Far superior to the amateur, at-home variety, professional massage expertly relieves muscle aches, fosters relaxation, and doesn't leave the ironing board coated in oil. Soothe tissues with today's Groupon: for $70, you get a customized massage three-pack at Customized Massage Therapy in Los Altos (a $177 value).
Eschewing a one-size-fits-all approach to muscle kneading, the versatile hands at Customized Massage Therapy tailor sessions to each client's specific needs and preferences. With experience and training in a variety of massage styles and shadow-puppetry techniques, certified massage therapist Francisco Fernandez takes a gentler approach to muscle manipulation and emphasizes methodical deep-tissue therapy to inspire total body relaxation. Athletes looking to rest overexerted limbs can recover from competition with sports massage, and stressed nine-to-fivers can melt away with the circulation-stimulating medium pressure of Swedish massage. Sixty-minute sessions at Customized Massage Therapy can combine elements from several massage varieties, such as myofascial-release or trigger-point therapy, to give each set of muscles totally personalized attention. Prenatal massage treatment is also available, perfect for soothing the tender backs of expectant mothers and overworked basketball smugglers.