What Entails A Full Body Massage?

A full-body massage entails the manipulation of your muscles, skin, tendons and ligaments. Swedish massage and deep-tissue massage are the most common forms of therapeutic, full-body massage. The benefits of massage can include pain relief and relaxation, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says that scientific evidence on massage therapy is limited and advises that you discuss massage with your physician.

Massage Session

A typical full-body massage offered by a day spa or heath club lasts one hour and ranges in price from $60 to $120, as of 2010. Before the massage begins, you undress and lie under a sheet on the massage table. Your massage therapist applies massage oil and performs gliding, kneading and stretching techniques to address tension in your muscles and connective tissue. The session includes a head, neck, shoulder, back, arm and leg massage.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common and recognizable style of full-body massage. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website, Swedish massage involves vigorous strokes, including kneading, rolling and tapping movements, which are directed toward the heart. These fundamental characteristics of Swedish massage are useful in various other massage forms such as sports massage and hot stone massage. The purpose of a Swedish massage is to stimulate circulation and energize your body.

Deep-tissue Massage

Deep-tissue massage affects the sub-layers of musculature and fascia. This form of full-body massage focuses on localized areas of muscle tension with slow, concentrated strokes. The therapist uses knuckle, fist and elbow techniques to apply moderate to heavy pressure. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website, deep-tissue massage requires advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.

Health Benefits

A full-body massage can be part of the treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Although more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage helpful for stress relief, managing pain and anxiety, stiffness, blood pressure control, enhancing immunity and sports-related injury recovery, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals website, massage therapy can enhance your sleep quality, boost your energy and improve your concentration.

Medical Considerations

Massage is generally safe as long as it is done by a trained massage therapist, according to the Mayo Clinic. The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises you to avoid massage therapy if you have a bleeding disorder, a low blood platelet count or if you take a blood-thinning medication. In addition, massage should not be done on an area of your body with blood clots, fractures, open wounds, skin infections or where there has been a recent surgery.