you get a hour, then then work on your back for maybe 1/3 the time. Very relaxing, and value-priced.
That sounds like heaven to me (no, I’m not a masochist, just really tense.)
I’m not a runner, but when I was a teen, I had a job selling t-shirts, sno-cones and concert programs at the local stadiums and arenas. Spending all day walking up and down stairs that left me with calf muscles that have been an object of envy by competitive body builders. Apparently calf muscles are very difficult to bulk up. But as they are not used in that way anymore, they cramp - apparently for lack of anything better to do.
ETA: A friend swears by “Rolfing”.
Isn’t the correct phrase “deep Pfrimmer”?
To the person who was asking if women coud go to massage parlors: It depends. Most places take women no problem I’ve worked in massage parlors, and it’s rare to find one that doesn’t take women. Personally, I lthink female clients are great because (a)- they’re guaranteed to smell really nice, and (b)- they’re soft to touch, and © they’re a fun break for the usual- and different is almost always good.You may find that not all of the girls in any given spa will massage women however. Most have no problem with it, and would even be happy to allow you to sit in and watch (some would expect you to tip extra for this, and some places would charge for a double.) Some are too uncomfortable however, especially if they’re not actually bi, or if they’ve never been asked before. A lot of women who are curious about exploring their sexuality with other women visit spa’s, because not everyone has a nughty female friend. Good luck with your adventure. Bailey Summers