Massage - is this typical?

I get a massage every 2 weeks.  It's a deep tissue/ART/sports massage.  It is NOT relaxing.  Sounds like you got the typical "fluff and buff" Swedish massage.  That's a more relaxing sort of massage meant to get blood flow moving.  It does not really get in deep and release the tightness of the muscle.  To do this requires some (sometimes) painful manipulation.

So the answer you last question I don't think she/he got deep enough to really loosen up anything that would be "undone" by a workout.

I pay extra for this.

This is where I think it was really a combo because she tried to work a knot out of my shoulder. I could hear her sort of holding her breath from the effort and I was seriously almost in tears but just laid there trying not to cry! Yes, very painful on my suck it up and take it deep tissue/ART scale.

TMI.....

I've had full body sports massages (deep tissue) and she (the massage therapist) usually ends with some work on my neck/face. 

The therapist recommends drinking a lot of fluid for the next 24 hours and it isn't uncommon to run a low fever as your body is flushing the stuff knocked loose from the massage.  Go ahead and work out as much as you feel like doing.  You won't "undo" the massage.  If you do deep tissue massages, do them well ahead of a race or key, hard workout as your body needs time to adapt to the change introduced by the massage. 

It isn't anything unusual.  But if that's not what you want out of a massage then you either need to communicate that to the LMT or find a different LMT that gives you what you want.

I kinda hate having my face/neck worked on.  Most LMTs I have know this and either minimize the amount spent on that or just skip it entirely.  Most of the ones I've had also do some kind of way to conclude the massage...be it something similar to the chopping you talked about or light gentle pressure on the back (maybe that's what she was doing when standing over you and you just didn't feel it?).  They aren't just going to go from digging into a muscle to "okay you're done" without some kind of transition.

Finding an LMT is a lot harder than it sounds.  Best bet is to find other athletes in the area and ask them who they go to.  That's pretty much how I've found my last three (I move a lot).  I go in and make sure they know I'm looking for deep tissue work since this is a sports and injury prevention endeavor for me.  I've never had a problem with it.  And massages are anything but relaxing for me.  I end up saying "ow" a lot and often writhing in pain on the table.  But I swear they have kept me injury free....

Thanks for this reply. The therapist talked about the face and scalp - that it was part of the full body if I wanted it. I said sure but didn't really know what to expect I guess. I'm not sure if I like it or not! I have too much hair so she kept having to work it out of the way and then it was really a mess after . I kept thinking if I had a headache this would really feel good. Part of my problem is I have a difficult time relaxing and just keep thinking "get on with it" but in all reality it is probably really good for me to lay there and try to relax.

The tapotement I was not expecting but it was a short period of time like you described and did not sting or anything.  The end might have been energy work - I'm not sure. I guess she kind of swished her hand or fingers over my back very very lightly if I remember right.

All said, I feel really good today so thumbs up! My back feels better than it has in a long time, and my feet and achilles didn't hurt during or after my run. I'll go back!

I know an former Olympian (crew) who stated that massages were part of their regimen, but actually limited to one/week for the full-blown sports massage.

Another possibility is that your body really likes to slow down once it thinks you are taking the time to rest.

Huuuu... that's not a rub n' tug. That's a happy ending.

Ya, when I went to an ART guy for a problem... wow... I would think water boarding would be preferable to that.

I always chat with my therapist first.  If they don't listen to what I want, I drop them like a bad habit.

Holy cow!  I would find it very difficult to request a "rub n' tug" without fear of being arrested on the spot!  

First you have to exude miles of SWAG and then it's easy

like this guy

With great SWAG comes great responsibility.