A full body massage (FBM) is a therapeutic session designed to manipulate the soft tissues across the body’s major muscle groups to promote relaxation and physical well-being. This comprehensive treatment typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. The routine addresses the cumulative stress and strain that daily life imposes on the entire musculoskeletal system, systematically covering specific anatomical regions.
Massaging the Back, Shoulders, and Neck
The back is often the primary focus of a full body massage, as it is a central location for postural stress and tension accumulation. This section typically begins with the client lying prone (face down) to allow the therapist full access to the posterior chain musculature. Work is systematically applied to the entire length of the back, addressing the upper, middle, and lower regions.
The therapist targets the large muscles like the latissimus dorsi and the deeper erector spinae group, which stabilize and extend the spine. Kneading, stroking (effleurage), and pressure techniques are used to release myofascial restrictions and improve circulation. This increased blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products.
Movement then extends to the shoulders, focusing on the trapezius muscle. Tension in the upper trapezius is a common complaint, often linked to desk work or sustained stress postures. The neck muscles, such as the levator scapulae, are carefully addressed to relieve stiffness that can contribute to tension headaches.
The Arms and Hands
The arms and hands are addressed to relieve strain caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or gripping objects. The massage typically begins high on the shoulder, working down the length of the arm to the fingertips. Therapists target the biceps and triceps, which can hold significant tension from lifting or carrying.
Attention is then given to the forearm muscles, including the flexors and extensors, whose tightness can contribute to conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow. The hands, including the palms and individual fingers, receive detailed work to release tension in the small, intrinsic muscles.
The Legs and Feet
The lower body receives comprehensive attention to alleviate the effects of prolonged standing, sitting, or athletic activity. This section frequently begins with the client prone, allowing the therapist to work on the gluteal muscles, which are crucial for hip stability and posture. Addressing the glutes, including the piriformis, can help relieve tension that contributes to lower back discomfort.
The hamstrings and calves are then targeted with techniques like deep kneading and compression to increase flexibility and reduce muscle soreness. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf are important for those who spend long hours standing or walking. The client then turns supine for the final portion of the leg work, which focuses on the quadriceps and the tibialis anterior muscle along the shin.
The session concludes the lower body work by focusing on the feet and ankles, areas that bear the body’s weight. Massaging the plantar fascia on the sole of the foot helps to relieve chronic foot tension. This attention to the feet can affect overall body relaxation due to the high concentration of nerve endings.
Areas Subject to Variation
While the back, limbs, and feet form the core of a full body massage, certain areas are subject to variation based on client preference and therapeutic goals. The abdomen, for example, is sometimes included with light, circular strokes to assist with digestive flow and visceral relaxation. However, this area requires explicit client consent due to its sensitive nature.
The face and scalp are not always part of the standard routine but can be requested for relief from sinus pressure or tension headaches. Massaging the temporalis and masseter muscles around the jaw can be beneficial for those with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The chest, specifically the pectoral muscles, may be addressed to counteract the rounded-shoulder posture often caused by prolonged sitting, but this also requires consent and careful draping to maintain client comfort.