This is a question that doesn’t even occur to many clients. 60 minutes -- Isn’t that what everyone gets? Actually no, some people get longer massages, some get shorter. Just like determining the frequency you get massage, the length of your massage depends on your particular situation and goals (see my other blog How Often Should I Get A Massage).
When you discuss your objectives with your massage therapist, they should recommend a massage length as well as frequency. But it is not uncommon for therapists to overlook this. For example, one of my clients is a cyclist who was on racing teams for many years. He now continues to cycle and also engages in physical work. As we discussed his massage treatment, I recommended 90 minute massages to fully address his aches and pains. He later told me that in all his years of receiving massage no one had ever recommended a longer massage. He’s now hooked on 90 minutes!
In general, 60 minutes is an appropriate length to receive a relaxing, full body massage. It allows a few minutes for each area of the body. But in 60 minutes, it is unlikely I can address an area in pain and perform a full body massage. With clients who have a particular area of pain or discomfort (such as low back or neck issues), I typically focus on that area and do as much of the rest of the body as time allows in a 60 minute massage.
In general, 60 minutes is an appropriate length to receive a relaxing, full body massage. It allows a few minutes for each area of the body. But in 60 minutes, it is unlikely I can address an area in pain and perform a full body massage. With clients who have a particular area of pain or discomfort (such as low back or neck issues), I typically focus on that area and do as much of the rest of the body as time allows in a 60 minute massage.
If you have an area that is painful or sore and requires extra attention AND you want a full body massage, 60 minutes is just not enough time to do both well. You could be left with pain or soreness in your neck in an effort to save enough time to work on your entire body. In that case, a 75 or 90 minute massage is more appropriate to meet your goals. Sometimes an extra 15 minutes is all that is needed to spend extra time on painful areas and work on the entire body.
And I want to point out that scheduling a 30 minute massage does not mean that your therapist will perform a full body massage fast. I find it virtually impossible to provide a full body massage in less than 45 minutes, and even that is pretty fast with no time for extra attention to tight areas.
How often you get massage is also a factor in the length of your massage. If you get massage infrequently, you might consider a longer massage to ensure the therapist has time to address any tight or painful areas and attend to the full body. Initially, it may take 90 minutes to perform a full body massage on a client with numerous aches and pains. But with regular massage and appropriate self-care, the time required decreases. Or, if a client has a particular injury or chronic pain condition, we might decide that a 30 minute massage once a week that focuses on their troublespot is the best plan for them.
In closing, I will just point out that numerous clients have told me that they wish their massage had lasted longer. No one has ever said they wished their massage was shorter!
And I want to point out that scheduling a 30 minute massage does not mean that your therapist will perform a full body massage fast. I find it virtually impossible to provide a full body massage in less than 45 minutes, and even that is pretty fast with no time for extra attention to tight areas.
How often you get massage is also a factor in the length of your massage. If you get massage infrequently, you might consider a longer massage to ensure the therapist has time to address any tight or painful areas and attend to the full body. Initially, it may take 90 minutes to perform a full body massage on a client with numerous aches and pains. But with regular massage and appropriate self-care, the time required decreases. Or, if a client has a particular injury or chronic pain condition, we might decide that a 30 minute massage once a week that focuses on their troublespot is the best plan for them.
In closing, I will just point out that numerous clients have told me that they wish their massage had lasted longer. No one has ever said they wished their massage was shorter!
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