How Long Should Your Massage Session Be?
Have you ever had a long day and wanted to get a nice relaxing massage at the spa but wonder “how long should a massage be?”. There is no set answer to this question, it depends on many different factors that are unique to each individual. However, generally speaking, it mostly depends on how long you can handle being on the massage table. Some people get frustrated if they lay on their stomach or back for a long time whereas others may find it extremely comforting.
Some other factors as to why someone would get a shorter massage (under an hour) include if you are already fatigued after work, school, gym, and so on, or if you are unsure of this specific massage treatment and only want to test it out. More experienced spa users may prefer a longer massage session as they are used to the activity and specific spa and find comfort and deep relaxation from it.
The question of how long should a massage be may seem a bit overwhelming and confusing to some people, therefore we have provided you with a few guidelines to help you decide the best massage session duration that will perfectly meet your needs and wants. Before delving into the guidelines of elements that may affect how long your massage will last, the timelines that are most frequently offered should be noted. Typically, a massage can be booked for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes, with 60 or 90 minutes being the most popular lengths.
What type of massage do you want?
Do you want a full body massage or only a specific body part (i.e., your neck or back)? When scheduling a massage, the first decision to make is whether you want a full-body massage or just a partial one. The majority of massage therapists receive training in school to complete a full-body, relaxing massage in 50 minutes. This full-body massage includes the face, head, neck, arms, chest, back, and legs. Therefore, that period is generally considered the norm.
The next step is to think about what you want to achieve. Most individuals get a massage for one of two general purposes: either targeted pain treatment or general relaxation. In general, a 50 or 60-minute massage is suitable if your main goal is to relax. You are more than welcome to do a lengthier session of 80 or 90 minutes, but anything longer than that can start to seem monotonous or leave you feeling drowsy.
Contrarily, partial body massage or also known as, specific work, typically takes more time to complete. Therefore, the 30-minute time limit should allow room for both relaxation and some targeted neck work, but you might not be able to get a full-body massage. In other words, a relaxation massage that covers only half of the body (either upper/lower or front/back) is best served by a 30-minute appointment.
When should I book a 30-minute massage vs a 60-minute massage?
If you still aren’t sure what type of massage you want to get after reading the point mentioned above, we have divided each session into a clearer “checklist” to facilitate the decision for you!
When should you schedule a 30-minute massage:
- You want a massage that is focused. A 30-minute massage is your best bet, for instance, if you simply need a certain area targeted, such as the shoulders, just the lower back, and hips, or your arms.
- Receiving a massage can be highly beneficial for teenagers, especially if they are athletic. Because of how much smaller their bodies are, a 30-minute massage is typically the ideal choice.
- If you’re limited on time, you absolutely should find some downtime. Don’t let the “I have no time” excuse prevent you from scheduling a massage! When scheduling a 30-minute focused massage, you won’t be wasting any of your time and it can be quite beneficial!
When to schedule a 60-minute massage
- A 60-minute massage has the advantages of focus, efficiency, and time.
- Registered massage therapists can concentrate more on your trouble spots during a 60-minute massage and begin to ease your tension and pain.
- As opposed to a 30-minute massage, the massage therapist may effectively work on more muscle areas during this time without being overly exhausted.
Is it wrong to get a massage for less than an hour?
Not at all! All our bodies are different, we have our levels of things we can handle and things we cannot! No set rule states how long a massage should be, each person varies. The most important thing to remember when getting a massage is to listen to your body to make sure you are fully comfortable. If you are not comfortable then you will not be able to enjoy the relaxing and soothing experience of getting a massage, regardless of the length of it. If you are planning to get a massage soon, it is important to understand what you should do after a massage.
Contact Our Massage Spa in Ferndale Today!
If you or someone you know is considering getting a massage, please visit Champagne Ghost Spa for a wide variety of great massages of different time lengths! Contact us today or book an appointment by visiting our booking page to try out one of our many relaxing massage treatments! We are ready to help you on your path to physical and mental relaxation for as long as you need and feel comfortable with.