How Often Should I Get a Massage?

by Pallas Hutchison

This is a really common question but the answer is subjective. To help you decide how often you should get a massage, think about what your goals are:

1. Are you using massage for pain management? This is really a two-step process. The initial goal is to reduce pain as much as possible. Secondly, you want to maintain that level. To get ahead of the pain cycle, more frequent 60-minute massages are recommended. If can you go three days without pain after a massage, book your next massage on the fourth day. If you go eight days without pain, book your next massage on the ninth day. Over time, you'll notice the time between massages increasing. At this point, you could switch to a maintenance plan (see #4). If you experience any flare-ups or setbacks, the process begins again.
   
2. Are you recovering from an injury/surgery? At the acute stage, massage may not be the best option. Start by getting a doctor's clearance to receive massage therapy. Once you've obtained clearance, focused sessions are often the best route. We recommend 30-minute massages focused on the area/joint, possibly with some gentle stretching, once or twice per week until you reach your desired level of mobility. This type of massage can be done in conjunction with physical therapy. We have worked with PTs and chiropractors in the past so please let us know who you are seeing and we'll be happy to work with them to give you the best care possible.
   
3. Are you looking to improve athletic performance? The type of sport dictates which muscles should be focused on. Our recommendation is to pair your regular training schedule with a weekly 60-minute massage during training and the active season.
   
4. Do you want massage to help maintain your current health status? I've always liked comparing massage to a diet. You eat the food for a day and you feel good; you eat the food for a month or two and you feel great, have more energy, maybe lose some excess weight. Massage is the same in many ways. The cumulative benefits of massage include reduced pain, increased immune function, reduced stress hormones levels, and a sense of overall well-being. Our staff are required to receive at least one 60-minute massage once per month to maintain their health and well-being. We recommend that our clients do the same.

For most people, budget plays a part in this decision. Most massage therapists don't choose this career path for the money; we are geniunely interested in helping people. If your massage therapist doesn't offer a discount on multiple sessions or a monthly program, don't be afraid to ask him/her. Chances are, they're willing to work with you to meet your goals. Also, insurance companies are starting to cover massage when prescribed by a physician; find out what your insurance covers.

Do you have a massage story you'd like to share? Post a comment!