Full Body Massage: What Is It and What to Expect

When it comes to self-care, there’s nothing better than a massage from a professional spa therapist. Whether you’re experiencing sore muscles, chronic stress, or simply want to treat yourself to some VIP pampering, you can’t go wrong with a full body massage.

But what is a full body massage, and what can you expect when you book yourself in for this treatment for the first time? In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to go over everything you need to know about a full body massage: what it includes, how to prepare, and what to expect during your treatment. Let’s take a look!

What is a full body massage?

A full body massage is a form of massage therapy that involves massaging (almost!) the entire body, using professional techniques that can help to relieve muscle soreness, promote relaxation, and reduce stress. 

A full body massage will typically include the back, legs, arms, head, shoulders, and feet. Some providers may also offer a glute massage as part of your full-body treatment, but you’ll be able to discuss this with your therapist beforehand if you’d rather opt out.

What are the benefits of a full body massage?

Reduce stress

One of the most common reasons people book a full body massage is to reduce any ongoing stress and anxiety. The combination of gentle massage strokes and deeply relaxing music can help you to relax, ease any physical tension, and help to improve your mental wellbeing.

Relieve muscle injury

There’s a reason you often see footballers and other sports stars getting an after-match massage on the pitch; massaging the muscles can help to reduce the risk of injury, relieve tension and improve muscle recovery after exertion. If you're a keen runner, gym-goer, or play sports regularly, a regular full body massage can keep you in tip-top form all year round.

Improve sleep

Many Americans report trouble sleeping; in fact, the CDC reports that 1 in 3 Americans don't get enough regular sleep. Chronic lack of sleep can cause serious problems for both your physical and mental wellbeing, but regular full body massages can help; by relaxing the mind and relieving stress-related physical tension, you'll be in a better position to achieve a full night's rest. At Spa Theory, we even offer a dedicated Sleep Massage for those who struggle with insomnia or sleep troubles.

Better blood circulation 

A massage helps to increase the oxygenation of cells through improved blood flow, so you’ll enjoy better circulation and increased flexibility after a full body treatment. Improved circulation has a knock-on effect on your overall wellbeing; you'll notice improved concentration and even a more glowing complexion. 

What to expect from a full body massage?

So, what can you expect from a full body massage? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect before, during and after your massage therapy:

Before your massage

At Spa Theory, we offer mobile spa services, so we’ll come to your home, hotel, or any other private location of your choosing to perform your massage. Your massage therapist will bring all of their tools and their own massage table, but you will need to provide two flat sheets and a pillowcase so that you can be draped accordingly during the massage.

Before beginning, you'll need to remove any restrictive clothing so that your therapist can perform the massage effectively - your therapist will give you privacy to undress and position yourself on the massage table. If you're wearing a bra and don't wish to remove it, you can simply unclip the bra at its fastening so the therapist can massage your back without any constraints.

During your massage

During your massage, your therapist will typically begin by massaging your back and shoulders; for this, you'll need to be laying down comfortably on your stomach. Then, the therapist will massage your legs and feet, (and your glutes if this has been agreed to) before proceeding to massage the arms. You’ll then switch to lying on your back, and your therapist will perform a head massage.

You can create your own at-home spa ambiance by playing relaxing music, safely lighting some aromatic candles, and allowing yourself to drift off into a relaxed state. A massage is about the mind just as much as it is about the body, so it's important to be able to detach from any ongoing worries, problems, or stress.

Don't forget that a massage is an intimate procedure, so mutual confidence and trust is important, as is respecting a mutual code of conduct during the treatment. Your therapist will always ensure that you feel comfortable during the massage, and likewise, clients should always respect personal boundaries with their therapist. This means no inappropriate touching, undressing in front of the client, or making inappropriate remarks during the treatment. Also be aware of any noises - even if the massage does feel great, it's best to keep any moaning sounds to a minimum!

After your massage

Once your massage is complete, you might feel slightly lightheaded; this is a normal reaction to the massage, and should ease off after a few minutes. Post-treatment, we'd recommend giving yourself time to relax, whether it be through reading a book or relaxing in front of the TV. You should also try to get to bed early, too - you'll wake up feeling fully rejuvenated and refreshed in the morning.

How to prepare for a full body massage

If you're booking a full body massage for the first time, here's how we recommend prepping for the event:

Take a shower

We'd always recommend taking a quick shower before your massage therapist arrives. Not only will this make the experience better for your therapist, but you'll also feel more confident during the treatment. Showering also energizes the muscles by increasing blood flow, so this will help enhance the effects of the massage itself.

Keep hydrated

Make sure to stay hydrated before and after your massage - this will ensure that your muscles remain relaxed and supple, as well as helping you feel energized. Try sipping some water or herbal tea for additional relaxation benefits.

Avoid stubble

Prickly stubble on the body can be irritating and even painful for your massage therapist. For ultimate massage etiquette, shave off any existing stubble before your appointment (or let it grow out beforehand if you don't plan on shaving again soon.) Your massage therapist will appreciate it!

Mobile Massage Services in Atlanta 

If you want to try out your first full body massage, let Spa Theory come to you! We can provide a mobile massage in Atlanta at any private residence, so you don't need to commute to the salon. We only work with licensed and trusted massage therapists, so you're sure to be in great hands - literally!