If you have never had a full body massage, it is completely normal to walk in with a mental list of questions. What actually gets worked on? What do you wear? Is there small talk you are supposed to have, or can you just close your eyes and let the time disappear? These are common questions for first-time massage clients, so let’s start with the basics: what is a full body massage? In short, it typically covers the back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, feet, and sometimes the scalp and face. The exact combination depends on where you book, since every spa builds its own version of a full body session.
At cityWell, we built ours around one idea: you should not have to choose between massage styles. Every session blends Swedish and deep tissue techniques, tailored to what your body needs that day. Heated basalt stones, warm towels, and customized aromatherapy from our cityWell essentials line are part of every session, not an upgrade you pay extra for. Below, we walk through what is actually included, what it costs, what to wear, and what your first visit at our Gowanus location looks like.
What Does a Full Body Massage Include?
So what does a full body massage involve once you are actually on the table? At cityWell, it includes:
- Swedish and deep tissue techniques, blended and tailored to you rather than offered as separate services
- Heated basalt stones used on the upper body and legs
- Warm towels throughout the session
- Customized aromatherapy from our cityWell essentials line, with blends such as Restore and Refresh.
- Four settings to choose from: our indoor massage room, the Loft (a private second-floor room), the Cabin (a lightly heated cedar room built for massage), and the Pergola (a covered outdoor space, seasonal)
Your therapist adjusts the blend of techniques, the pressure, and the aromatherapy to what you need that day. You do not have to decide between a Swedish massage and a deep tissue massage before you book. Every Massage Therapy session includes both.
If you want more detail on how the aromatherapy piece works, our guide on what aromatherapy adds to a massage walks through it. And if hot stones are new to you, our hot stone massage guide covers exactly what they do.
If your main concern is swelling or fluid retention rather than a full body reset, that is a different kind of session. Our lymphatic drainage massage guide explains how that gentler technique works and how it differs from a full body massage.
What Should You Wear to a Massage?
What to wear to a massage is one of the most common questions we get before a first session, so here is the direct answer: you undress to whatever level feels comfortable to you. Some clients keep on underwear, some do not, and both are completely normal. Your therapist will always keep you properly draped with a sheet or towel, so only the area being worked on is uncovered at any time.
This holds true no matter who you are. If you searched what to wear for a full body massage before booking, the answer is the same one we give every client: wear whatever lets you relax. cityWell provides what you need for the session itself, including a private space to change and a table prepared for your appointment. You do not need to bring anything specific, though loose, comfortable clothing for before and after your appointment is a good idea.
If you are nervous about this part, you are not the only one. Every therapist on our team has this conversation constantly, and the goal is always the same: you should feel at ease, not exposed. Speak up if anything about your comfort level needs adjusting, at any point in the session.
What Should You Expect During Your First Visit?
Your first visit at cityWell starts at 496 President Street in Gowanus, Brooklyn. Here is what the visit typically looks like:
- You arrive a few minutes early to check in and get settled
- You have a short conversation with your therapist about what you want out of the session, any areas of tension, and whether you have injuries or sensitivities
- Your therapist asks about your aromatherapy preferences directly, so you can choose a blend that fits your mood that day
- The massage itself begins, blending Swedish and deep tissue work with hot stones and warm towels throughout
- After the session, take your time and rehydrate. If the weather allows, spend a few minutes in our outdoor spaces, like the Cabin or the area around the Pergola, before heading back into your day
Because cityWell is tucked into a quiet corner of Gowanus, a lot of guests tell us the neighborhood itself is part of what makes the visit feel different from a typical appointment.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
How often you should get a massage really depends on why you are getting one. This is general guidance, not medical advice, and your own body and your therapist’s input matter more than a rule of thumb.
- For general wellness and stress relief, once evey month or two is a common rhythm. Otherwise seasonally is a great marker as well. Massages can help you transition into the next season and what energy it holds.
- For ongoing tension or recovery, some people schedule a massage every two to three weeks.
- For specific conditions or ongoing pain, talk with your therapist and your doctor about a schedule tailored to you
Studies on massage therapy point to real benefits, including reduced stress, less pain and muscle tightness, and better relaxation. Massage is generally considered a complement to medical care rather than a replacement for it.
If regular massage is something you are considering, cityWell’s WELL Pack bundles make it more affordable to build into your routine, since they save 15 percent compared to booking each session on its own.
Book Your Massage at cityWell brooklyn
A full body massage at cityWell blends Swedish and deep tissue techniques with hot stones, warm towels, and aromatherapy built around what your body needs that day. Whether that is once a month or once a season, we are here in Gowanus whenever you are ready.
Book Your Massage at cityWell brooklyn
See full session details and pricing on our Massage Therapy page.
Quick Questions About Full Body Massage
What is included in a full body massage?
At cityWell, it includes Swedish and deep tissue techniques blended together, heated basalt stones, warm towels, and customized aromatherapy, all in one session. You can book it indoors, in the Loft, in the Cabin, or under the Pergola.
Is a Swedish massage full body?
Generally, yes. Swedish massage is typically a full body technique built around long, gliding strokes. At cityWell, we do not offer Swedish as a separate massage type. Every session blends Swedish and deep tissue techniques together, so you get both in one visit.
How long does a full body massage take?
Our full body sessions range from 60 to 90 minutes. Body Maintenance runs 60 minutes, cityWell Signature runs 75 minutes, and Full Body Luxury runs 90 minutes.
What areas does a full body massage cover?
Typically the back, shoulders, neck, arms, legs, and feet, with your therapist adjusting time and focus based on where you are holding tension.
Can I get a full body massage while pregnant?
cityWell offers a Signature Prenatal massage on our Massage Therapy page, a 70-minute side-lying session built for circulation and pregnancy-related strain. You can also book with Liz, who has training in labor and postpartum massage. Always check with your OB-GYN or midwife before booking any massage during pregnancy.