Is a Longer Massage Session Better?
When it’s time to schedule a massage, you may wonder what length of time is best. In the same way different types of massage accomplish different things, the length of massage caters to different needs. If you’re wondering whether a longer massage session is better, the answer varies from person to person based on several factors.
Massage goals
Many massages are 60 minutes in length, which allows the therapist to treat the entire body and focus on relaxation. In any massage appointment, the first and last several minutes are reserved for communicating with the client and preparing for the massage. If general relaxation is your goal, an hour is a good starting point.
Massages that are shorter than 60 minutes tend to be good for pain relief in specific areas. Because your massage therapist will not have as much time to treat your whole body, the time is best spent focusing on a specific area. For clients who have problem areas and are on a time crunch, a short massage might be the answer.
Extending a massage past 60 minutes allows for the deep relaxation that comes from a whole-body massage by providing more time to work on each area of the body. Longer massages also allow more time to focus on specific problem areas while still treating the entire body.
Lifestyle factors
Considering what works best for your lifestyle also plays into the decision. If you have a busy schedule, perhaps a short massage is all you can manage. Or, maybe your lifestyle is more flexible, and you’re able to spend time on longer massages.
Budget is an important consideration for most people, as well. Long massage sessions cost more. Budget might also come into play when balancing massage length and frequency. If you need to choose between long, infrequent massages and shorter, regular massages, the shorter and more regular massages will likely get better results. Massage is cumulative, and the longer the time between massages, the more your body tenses and your muscles knot. Regular massages are always recommended over infrequent massages for the sake of keeping your body loose and relaxed, even if the massage must be shorter.
Preference
Ultimately, the best length is determined by your unique circumstances, including what makes you feel the most comfortable. The best way to figure out what’s best for you is to book massages of varying lengths and pay attention to the results. You might find that a shorter massage is more comfortable for you or that you get the best results from a longer massage.
Your massage therapist can recommend a specific session length based on your goals and talk with you about what can be accomplished in a session. However, there is no one right answer to the question of the best massage length. Your goals, circumstances, and personal preference are all part of the decision.
