What You Should Expect from a Full Body Massage

Life can get crazy and overwhelming and it is hard to take a step back from the hustle and bustle sometimes. Many people have a difficult time finding ways to cope with their stress and even find time to themselves. Not dealing with stress can be detrimental to your physical and mental health. It is important to find a way to release stress and tension. Massage therapy is a great way to deal with the physical body and the mind at the same time.

However, choosing what type of massage and actually going to get one can be a daunting and intimidating task if you have never done it before. A full body massage can be extremely transformative, but doing the research before can help you avoid unwanted stresses before your first appointment. Interested in learning more about a full body massage like the one you can get from a Vybe Percussion Massage Gun? Read on to find out more.

What is a full body massage?

A full body massage is a therapeutic experience that will leave your body feeling relieved. This type of massage is usually a minimum of 50 minutes to ensure time to work the major areas of the body like back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, hands, and neck. You are asked to undress to your comfort and the therapist is considerate of your modesty and will give you a sheet or blanket to cover yourself.

The session typically begins laying down on one’s stomach and the focus starts on the back, working its way down to legs and feet. Then one flips onto their back and the therapist will work their way back up the body, normally ending with the neck and sometimes the scalp.

If you have certain problem areas that you want to target, let the therapist know and they will predominantly focus on those spots that are giving you the most issues in your day to day.

woman receiving a massage

What are the benefits of a full body massage?

Obviously, a clear benefit of a full body massage is deep relaxation and relief from some pain in your body. However, there are actual health benefits to it as well. Research indicates that massage therapy can be effective in managing:

  • Chronic lower back pain
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Insomnia
  • Soft tissue injuries 
  • High blood pressure

Some physical benefits can also be:

  • Reduced muscle tension 
  • Improved circulation
  • Increased joint mobility and flexibility
  • Improved skin tone
  • Heightened mental alertness

A massage may feel relaxing, but your body is activated during this time and it is beneficial to you and your health. It stimulates your nervous system, wakes up your muscles, organs, and glands, moves blood and lymph fluid and releases chemicals and hormones.

How much does a full body massage cost?

Depending on the type of massage, length of time of massage, and spa caliber, the price can vary greatly. The national average cost of a massage is $100, but it can range anywhere from $65 to $180. Doing research about a spa is extremely important and sometimes you will pay more for a higher quality massage. Also, urban areas or more expensive cities will have higher prices than suburban areas. Swedish massage is typically the least expensive option, and then it goes up from there.

woman receiving a massage

How long does a full body massage last?

Length of appointment is greatly up to you and your comfort level. On average, massages normally last for about an hour. This is the typical appointment length that people choose. However, some places offer shorter massages that target a specific area of the body, and others offer longer appointments for more intense issues an

d muscle tension. Consider getting a longer appointment to start off, because things can be overlooked during a shorter appointment, and you want to be able to get the maximum result. Take as much time for yourself as possible.

What do I wear when I get a massage for the first time?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in to your appointment. Once you are there, the massage therapist will ask you to remove your clothing to your comfort level. They will leave the room and allow you to undress and get under the provided linens on the bed, so you will always be covered throughout. They will only move the sheet to work on a specific area of the body at a time. There are a few reasons that you are asked to remove your clothing. Direct access to skin and muscle groups help for a better massage.

Also, the pressure and the way the therapist moves his/her hands would make for extremely bunched up clothes and make the massage process much more difficult. The therapist will not go near any private areas of the body and will listen to any request you have about any areas that you want to avoid. 

4 Most Common Types of Full Body Massage

Some of the more popular types of massage:

  • Swedish Massage
  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Hot Stone Massage
  • Shiatsu Massage

One of the most popular types of full body massage is the Swedish massage, which focuses on warming up muscle tissue and relieving the “knots” that have built up. A deep tissue massage is very similar to the goals of the Swedish massage, however it applies deeper pressure. Another type is a Hot stone massage, in which hot, smooth rocks are placed along one’s body by the therapist to relieve pressure points and alleviate muscle tension.

Shiatsu is a kind of massage in which the therapist uses his/her feet and stands atop a client’s back to relieve intense pressure. There are even at home options like massage guns or massage chairs that can assist you with temporary relief. For example, the VYBE Percussion Massage Gun is great for an at home deep tissue massage that you can do yourself, any time you want.

Conversely, if your upper body is in good health investing in a dedicated foot massager, with Shiatsu-like features, might be a smarter investment.

woman receiving a massage

Full Body Massages Summary

Any major area of your body that is causing you pain or discomfort can be relieved through massage. It covers the neck, back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, hands, and even head. The massage therapist should always be considerate to ask if you want to target any specific areas giving you trouble. The benefits are many beyond simply relaxation. It can improve mental health, reduce muscle tension, increase joint flexibility and mobility, heighten mental alertness and more.

The cost truly depends on many factors and can sometimes be an investment in your health and well being. No matter what type of massage you choose, it is an extremely transformative, relaxing experience that anyone can benefit from. Whether you go Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, or even an DIY friendly, at-home massage gun, your mind and body can reap the benefits of you taking time out of your day or week to prioritize yourself and indulge in a massage.

Full Body Massage FAQs

Scroll to Top