So I have a gift certificate for a massage on Sat and I was wondering what type of massage, if any, could crack your back.

Call up a chiropractor.

those ones where grown people walk on your back ouch! And yes, chiropractors will pull your head one way and your shoulders that way resulting in loud cracking sounds, but I wouldn't call that a massage.

do you want it cracked or are you trying to avoid it?

A regular massage like you get from a physio or qualified massage therapist isn't going to crack anything, they are concentrating on your muscles not your joints.

loves chiros n massages ...

Try an osteopath...they are much more gentle, yet thorough.

A massage + a cracked back = heaven

Ive never had a massage that cracked my back... But then I can crack my own back... Im not sure id want one that cracked my back...

tinaz said:

Ive never had a massage that cracked my back... But then I can crack my own back... Im not sure id want one that cracked my back...

Any massage (okay...except for reflexology, which is all about the feet) has the potential to cause your back to "crack" - especially if your muscles are very tight going in. When the muscles are loosened up, your vertebrae may shift a bit. The cracking does not hurt - but the massage might, depending on how tight you are and the kind of massage you get.

My former massage therapist (who did a lot of deep tissue work on me) once told me, "If anybody did to me what I do to you, I'd get up off the table and smack them. I don't know anyone who can work through more pain than you." But it was good pain - and I always felt great once everything had released.

Sadly, I lost that therapist when her only son was killed in a car crash. She just went to pieces (understandably) and stopped working. I've never found anyone else as good.

I'd a zillion times rather have an Amazon work me over than have some wussy lotion-rubber do my massage.

Don't mind me; I just thought this would be funny here.

Efan said:

Don't mind me; I just thought this would be funny here.

hilarious make the noise ..

For a second I thought this said "Does it crack you butt?"

I got a gift card for a massage a couple of years ago and booked an appointment with a female massage therapist. Then when I showed up it turned out she was at home with the flu, so a male therapist had taken her place. I was surprised how very uncomfortable this made me feel! But I went along with it anyway and I have to tell you; it was one of the most awkward hours of my life. I was uncomfortable and to make things worse, HE seemed equally uncomfortable.

So, erm, I guess what I'm trying to say is that back-cracking or no back-cracking, you should make sure you find a therapist you're comfortable with.

Thanks for the advice guys- is Swedish massage more gentle than deep tissue?