How Long of a Massage Should I Book?
- Chelsea Hazzard
- Nov 14, 2024
- 3 min read
A common question a lot of people wonder when booking a massage is, "How long should my session be?" This really depends on your specific needs and the issues you'd like to address. Here’s a guide to help you choose the best session length for you, whether you’re aiming for targeted pain relief or a full-body therapeutic experience.
30 Minute Sessions - Targeted Focus
If you're short on time or looking for relief in a specific problem area, say you have neck pain, headaches, or ongoing knee pain—a 30 minute session can be an efficient and effective option. These shorter sessions are really great for addressing one issue in a focused way. Trigger point therapy and deep tissue techniques can be applied to relieve tension quickly. A 30 minute massage also fits well into a lunch break for those on a tight schedule and is a more economical option for ongoing pain relief. Some people like to do 30 minute quick-fix sessions more frequently for maintenance, rather than the longer sessions spaced further apart. However, the shorter timeframe means we’ll just stick to one area rather than a full-body approach.
60 Minute Sessions - Therapeutic Deep Tissue Massage
Looking to unwind while managing your “usual” aches and pains? Need focused relief for hip or sciatic pain? A 60 minute session could be just what you need.
A 60 minute session offers a thorough approach, making it ideal for a full-body massage with extra attention on one specific area of tension. However, if you have more than one area of concern, it can be challenging to fit both a full-body treatment and dedicated focus on those areas. That said, this length can be perfect if you want to concentrate solely on one problem area for the full hour.
For example, if you’re experiencing neck and shoulder pain from poor posture or "computer shoulders," a 60 minute massage allows me to work through the entire upper body—the cervical and thoracic spine (neck and upper back), shoulders, pectoral/chest muscles, and, if needed, even the scalp and jaw. This timeframe lets me apply deep tissue techniques and focused trigger point therapy effectively, working slowly to release muscle tension and provide lasting relief.
90 Minute Sessions - Extended Therapeutic Massage
A 90 minute session offers the perfect balance of full-body relaxation with extra time to address multiple areas in need of attention. This extended timeframe allows me to spend as much time as necessary on each area without having to rush. This is ideal for clients who have two or more problem areas, such as lower back pain combined with neck tension or headaches paired with plantar fasciitis. Just to warn you… most people that try the 90 minute massage never want to go back to shorter sessions! The extra time makes a seriously noticeable difference in the quality and effectiveness of the treatment. This is the ideal session I’d recommend for just about everyone.
The 2 Hour Massage - Ultimate Relaxation
For the ultimate deep tissue experience, a 2 hour session provides an unmatched level of relaxation and therapeutic benefit. This session allows me to slow down even further, addressing each muscle group with the attention it deserves. The extended time helps facilitate a deeply meditative state, which can highly enhance both physical and mental healing. You’ll leave feeling as though you're floating through the clouds.
Choosing the Right Session for You
Whether you need quick relief from desk-job aches on your lunch break, have a bit of time after school drop-off to ease that busy-parent tension, or you’re looking for a full-body massage that addresses multiple pain points, there’s a session length to suit your needs. From 30 minute targeted quick-fix sessions to the 2 hour full-body rejuvenations, each option is designed to provide a therapeutic massage experience that promotes pain relief and relaxation tailored to your time, needs, and budget.
Still not sure which session is best for you? Let’s talk about your specific needs, and I’ll help guide you to the perfect option!
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