What Is A Full Body Massage

What is a Full Body Massage? Explore Different Types of Massages

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This article helps you answer the question, “What is a full body massage?” It breaks down what to expect during a massage, how much it costs, and how long it takes.

Have you ever felt the need to unwind and get a body massage, but didn’t know where to start? We get it, and we’re here to help.

Put simply, we will explain how to get the most out of it.



What to Do Before a Massage?

Well, before we answer this, it’s important to note that different SPAs will offer different initial experiences for their customers. Typically, though, you’ll have the option to check with your full-body massage therapist about a session before you get to the massage table. 


How to prepare for massage?

Before we enjoy a full-body relaxation massage, we always take specific steps to ensure the best experience possible.


Step 1: Do Your Homework

Research often involves learning about the full-body spa you want to visit. Lucky for you, the internet is reliable. Find out if the facility has licensed practitioners who are also insured.

Researching can also include asking friends and family for recommendations.

If you are looking for a full-body spa online, read reviews on Yelp, Google, and Facebook. Go through organic reviews to find the best recommendations. 


Step 2: What type of massage should I get? Choose Your Massage Type

We will discuss the different types of massages in a minute. Before that, if this is your first ever session, your best bet is to schedule your body massage based on time, typically 30, 60, or 90 minutes.
Your therapist will then walk you through what is best for you.


Step 3: Shower before massage: Freshen Up

Take a shower before your massage. You don’t want to hit the relaxation table covered in sweat or dirt. Coming straight from the gym to the massage table will ruin your experience.
In case you want to freshen up, some spas may have facilities for you to shower before massage.


At the full-body spa

When you have chosen your spa and have observed the initial steps, it’s time to meet the full-body massage therapist.

Some spas will ask you to fill in some paperwork. In our experience, you’ll answer a few questions about your health history and some personal info the therapist may want to know to make your experience great. 

After answering these questions, if the spa has a tranquil room, the therapist will ask you to take a few minutes to relax before they can begin working on you. You can also undress to your comfort level and wear a comfy robe in this room. 

Once you are ready, the therapist will guide you to the massage room, where you can discuss the session’s details. You will then lie on the table. 


What Does Full-Body Massage Consist of?

An hour-long session involves head and scalp massage, neck and shoulders massage, arms massage, and foot massage—basically, head-to-toe massage.

If you are facing up, the therapist will ask you to face down so they can work on your back, glutes, and legs. Note that you can discuss glute massage before starting because it can be pretty intense.

Your full-body massage therapist will then massage your back. The session can end with a scalp or facial massage to clear your sinuses.

Let’s put all these in a list so you know what to expect:

  • Your therapist will massage your head from the temple, crown, scalp, and occipital muscles, which are the muscles at the back of your head. 
  • The neck area includes massaging the nape and trapezius – the muscles that run down the sides of your neck to your back.
  • Shoulder muscles include the shoulder blades, collar bones, and upper back area. 
  • Your arms and hands – every muscle on both.
  • Your upper and lower back – this is typically muscle-tension city!
  • Leg massage can reach the buttocks, including the glutes, calves, and feet.
What is a Full Body Massage?:
Relaxing Full Body Massage In Spa

The Advantage of Massage Therapy: Benefits Explained

Before diving into the different types of massages, let’s first explore the advantages of massage therapy, or a whole body massage therapy.

These include:

  1. Improved Sleep – Trouble sleeping?
    Apparently, you’re not the only one. According to the CDC,​1​​ 1 in 3 Americans struggles to get a good night’s sleep. Not sleeping enough can cause mental and physical problems.
    But don’t worry. If you get a full-body massage, then your sleep problems can disappear.
  2. Stress Relief
    One of the main reasons people seek an aroma full-body massage is to relieve stress and anxiety. There’s just something about the gentle massage strokes and the deeply relaxing music that does the trick. 
  3. Increased Muscle Health
    If you’ve stuck around long enough after an NFL game, you must’ve seen some players getting treated by a professional full-body massager.
    Qualified physios do this to help reduce the risk of injury and relieve muscle tension. It also helps to improve muscle recovery after an intense match​2​.
    If you run, go to the gym, or play sports, an occasional remedial massage can help you stay on top of your game most of the time. 
  4. Improved Blood Circulation
    This type of massage (body massage full-body) can regenerate your entire body. Nothing restores better than improved blood flow​3,4​. The cells get plenty of oxygen, which positively affects your well-being. You’ll get a glowing complexion and notice you’re more tuned in when you need to be. 

