How Often Should I Get a Massage?
Massages are one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences someone can give their body, but many people wonder just how often they can (and should) get one.
While we wish there were a singular answer that would work for everyone, there are actually numerous things to consider when deciding how often to get massage therapy. Learn more about how different techniques, the condition of your health, and the precautions you should take can all help you find the answer that’s right for you.
Factors to Consider
The best thing to do is discuss frequency with your massage therapist; however, the following are rough guidelines for those looking to add massage to their healthcare routine.
Different Massage Techniques Require Different Levels of Frequency
Swedish Massage – This relaxing massage is what most people think of when they hear the word “massage.” Some massage therapists will call it a full-body massage. Depending on your stress levels, you may opt for this massage every few weeks to once a month.
Deep Tissue Massage – This massage gets deep into the muscles and connective tissues to get kinks, knots and tightness out of the body. You can get this massage technique daily; however, most will opt for weekly treatments depending on their current health.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage – This massage technique drains the lymph nodes, releasing built-up fluid. This massage may need to be performed daily for those recovering from an injury, surgery, or medical condition. Most massage therapists will switch to 2-3 times per week as the client gets better.
Scalp Massage – This massage is increasingly becoming more popular, especially as more and more discover its benefits, including reducing stress. Practitioners will commonly recommend getting a scalp massage twice a week.
Your Preferences and Conditions
Massages may seem like a luxury, but most massage therapists will be willing to reduce the cost, especially if you buy a package. If you can’t, spacing out appointments can still bring you many benefits. When deciding how often to get a massage, look at your health conditions, including:
Back Pain – 30 minutes a day is an excellent place to start if you have severe back pain. Otherwise, hour-long sessions several times a week should suffice.
Neck Pain – 60-minute massages three times a week should alleviate most neck pain.
Stress or Anxiety – Look to get a Swedish massage 1-2 times a month for best results. If you find you have high stress levels, a deep tissue massage can work wonders.
Pregnancy – This joyous time in life can bring havoc upon your body. Regular light massage at least once a week can make the process significantly easier.
Cautions to Consider
As with all treatments, massage can provide a wonderful experience for most people; however, it’s not acceptable for some with certain health conditions, including:
- Broken/Fractured Bones
- Bleeding Disorders
- Open Wounds/Burns
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Serious Medical Conditions
Remember to talk to your doctor or massage therapist about whether massages can help you. While specific studies have shown that burn victims and cancer patients can benefit from massage, your doctor or therapist will know what’s suitable for your body. For example, pregnant women in their first trimester or those with high blood pressure may be advised to wait until after delivery to receive massages.
Can You Get Too Many Massages?
With all the health benefits that massages provide, is there really such a thing as too much? Sadly, yes. Most people will not need a massage more than once a week (when you get a deep tissue, you’ll understand why). However, people getting a massage daily or multiple times a week often suffer from medical conditions that require frequent massaging to stay healthy. The best way to decide on the frequency you need massages is to discuss it with your massage therapy provider. They’ll be able to pinpoint the right frequency for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Getting a massage is a luxurious experience, and there are numerous factors to consider when deciding on the frequency of your massages. Think about the type of massage you’re receiving, health conditions that may require more frequent massaging or prohibit massaging and whether you require more than a weekly massage.
Book with MassageBook
Ready to get yourself on a massage table? MassageBook.com makes it easy to find thousands of professional massage therapists all across the United States and Canada.
You can even start your massage journey right now. Select your area, read reviews and book your first appointment all in a matter of minutes. We’ll send you appointment reminders as a courtesy so you never need to worry about missing an appointment again. So prioritize your health, take the path towards total body wellness, and book a massage therapist with MassageBook today!