express services

Q: What are the indications for receiving an express service?

Time and scheduling In some cases there may be limited time in the clients schedule to receive a full service option (75, 90, 105 or 120 min service). There are other instances where my schedule does not align with the clients schedule to receive a full service option and if this is the case, I am able to offer express services regularly throughout each week. Budget Express services offer an opportunity to connect for wellness, tension relief or stress relief but at a lower cost than a full service option. Client goals or medical status: targeted pain management, reduce stress, ease tension, promote wellness more frequently through therapeutic touch. The client may choose to receive multiple express services throughout the month or over the course of several months to make more of an impact in their wellness or healing journey. Pain isn't the only indicator for increased frequency for an express service. Stress, anxiety, grief, sinus issues, post op edema, insomnia, enhancing immunity, reconnecting with self, or just enjoying massage because of all of the many benefits of therapeutic touch. Clients with autoimmune conditions, undergoing cancer therapies or other health complications may not be able to receive a full service option because of the stressors on the body, so shorter services are indicated in these circumstances as well.

Q: Can a full body session be performed in a 30, 45 or 60 min session?

Yes! but it is going to be a general approach without targeted work, unless the client is open to a full NMR service, but 95% of my clients still want some form of relaxation and massage during their appointment, not just NMR.

Erica Craig
Jul 3
3 min read

with Erica Craig LMT

Indications, benefits and expectations

I offer express service options that include 30, 45 or 60 minute appointments for established clients.

What are the indications for receiving an express service?

Time and scheduling

In some cases there may be limited time in the clients schedule to receive a full service option (75, 90, 105 or 120 min service). There are other instances where my schedule does not align with the clients schedule to receive a full service option and if this is the case, I am able to offer express services regularly throughout each week.

Budget

Express services offer an opportunity to connect for wellness, tension relief or stress relief but at a lower cost than a full service option.

Client goals or medical status: targeted pain management, reduce stress, ease tension, promote wellness more frequently through therapeutic touch.

The client may choose to receive multiple express services throughout the month or over the course of several months to make more of an impact in their wellness or healing journey. Pain isn't the only indicator for increased frequency for an express service. Stress, anxiety, grief, sinus issues, post op edema, insomnia, enhancing immunity, reconnecting with self, or just enjoying massage because of all of the many benefits of therapeutic touch.

Clients with autoimmune conditions, undergoing cancer therapies or other health complications may not be able to receive a full service option because of the stressors on the body, so shorter services are indicated in these circumstances as well.

What are the benefits of receiving an express service?

I don't believe in an all or nothing approach when it comes to massage. 'If I can't receive a 90 min massage, than it's not even worth it, or if I can't make it every 4 - 6 weeks, it's not worth booking an appointment'. With this mentality around massage, I see a month go by, then another month, and before the client knows it, it has been a whole year since they have received work because they are waiting for the 'perfect circumstance' to receive a full session.

I personally have received several 30 min services in 2026 for the exact reasons listed above - increased stress, healing, budget, unable to align my schedule with the practitoners schedule and on and on. I feel ease when I get to lay on the massage table, feel my body settle, let my brain turn off, enjoy the act of receiving, having my body cared for and still come out of a shorter session feeling better than when I went in for my appointment every single time. Of course I love receiving a long leisurely service, but implementing regular massage for my wellness is a priority for me as a massage therapist whether it is a 30 min session or a 2 hour session.

Expectations

Being realistic with what is possible in an express service at pure balance.

Express options are typically going to be targeted sessions. During consultation, if you have a list of several ailments, we will need to zoom in on what is a priority for the time scheduled. This is different for each client.

Can a full body session be performed in a 30, 45 or 60 min session? Yes! but it is going to be a general approach without targeted work, unless the client is open to a full NMR service, but 95% of my clients still want some form of relaxation and massage during their appointment, not just NMR.

Each client will offer a different possibility for express work, so the possibilities can be endless, but here are some examples of express bookings below for considerations.

Sinus relief with the lymphatic brush, connective tissue therapy, acupressure and gua sha to the face head, neck and shoulders
Reduce undereye or facial puffiness
post op edema management
Tech neck relief
TMJD relief
Headache relief
Back, neck shoulder massage and gua sha to the neck, back and shoulders
NMR for shoulder pain
Wellness, relaxation and stress reduction with gua sha facial fusion and massage to the neck, shoulders and arms

Options. This post was all about bringing awareness to the possibilities for service options in my practice. I love offering express options for my clients for all of the reasons listed above. If you would like to book an express service or have questions about the possibilites for your specific goals and needs, reach out to me at purebalanceny@gmail.com