What happens during a full body massage? The techniques used.

During a full-body massage, the therapist uses five basic techniques: stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, and vibration. Each area of ​​the body receives its own specific combination of these techniques, and the sequence is almost always the same. Here you'll find information on the effect of each technique, what actually happens on the back, legs, arms, and neck, and how you can tell that the massage is being done properly.

The five basic grips

• Cancel. Broad, gliding strokes with the whole hand, usually towards the heart. This is how almost every area begins and ends. It distributes the oil, warms the tissue, and gives the body time to adjust to the touch.
• Knead. The muscles are lifted and worked between the thumb and fingers, similar to kneading dough. This is the core of the massage and the technique most people have in mind when they think of massage.
• Rub. Small, circular movements with the thumb or fingertips, precisely targeting a specific spot. The most intense of the five techniques, and the one that most likely makes you flinch.
• Knock. Short, light taps with the edge of the hand or the cupped hand. This has a stimulating rather than a calming effect, and is therefore more likely to be used at the end of a massage or during a sports massage.
• Vibration. Gentle shaking with hand placed on top. Often used to finish a treatment area.

No studio rigidly follows all five techniques. Good therapists switch between them depending on what they feel under their hands.

What each region gets

Back. The longest section, usually a third of the time. First, broad strokes along the entire length, then kneading of the muscle groups to the left and right of the spine, then targeted rubbing of the tight spots. No work is done on the spine itself, only alongside it.

Neck and shoulders. This is the area that is most frequently tight. Work here is more detailed, often done while seated or with the head turned to the side. The trapezius muscle between the neck and shoulder receives the most attention.

Legs. First the back, calves, and back of the thighs, then, while lying on your back, the front. Stroke from bottom to top, towards the heart. Avoid the back of the knees, as blood vessels run close to the skin there.

Feet. Firm thumb pressure on the sole, movement of the toes. For many, this is either the most pleasant or the most ticklish part; there's little in between.

Arms and hands. Keep it short, usually two to three minutes per side. Stroke from the wrist to the shoulder, knead the upper arm, apply thumb pressure to the palm.

Belly. Only with explicit consent and always very gently, in clockwise circular movements.

The chronological order

Almost all studios work from the legs upwards, starting in a prone position: back of the legs, back, neck and shoulders. Then you turn over, and the front of the legs, arms, possibly the abdomen, and often finally the neck and head again.

The reason for this order is practical: the back requires the most time and is therefore treated early, while the session is still long. Regarding the rest of the procedure, from reception to the subsequent rest period, it is described here: how a full body massage works.

What the individual handles are supposed to do

Each movement serves a specific purpose. This is a cautious way of putting it, because the research on massage is generally less extensive than advertising would have you believe.

• To brush It prepares the body. It warms the tissue and reduces the defensive tension with which every body reacts to a foreign hand. Without this initial contact, everything that follows feels harsher.
• Knead It targets the muscles themselves. Many describe a feeling of loosening in the treated area afterwards.
• Rub It works on individual, fixed points. This is the grip where a point initially feels uncomfortable and then often significantly softer.
• Tapping It has a stimulating rather than a calming effect. Therefore, it is taken before a competition and not at the end of a spa treatment.
• Vibration closes one region and leads to the next.

How long the effects last varies from person to person. How often treatment is advisable is explained in a separate article. how often one should go for a massage.

How to prepare

It's not much, but it helps. Don't eat right beforehand, especially not heavy meals, because lying on your stomach puts pressure on your abdomen, which can be uncomfortable. Shower beforehand; it's not a matter of politeness, it's more pleasant for both of you. Take off your jewelry and watch, and tie back long hair.

At the beginning, say two things: where you have discomfort and which areas you'd like to avoid. Both are standard procedure and no one will ask about them. What you wear and what gets undressed: what to take off during a massage.

How to recognize good work

• Questions are asked before a new region begins, especially in the buttocks and abdomen.
• The pressure is built up instead of being applied fully immediately.
• The hands hardly lose contact with the body, which keeps the process calm.
• You can continue breathing calmly throughout. Holding your breath or tensing up means you're overdoing it.
• They ask whether the pressure is correct, not just at the beginning.

What is omitted

The genital area and breasts are not treated, nor is the spine itself, the backs of the knees, the front of the neck, or fresh injuries. A separate article details exactly what is and isn't included in the treatment. which massage really massages everythingThe article on [topic] provides an overview of duration, costs, and formats. Full Body Massage.

What a device can do from this

A massage chair can perform three of the five basic massage techniques: kneading via rotating rollers, tapping via rapid strokes, and vibration. Its stroking function is limited, and it cannot perform precise rubbing on a single, fixed point. However, it can massage the entire length of the back in ten minutes, every evening, without an appointment. The models are available in the... Overview, smaller devices for individual zones at the Massagers.

Briefly summarized

• Five basic techniques: stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, vibration.
• The back gets about a third of the time, the arms the least.
• The work is done from bottom to top and from the stomach to the back.
• The spine, backs of the knees, front of the neck, genital area and chest are excluded.
• The device can knead, tap and vibrate, but not perform pinpoint rubbing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a full body massage usually take?

Usually 60 to 90 minutes. Shorter versions only cover the surface of the entire body, longer ones give each region more time.

Is a full body massage painful?

Generally not. Significant pressure can occur in deeper muscle groups. Speak up if it's too intense; this is normal and won't be commented on.

How often should you get a full body massage?

It depends on the reason. For relaxation, once a month is sufficient for many, while a more frequent frequency is common for persistent tension.

Can anyone get a full body massage?

Most, yes. However, prior medical consultation is recommended in cases of thrombosis, acute inflammation, fever, recent injuries, osteoporosis, and when taking blood-thinning medications.

What clothing should you wear for a full body massage?

The massage is performed on the skin; towels cover the areas not being worked on. Underwear remains on. Please come in comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off.