What does a full body massage do to your body?

Author: Mack Nienow  |  Last update: Friday, April 11, 2025

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.

What happens to your body after a full body massage?

It's common to feel relaxed, tired or even sore after a massage. This is because your muscles are being worked by the massage therapist. After a massage, it may feel like you completed a workout. It is possible to experience a headache or nausea after a massage.

What are the benefits of getting a full body massage?

Benefits of massage
  • reduced muscle tension.
  • improved circulation.
  • stimulation of the lymphatic system.
  • reduction of stress hormones.
  • relaxation.
  • increased joint range of motion.
  • improved skin tone.
  • improved recovery of soft tissue injuries.

How often should you get a full body massage?

It is generally recommended to get a full body massage once every 1-2 weeks for optimal benefits. This frequency helps maintain muscle health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. However, the ideal frequency can vary based on individual needs, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Which body parts are included in full body massage?

A typical full body massage covers all areas of the body, including your head (scalp, crown, temples, forehead), neck (sternocleidomastoid, scalenes, trapezius), shoulders (rhomboid, rotator cuff muscles), arms and hands, back (upper, middle, lower), hips (glutes, piriformis)legs (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps), and ...

Therapeutic massage vs. relaxation massage | Ohio State Medical Center

What body part feels the best in a massage?

The back is one of the most requested areas in any massage. It's where many people carry stress, tension, and discomfort from sitting, standing, or physical activity. Therapists focus on the upper, middle, and lower back to release tightness and improve mobility. The neck and shoulders are another high-tension zone.

Do they massage your stomach in a full body massage?

There is a problem in the massage industry: Less and less of the body is being included in many full-body massage sessions. The anterior torso, including the chest and abdomen; hips; buttocks; and medial thigh are avoided or only given cursory attention during many massage sessions.

What are the disadvantages of full body massage?

Side effects associated with massage therapy are rare. However, they can include nausea, headaches, soreness in the muscles being massaged, bruising or bleeding in some cases, fatigue, dizziness, mental/emotional discomfort (anxiety), fainting, and skin irritation.

What is the most pleasurable type of massage?

The Most Relaxing Types of Massages
  • Swedish Massage. The most common type of massage therapy, Swedish massage will help to relax you with a combination of specific movements including: ...
  • Hot Stone Massage. Another very relaxing type of massage is the hot stone massage. ...
  • Chair Massage. ...
  • Aromatherapy Massage.

Do I take all my clothes off for a full body massage?

For a full-body massage, you can opt to keep your pants on or go completely in the buff. You'll find that most massage therapists are very skilled at protecting your modesty and making you feel comfortable; you'll never have to uncover anything you'd rather not.

What is the ideal time for a full body massage?

For many others, the best time to get a massage is in the evening. It may be the calmest, least busy part of your day while also aligning with goals for unwinding before bed. Getting a massage in the evening is great for stress relief as well as for helping your body recover from the normal wear and tear of the day.

Do you take everything off at a massage?

Take off only as much clothing as you are comfortable removing. If you don't want to remove your clothing, wear clothing that will be comfortable during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be massaged.

What chemical is released after a massage?

Endorphins. While technically not a toxin, the release of endorphins during a massage is a significant benefit. These "feel-good" hormones naturally boost mood and relieve pain.

Can your weight go up after a massage?

Taken together, these findings suggest that massage therapy may lead to increased weight gain via at least two potential mechanisms: 1) increased vagal activity leading to increased gastric motility, and, perhaps, the release of food absorption hormones (insulin) leading to greater weight gain; and 2) release of IGF-1 ...

How long after a massage do you feel better?

There is a possibility you may feel sore for 24-48 hrs after the massage but that will ease and eventually disappear in the next 24-48 hours.

Why does a full body massage feel so good?

One of the main reasons why massages feel so good is because they help to release endorphins, which are our body's natural "feel-good" chemicals.

What kind of massage do men like?

Types of men's massage
  • Swedish massage.
  • Deep tissue massage.
  • Lymphatic massage.
  • Sports massage.
  • Oncology massage.
  • Hot stone massage.
  • Aromatherapy massage.
  • Thai massage.

What is the most favorite body part to be massaged?

The survey results are in and the back took top position as the most favourite part of the body to be massaged followed by the shoulders. Then feet coming in at third surprisingly took preference over the neck at fourth, followed by head/face, legs, arms and hands as the least favourite.

What not to do in a massage?

Here are some examples of what you, as the client, should never do! :
  1. Don't joke if this is a “happy ending" massage or make any sexual comments. ...
  2. Don't get sexually excited, it's inappropriate. ...
  3. Don't break wind. ...
  4. Avoid talking too much. ...
  5. Don't use your phone. ...
  6. Don't be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Why do muscles pop during massage?

Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound.

Why no hot shower after massage?

The temperature of the water can cause your muscles to tense up, which can negate the benefits of massage therapy. The heat can also increase the risk of dehydration. Inflammation may also occur if you are already feeling sore after the massage. Wait at least 1-2 hours before showering or taking a bath.

Which part of the body is not commonly massaged?

Points on the body that we do not massage are: The spine, as it can be irreparably injured. The abdomen, especially when it comes to pregnant women or people with stomach and abdominal diseases. The head, when there is an injury or other factors including inflammation and swelling.

Can you massage pelvic floor muscles?

Pelvic floor massage therapy can strengthen these muscles and improve their coordination, leading to better control over urinary and bowel functions. This can be especially beneficial for individuals who experience issues such as frequent urgency, leakage, or difficulty emptying their bladder or bowels.

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