Exchanges vs. Payment for bodywork sessions

Have you had problems with giving/receiving bodywork exchanges with colleagues? How about when you "just want to be the client" for the day, be pampered, and pay for your session? Do you end up talking about your businesses or does your therapist quiet down and let you relax?

I have had more misses than hits with exchanges over the years. It seems that I end up giving, only to be left holding the bag in the end. I rarely do exchanges now. At one time, I was able to do an exchange once or twice a week with several excellent therapists. Now, that handful of bodyworkers has dwindled down to two reliable therapists.

What have you found worked or didn't work for you?