Finding the Right Massage Frequency for You
Massage isn’t a treat, it’s a treatment, and an integral part of your approach to physical and mental wellness. But one of the questions the people ask most is: how often should I get a massage?
The fact remains, the answer is not one-size-fits-all. The proper amount for you will depend on your lifestyle, health-related needs and what you’re trying to get out of the practice (for example, whether it’s relaxation, pain relief or rehabilitation).
Here at Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness, our massage therapists may recommend a particular practice according to those individual needs.
1. For Stress Relief and Relaxation
If your objective is to keep stress in check or promote general relaxation, every 3-4 weeks is perfect for a massage.
Routine sessions can also help prevent tension and stress from building up, improve your circulation and sleep and increase feelings of wellbeing. If you have a high-pressure job or spend hours sitting at a desk, consider a bi-weekly massage to avoid stiffness and burnout.
Pro Tip: Consistency is key. Even just once a month, it can keep your body and mind feeling in sync.
2. For Chronic Pain or Muscle Tension
When it comes to chronic pain related to neck and shoulder stiffness or lower back issues, you might need treatments more frequently than others at the outset.
RMTs generally recommend weekly massages in the first month for most clients to work out deep muscle knots and increase mobility. Then, once progress is visible, sessions are spaced two to three weeks apart for maintenance.
Massage is a cumulative therapy, so the more you get, the more often, the better your muscles train to relax longer and recover quicker.
3. For Injury Recovery or Rehabilitation
If you’re healing from an injury, such as a sprain, or need to relieve muscle stiffness, massage therapy can do you wonders.
As part of your physiotherapist program, 1-2 sessions weekly may be scheduled in the first stage of recovery. This reduces inflammation, enhances circulation and safely restores range of motion.
After you heal, continue to stagger your sessions and maintain results with routine stretching and guided exercises.
4. For Athletes and Active Individuals
If you work out frequently or do strenuous exercise, massage is a critical part of recovery.
Massages once a week or every two weeks help relieve soreness, prevent injuries and maintain flexibility. Several athletes perform massage as a preventive measure by keeping muscles healthy before (Pro) or after athletic activity (Post).
5. For Preventive Wellness and Maintenance
Even if you aren’t in pain or under stress, regular massages are a good investment in your health. They circulate, boost immunity and hew to your body’s intrinsic ability to heal.
It is recommended that you receive a massage every 4-6 weeks to prevent long-term pain and maintain overall well-being.
Consider a massage as body maintenance, similar to regular exercise or stretching. It’s easier to head off tension than it is to resolve it down the line.
How to Know If You’re Getting Enough Massage Therapy
Here are some reasons why you may need to up your session frequency:
- You get a lot of tension headaches or have tight shoulders
- You’re experiencing pain again, a few days after getting a massage
- You are tired, brain or body, all day, most days.
- You have a sedentary job, or you do repetitive movements throughout each day
- Your sleep quality has declined
If any of these seem familiar, here’s a sign that your body may need more consistent care.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all answer; how frequently you should receive a massage depends on your stress levels, physical condition and personal goals. Once a week or once a month, regular visits to a registered massage therapist can markedly improve your comfort, mobility and quality of life.
At Keele Physiotherapy & Wellness, we’re strong advocates for a proactive approach to health and wellness—rather than just waiting until you have an injury or are in pain.