Massage Frequency: How Often Do You Get a Massage?
You’ve left your massage appointment with a sense of peace and newfound energy. You feel so relaxed and refreshed that your immediate question may be, “When can I get another massage?”
The truth is, there are no strict guidelines on when or how often you should get a massage — but finding the right frequency of massage appointments for you can enhance your overall experience.
In this guide, we will cover all of the details on how often you should get a massage.
Table of Contents
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
7 Reasons You Might Need a Massage and How the Intent Affects Frequency
What Type of Massage Should You Be Getting?
Are There Any Benefits to Getting Frequent Massages?
Need a Massage? Schedule Easily Online at Our Portland, OR Studio
how-often-should-i-get-a-massage
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
So, how often should you get a massage? The right answer is — that it’s subjective. You should listen to your body and the advice of your massage therapist.
Some people get a massage every week. Others feel comfortable getting a massage once or twice a week.
How often you should get a massage depends on your goals and how your body responds.
Why the Reason for Your Massage Will Affect How Often You Should Go
The reason you are seeking massage therapy can definitely influence the recommended frequency of your massage appointments. Let’s look at two examples:
If you were recently in a car accident, your massage therapist may recommend a minimum number of visits, per your treatment plan, as you recover from injury. Following your treatment plan may be key to your recovery!
Say you aren’t injured and are just looking for ways to practice self-care. Your massage therapist may suggest how frequently you should schedule massages — but ultimately, there is much more flexibility in how often you should get a massage.
7 Reasons You Might Need a Massage and How the Intent Affects Frequency
There are many different reasons you may need a massage. In fact, you don’t even need a reason to experience the benefits that massage has to offer.
Below we will outline some of the most popular reasons people decide to book a massage at Sevati Massage and how their intent may shape the recommended frequency of massage therapy sessions.
#1: How Often to Get a Massage for Stress
You’re managing expectations at work. You’re managing school. You’re managing being a good parent. You’re managing everything but your stress.
You can feel the stress radiating throughout your body, you’re stiff, you can feel the tension in your muscles, and you just need some relief.
Getting a massage is a great way to quiet all of the noise in your life and destress, even if just for an hour at a time. Many people find that the relaxation they feel during their massage session carries throughout the day, or even throughout the week.
There is no hard and fast rule for how often you should get a massage to de-stress. Listen to your body and do what feels best for you.
#2: How Often to Get a Massage for Chronic Pain
Dealing with pain daily can be extremely difficult. Studies have shown that massage therapy is a great way to help manage chronic pain.
The right frequency of massage therapy sessions for addressing chronic pain varies from person to person, depending on the severity and type of pain experienced.
While you can come in for a massage to address pain at any time, your massage therapist can also help you establish a treatment routine that works best for minimizing your chronic pain and maximizing your comfort.
#3: How Often to Get a Massage for Acute Injury
Acute injuries like car accident injuries, work-related injuries, and sports injuries can be alleviated by massage therapy. If you’re dealing with an acute injury, the frequency of your massage therapy sessions can impact your treatment.
In this case, your massage therapist will work closely with you to develop a routine treatment tailored to your specific injury and recovery.
For example, you may have more massage therapy sessions at the beginning of your treatment plan and slowly taper off to a less frequent schedule as you begin to recover. Maybe you start at two massage therapy sessions a week and then progress to one session per week.
Your massage therapist will be able to recommend the best frequency of sessions for your specific acute injury.
#4: How Often to Get a Massage for General Maintenance
Even after you’ve overcome an injury, or you’ve reduced your stress drastically, you may feel it’s beneficial to continue visiting your massage therapist — or you could just enjoy getting massages regularly.
For general maintenance, we have found most of our clients like to schedule one to two massages per month. However, there is no strict guideline on when or how often you can book a massage.
#5: How Often to Get a Massage for Relaxation
Restlessness. Agitation. Overwhelming thoughts. These sensations, while unpleasant, are ones that everyone has experienced at one time or another.
And these feelings can result in physical discomfort, too.
You don’t have to wait for a sign from the heavens or follow some unspoken guideline to book a massage for relaxation. Whether you prefer getting massages on a routine basis or just as a spur of the moment decision, there’s no right or wrong time to treat yourself to a relaxing massage.
#6: How Often to Get a Massage During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can leave you feeling achy, exhausted, and in need of a break. Many pregnant women deal with back pain and an overall feeling of discomfort, which prenatal massages can help alleviate.
But how often should you get a prenatal massage?
While there’s no formal guideline, it’s best practice to consult with your OBGYN and massage therapist for a personalized recommendation.
#7: How Often to Get a Massage if You’re an Athlete
For many athletes that undergo intense routine training and physically demanding activities, a massage is a welcome reprieve for sore muscles.
Some athletes prefer to get a massage on a weekly or biweekly basis. Others like to schedule massages after intense workouts or competitions
As a healthy athlete, the frequency of your massages is up to you. If you’re looking to incorporate massages into your routine training, your massage therapist can recommend the best frequency of massages for you based on your athletic activity.
how-often-to-get-a-massage-for-stress
What Type of Massage Should You Be Getting?
There are many different types of massages that can be used to relax and heal the body.
At Sevati Massage, we take a personalized approach to massage therapy. Based on your intent for getting a massage and your personal needs, your massage session may include a combination of:
Swedish Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Structural Integration
Myofascial Release
Gua Sha
Cupping
Hydrotherapy
Aromatherapy
And more
Click here to learn more about our massage services and how they might benefit you.
how-often-should -you-have-a-massage
Are There Any Benefits to Getting Frequent Massages?
If you’ve experienced what it is like to have a high-quality massage, you likely don’t need a list of studies to prove the benefits of routine massage therapy. Even so, we appreciate that science is on our side and gives you yet another reason to schedule your next massage.
Some of these evidence-backed benefits can include:
Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Massages?
The old adage is true — too much of a good thing can be a bad thing.
While the idea may seem nice, getting a massage every day would not be recommended, and not as pleasant as one might think. Too many massages could lead to overstimulated nerves and muscles, which could lead to pain and fluid build-up in the muscle tissue.
A good rule of thumb is to get no more than two massages per week. An experienced massage therapist will ensure you are not overdoing it and booking more massages than recommended.
Are Monthly Massages Good for You?
Monthly massages are a great way to make self-care a routine in your life and experience the benefits of massage therapy without breaking the bank.
Self-care isn’t self-indulgent. It’s a necessary practice to live a healthy, happy life. That’s why we offer monthly memberships at Sevati Massage.
Need a Massage? Call Us at Sevati Massage in the Heart of Portland, OR
If you’re looking for personalized massage therapy in Portland, we’d love to welcome you into our inclusive, body-positive, and restorative space.
Call us today or click below to book your first appointment and experience the relaxation and healing energy our skilled massage therapists have to offer.