Exploring: Different Types of Massages

You’ve been thinking: so, what type of massage should I get? What can I expect?
You might’ve probably heard about different types of massages, but do you really know what each entails?

We will not bore you with minute details, but here are a few you should know:

Swedish massage treatment

It makes sense that we should start with the Swedish massage style because it’s recommended for beginners.

A relaxation Swedish massage involves soft, long, kneading strokes and gentle rhythmic taps. The therapist applies light to moderate pressure to the muscles.

A Swedish Massage is perfect for:

  • Newbies in massage therapy
  • Releasing muscle tension
  • Relaxing with the gentle taps and light pressure applied.

Keep reading to understand deep tissue massage vs Swedish massage.


Hot stone massage therapy

Hot stone isn’t very different from a relaxation Swedish massage, except here, where the therapist uses hot stones in addition to their magical hands.

During a hot stone treatment, heated stones are placed on different areas of your body. The therapist may also use a heated stone to apply relaxing Swedish massage movements.

You’ll only have your underwear on for this hot stone therapy. If you’re about decency, don’t be–part of your body will be covered in a sheet or towel the whole time at the hot stone spa during a warm stone massage.

Some hot stone massage benefits include:

  • Improved blood flow
  • Reduced muscle pain
  • Improved relaxation
  • Stress relief
  • Eased muscle tension 
What is a Full Body Massage?: benefits of hot stone

Deep tissue massage

Deep tissue massage vs Swedish:
The massage therapist will likely use more pressure in deep tissue massage than in Swedish and Hot Stone massages.

Deep tissue massage treats severe muscle problems caused by injury, tightness, or chronic muscle pain. The therapist applies slow strokes and deep finger pressure to reach the deep muscle layers.

Expect the following advantages of deep tissue massage:

  • Muscle soreness
  • Muscle injury
  • Improve balance
  • Chronic muscle pain
  • Muscle tightness

Don’t stop here. Below, we tell you the differences between deep tissue massage vs Thai massage.


Thai massage therapeutic

It is a 2000-year-old massage technique that originated in India. But that’s a story for another day.

For now, you need to know that the Thai massage spa will involve body stretching. Since you don’t just lie there but actually do something, you can call it an active full-body massage. Some call it “assisted yoga.”

Thai massage with feet focuses on rhythmic muscle compression and uses acupressure (putting pressure on specific body areas to help you relax and improve blood flow).

At a Thai massage spa, you will reach the following:

  • Relieving muscle pain
  • Improved blood flow throughout the body
  • Increased flexibility
  • Reduce migraine pain
  • Improve balance
  • Boost energy levels

Shiatsu massage

Shiatsu and massage originated in Japan. Shiatsu means “finger pressure.” At the shiatsu massage spa, your massage therapist will press certain body parts to relieve pain and loosen tight muscles.

Some Shiatsu massage benefits include:

  • Relieves back pain
  • Increased blood circulation
  • Stress and anxiety relief
  • Improved sleep
  • Improved posture

So, Which is the Best One?

Well, this might be a trick question. But the answer lies with what the patient wants.

Since you are looking for a first-time full-body massage, we’d say go for the Swedish massage. It gets the job done and is easy on your body.

However, there may be times when other types of massages are more suitable. For example, Thai massage has been known to help alleviate migraines in cancer patients. Either way, you can explore the range of benefits each massage offers to get what you want.

My Best Full-Body Massage Preference:

Let’s briefly talk about deep tissue massage. This type of massage isn’t for the faint-hearted but is also the most robust, especially if you have severe muscle issues.

I recommend this because you can have your full-body massage at home.

How’s that? full-body massage with Massage gun.

Massage guns aren’t therapists in themselves, but they come in handy when you can’t access a spa.

We recommend using high-amplitude muscle massagers or those penetrating deep into the muscles for deep tissue massage.

We’re talking Theragun, Ekrin Kestrel, and Bob and Brad D6 Pro percussion massagers. Make sure to check our entire guide, where we test and compare many high-amplitude massage guns at once.

deep tissue massage: upper back pain release using a massage gun

Making the Most Out of Your Massage

How to prepare for massage: Practical tips

Now that you know what a full-body relaxation massage entails, let’s focus on how to get the most out of it.

