How Often Should You Get A Massage?

I get this question often from clients after their massage session, especially if their reason for coming in for a massage was injury or stress related. “When should I come back?” And the answer to that really varies person to person.

So often, I treat someone for some type of pain they are dealing with…they come in for multiple treatments, start to feel better, and then I don’t see them again for months until the pain returns with a vengeance and we start the whole process over again. It becomes a cycle and can easily be broken with getting on a massage routine of at least once a month, typically.

In an ideal world, we all would be getting massages once a day…if it wasn’t for the minor details like time, money and other responsibilities that get in the way. We live in a time where we are non-stop, and our bodies are needing massage more than ever. So what is the answer? How often should one be coming in for treatment?

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This really depends on your lifestyle and goals. Are you stressed to the max where you find yourself cursing the little old lady crossing the street for taking too long with her walker? Are you not sleeping well at night? Are you a triathlete? Competing in the next Ironman? Or is your biggest feat of the weekend getting off the couch to make popcorn?

Athletes

Any athletes who are heavily training, the ideal frequency of massage would be once or twice a week. Many professional sports teams (including college) have incorporated massage therapy full time to ensure their athletes optimal performance and quicker recovery times.

Overall Wellbeing

For those who don’t have any major complaints, once or twice a month is a great way to keep the body AND mind, feeling great.

Chronic Pain

If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, headaches, shoulder pain etc, its really most beneficial to start off with at least once a week until symptoms start improving. The trick to this is once the pain is gone, it is still crucial to get on a regular massage routine of at least once a month to keep the pain from returning.

Stress or Insomnia

Again, this depends on what exactly is going on. Are you stressed from a big project at work, major life change? If so you may want to increase your massages to once a week until things settle down a bit or that project comes to an end.

While massage is AMAZING, it certainly isn’t the end all for feeling your best. In-between your massages, incorporate some yoga and stretching into your daily routine. Eat your veggies. Start a meditation practice. Get out in nature. Start a gratitude journal.. All of these things put us in a more chill space, and will make your massage that much more beneficial and enjoyable!