Frequently, I am asked the question, “How often should I get a massage?”
Well, that depends…
Regular massage reduces the symptoms caused by stress (shoulders up around your ears, shallow breathing, headaches, generally feeling tense, etc…) Receiving regular massage treatments can also lower blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, prevent repetitive or sports injuries, and simply make this world feel like a happier place to be.
If you are not in pain and simply want to take advantage of some of these fantastic benefits, a massage once per month is recommended. The cumulative effects seem to wane if you go longer than a month between sessions.
If you are in pain or have chronic stress in your life, the rule of thumb is to start out with a weekly massage appointment. After two-four weekly sessions, we transition to biweekly sessions, then try three weeks apart, with the goal being a monthly maintenance appointment. The timing of when to move the session to a week longer is very individualized. This is where you listen to what your body is telling you. If halfway in to that two week schedule, the pain returns, then we know that we need to have another weekly session or two before extending the time between sessions.
Muscles have memory, sometimes it takes a bit longer to get them used to being lengthened when they have been conditioned to be tight and bunchy! If you are new to massage therapy, sometimes it takes a few sessions to learn how to let go of the muscular tension. The key is to be patient and give your body the time that it needs to release those muscular knots and adhesions.
Your body will thank you for it!