I recently completed an Ironman Triathlon. That consists of a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride and then a 26.2 mile run. I felt pretty good afterwards but my parents planned ahead and gave me a gift certificate and they made an appointment for me for the next day. I'm not a "spa guy" but I figured why not? It's paid for already.
I woke up the next morning with some swelling in my feet, my calf and thigh muscles ached and my knees and lower back hurt. Other than that, I felt great!
I got the "sports massage" which involves mild and deep pressure with oil. The masseuse also used heat and cold for the swelling and inflammation. It felt fantastic.
In addition to the massage I also used the adults-only waterfall. I was the only guy but I felt comfortable. The therapeutic effects diminished somewhat by that evening but I felt a lot better than I did when I hobbled into the spa.
I may have to treat myself to this more often.