  1. Only book the session length that works best for you.
    The massage timing will depend on how much you want them to focus on specific parts or pain areas. We recommend booking an hour-long session. If you have plenty of time, go for a two-hour session.
    This will give your therapist ample time to work on your body and relieve tension. 
  2. Water after massage.
    We would’ve said, “Drink plenty of water,” but that may have been construed. We recommend it throughout the day to stay hydrated.
    Don’t chug on water 30 minutes before the massage time. You don’t want to leave the table every few minutes to empty your bladder. So, better hydrate after massage.
    Why do you have to drink water after a massage? Find out in this article.
  3. Eating before massage.
    Don’t eat a large meal an hour or two before the massage. That way, your body doesn’t spend quality massage time digesting the meal.
    So, what to eat before massage? If you must eat, go for light food. Fruits and nuts will do. 
  4. Before lying on the table, remove all jewelry:
    Actually, don’t even wear jewelry to the spa. Leave your watches, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets at home. This lets your therapist focus solely on your body and give you the best experience possible. 

What to Wear During a Massage?

Wondering what to wear to a massage? You are not alone in this.

We already have an article on this, so feel free to check it for all the details. But just for this piece, we recommend wearing light clothes that you can easily take off.

Remember, you’ll probably only have your underwear on at the table.

Your full-body massage therapist will provide a cozy robe to wear as you wait and a towel or sheet to cover you when working on your muscles during a deep tissue massage treatment. 


How Much Do a Massage Cost?

Full-body massage cost

So, how much can you expect to pay for a full-body massage? The price will vary with each full massage spa.

However, there are different types of massages, and depending on your need and session length, you should expect to spend $70 to $180.

Remember that the spa’s location and the type of massage may affect the price of your session. For example, in the case of “deep tissue massage vs Swedish,” expect the deep tissue massage to cost slightly more than a Swedish massage.


How long does a massage take?

As we’ve already seen, you can book a whole-body massage that lasts an hour or two, depending on how much time you have on your hands.

However, it’s also important to note that different types of massage will take longer than others. For instance, if you go for a deep tissue massage, expect the session to last a bit longer. This is because, for example, the Shiatsu massage therapist has to work the affected muscle tissues carefully and thoroughly.

Related: Feeling Sick After a Massage: Navigating the Uncomfortable


Body Massage: Conclusion

You now have a clear picture of what a full body massage involves, the deep tissue massage benefits, and the different types of massages.

Remembering the best practices before, during, and what to do after a massage, will ensure you enjoy maximum benefits. If you’re ready to experience this relaxation, plenty of SPAs are just a booking away.

But if you’re pressed for time and can’t visit a spa, don’t worry—massage guns have you covered. These convenient devices offer a quick and effective way to enjoy a relaxing massage anytime, anywhere, helping you achieve a relaxed and healthy state of body and mind.

Massage for Body Relaxation – FAQs

What to wear to a massage?

We recommend wearing as little as possible. You should wear a light T-shirt with shorts—something you can easily take off. Remember, you want to stay relaxed before and after the massage.

Does a Swedish massage treatment involve the whole body?

Yes, a Swedish massage involves working on the whole body. You lie on your stomach or back and flip over halfway through the massage. During the session, you can ask the therapist to address areas of concern.

What areas are massaged in a full body massage?

A full-body massage may include massaging your back, hips (including the sides of your buttocks), and the back of your legs, but not your private parts. Most spas will keep your private areas well covered to preserve your decency.

Do massage therapists massage the groin area?

Most massage therapists will stay professional and not touch your groin area. Others may help massage the surrounding muscles if you ask, but nothing that could make you uncomfortable.

Can you do a full-body massage with massage gun?

Yes. Massage guns are handy tools that can help you relax and relieve muscle tightness on the go. These techy gadgets come with attachments for treating different body parts.



References
  1. 1.
    What Are Sleep Deprivation and Deficiency? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Inctitute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation
  2. 2.
    Weerapong P, Hume P, Kolt G. The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery and injury prevention. Sports Med. 2005;35(3):235-256. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004
  3. 3.
    Nelson N. Massage therapy: understanding the mechanisms of action on blood pressure. A scoping review. J Am Soc Hypertens. 2015;9(10):785-793. doi:10.1016/j.jash.2015.07.009
  4. 4.
    Wiltshire E, Poitras V, Pak M, Hong T, Rayner J, Tschakovsky M. Massage impairs postexercise muscle blood flow and “lactic acid” removal. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2010;42(6):1062-1071. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c9214f

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luke massagegunadvice

Luke Deszczulka

luke massagegunadvice
Luke Deszczulka

Hi! I'm Luke, a Biomedical Engineer with a passion for sports. I'm a lead reviewer for massage guns and wellness tech products at Massage Gun Advice. Alongside a dedicated Experts Board, I ensures each review is the result of thorough testing, in-depth research, and rigorous fact-checking, providing our readers with reliable and comprehensive insights.

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