What’s the best length for your massage appointment?
Most people opt for “as long as their budget and schedule allow”, and you can’t go too wrong with that approach! However, if you’d like to know more about what massage appointments of various lengths will include, we’ve broken it down for you. Read on to decide what your perfect massage length might be.
Please note that these guides apply to Elemental Body Therapies appointments! We can’t speak for other providers. Our appointment times also include around 5 minutes for discussing what you want and need out of your massage, and allowing you privacy to undress and prepare.
How long do I need for a deep tissue massage?
A deep tissue massage is intended to target specific areas, addressing issues such as chronic tension, muscle soreness, and injuries (where appropriate). We will discuss your goals beforehand and determine what is safe and helpful.
The best length for your deep tissue massage will depend on the specific areas you’d like your therapist to target. Here’s what we recommend:
- Sore neck and upper back: 30-45 minute appointment
- Sore lower back: 30 minute appointment
- All of back and neck: 45-60 minute appointment
How long do I need for a relaxation massage?
A relaxation massage uses light to firm pressure that will help to reduce tension in your muscles and overall create a relaxing experience. Some people even fall asleep during a relaxation massage - if that’s your goal, we suggest the “as long as possible” option! If you have specific body parts you’d like us to focus attention on, here’s what we recommend:
- Upper back and neck or back and feet: 30 minute appointment
- Back and neck, back and legs/feet, or neck, shoulders, and arms: 45 minute appointment
- Back, neck, legs, and feet: 60 minute appointment
- Full body: 90 minute appointment
These can always be adapted according to our pre-massage discussion, but give a general idea of what we will be able to cover in your appointment time.
How long do I need for a lymphatic drainage massage?
Lymphatic drainage massage uses light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system that lies just below the skin. It prevents buildup of lymph fluid and can be used to treat lymphoedema, lactic acid buildup, and swelling. It can also promote immunity by moving lymph fluid which contains pathogen-fighting white blood cells.
These are our suggested appointment times for lymphatic drainage massage, according to which parts of your body you want to address:
- Head and upper body: 30 minute appointment
- Upper body and arms or upper body and legs (excluding head): 45 minute appointment
- Full body including head: 60 minute appointment
How long do I need for a sports massage?
Our specialised sports massages are highly tailored to the needs of each athlete, and can be focused on injury prevention, healing, and recovery. Sports massage is a type of Swedish massage that promotes circulation of blood and lymph fluid as well as targeting trigger points to break down adhesions (knots).
The ideal length for your sports massage will depend on what you are aiming for. Here is a rough guide:
- Pre or post event general muscle relaxation: 30-60 minute appointment
- Neck and upper back: 30-45 minute appointment
- Lower back: 30 minute appointment
- Back and neck: 45-60 minute appointment
- Legs 45-60 minute appointment
- Arms 30-45 minute appointment
When in doubt, ask!
We can tailor the massage to suit your aches, pains, and goals - however, the appointment time will determine how many areas we can fit in. If you’re unsure about how long you should book your massage for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team! You can contact us by filling out the form on our contact page, call on 09 534 5686, or come in to see us at 14 Picton Street, Howick.