How Long of a Massage Appointment Should I Schedule?

If you have never scheduled a massage appointment before, looking at a full menu of options might be intimidating. Or, maybe you’ve just always had “a massage” and didn’t really consider the benefits beyond relaxation. Here are some descriptions of the types of massage I offer and how long a session you might schedule:

Chair Massage

You may have seen this type of massage at any assortment of locations, from offices to sports events. A specially designed chair allows you to sit relaxed and fully clothed, leaning forward into a cushioned face cradle.

From that position, the massage therapist can work on your back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck and head. Sometimes, it’s possible to turn and face the other way in the chair for work on legs and feet.

How Long Should I Schedule?

At this time, I primarily offer chair massage at events. In those cases, most chair massages average around 5 to 10 minutes. Even just a few minutes can be helpful in improving circulation, loosening stiff muscles, and relieving pain.

• 5 Minutes: Great for a quick pick-me-up. Helps relieve work related shoulder and neck tension. We can focus on one problem area, like sore shoulders. Also helpful for an achy upper back, or even just forearms and hands.
• 10 Minutes: You may be surprised at how much better a 10 minute massage can make you feel! Great for working on shoulders, neck and upper back, or the entire back down into the low back area.
• 15-20 Minutes: This length is for doing some deeper work on shoulders and the entire back. However, for significant issues, I do prefer to use a massage table.
• 20+ Minutes: At this length, I prefer working on the table. I have better access to your neck & shoulders. Plus laying on the table is more relaxing.

Relaxation Massage Appointment

For a relaxation massage, I use the long, flowing, and soothing strokes of Swedish massage. I adjust the pressure of the strokes to your comfort. When you just want to relax and let go, this is the massage for you.

We don’t focus on a specific problem area, nor poke and prod at “knots” or tight spots. At most, I may adjust the timing of the massage to spend more time on tired feet or achy shoulders. But, nothing too intense. This massage is just about relaxing, reducing stress, and improving your outlook on life.

How Long Should I Schedule?

• 30 Minutes: It is possible to leave a 30 minute massage feeling relaxed and refreshed. However, given the shorter appointment length, I recommend focusing the massage on the upper body. That way, we aren’t just speeding through your massage to get to all the parts.
• 60 Minutes: This is an average length relaxation massage. We have time to get the full body from head to toes. Plus, you can really sink in to the relaxation.
• 90-120 Minutes: A long massage session allows for deep relaxation and restorative rest. One hour of massage has similar benefits as three hours of restorative rest. So, with a longer massage, you’re getting the benefits of a nice, long nap. In addition, I have time to really slow down those slow, soothing Swedish massage strokes. This allows you the full benefit of their positive effects on your nervous system.

Therapeutic Massage Appointment

With this type of massage, while we’re not completely ignoring relaxation, we’re focused on it less. There’s a bit more time spent on tight muscles and sore spots. We may talk a bit more about what I’m finding. I might include stretches for your arms or legs, or ask you to move a body part against resistance. This massage is about improving your mobility, releasing tension and relieving pain.

How Long Should I Schedule?

• 30 Minutes: Ideally, we’re just working on one specific area for 30 minutes.
• 60 Minutes: In an hour, we can get most of a full body massage. However, I do like to take doing some stretching, range of motion and deep tissue work on problem areas. If this is the case, we should consider focusing the therapeutic work to a particular problem area.
• 90-120 Minutes: In 90 minutes, we can get in full body massage and have time for stretching, etc. Two hours is perfect for doing some nice, slow, detailed work on all problem areas. This includes hip and arm stretches, deep work on particular problem muscles, and some finishing soothing Swedish massage to relax and relieve pain.

What if I’m Still Confused?

If you’re still not sure, you can always contact me to talk about what’s going on. We can plan a long first session with shorter follow ups, or a series of short sessions. I’m pretty flexible when it comes to working with you, your schedule, and your budget. Together, we’ll get you sorted out.