How often should you get a massage is a common question I get asked as a massage therapist. But there isn’t a simple answer. It depends whether it’s a sports massage or something lighter and for what reason. Most people that have massages would probably like at least one every week, but cost is obviously an important factor. By timing the massages you get correctly however, you can maximise the benefits they give you.
How Often Should You Get A Massage For Relaxation
A massage to help you relax, ease stress and anxiety and increase your overall wellbeing is very soothing to your body. Tension is lost from muscles, circulation is increased and the nervous system is calmed. Because of this there is no limit on how often you should have one, other than your level of stress. If it normally isn’t an issue for you but you’ve had a busy week or two, try once or twice a week until you feel more relaxed. It might only take a couple of sessions to get you back to feeling like your old self.
If you regularly have a stressful job and a hectic home life however, it could take longer. Stress is cumulative and can build up for weeks, months or even years. Because of this it could take a few massages to ease out all of that stored tension. After which, a regular maintenance massage a couple of times a month will help keep your body relaxed and healthy.
How Often Should You Get A Massage For An Injury
If you have an injury or are recovering from surgery, sports massage and stretching is ideal rehabilitation. It helps prevent the formation of scar tissue which would otherwise increase recovery time and restrict your range of movement. Plus massage increases blood flow to the area which helps to provide sufficient oxygen and other nutrients to promote healing(1). If that wasn’t enough, it also reduces pain naturally, without the need for medication.
A massage for an injury or after surgery is best done as an intensive, short-term treatment. Once or ideally twice a week treatment for four to six weeks. If this is to be done alongside other rehabilitation or stretching exercises you should first check that this okay. As healing and recovery progresses, massage frequency can be reduced to once a week or even once every two weeks. Depending on the cause of the injury, other muscles might benefit from massage to prevent future occurrences. For example, your slipped disc could be the result of long hours spent sitting at a desk which lead to tight back muscles and poor posture. Future back problems could be prevented by loosening those muscles with regular massage and stretching.
How Often Should You Get A Massage For Chronic Pain
Acute pain is that is felt at the time of an injury, such as a muscle strain or a tear, and is usually a sharp sensation. Chronic pain tends to be more of a dull ache or throb that persists for more than a few weeks. It can be the result of an injury that is developing or has developed scar tissue as it heals. But it is more likely to do with overly contracted muscles that cause tension and shortening. This means they can never properly relax. An example of this could be neck and shoulder pain from stress or working at a desk. Or it could be lower back pain from prolonged sitting or standing. These can go on to cause other issues such as headaches, migraines, sciatica and more.
Deep tissue massage or sports massage can be very beneficial in releasing muscle tension that is the cause of chronic pain. Initially one or two sessions a week is usually recommended which can become less frequent as things improve. However, research has shown that two or three sessions a week for the first four weeks is most effective(2). Overall the amount of sessions will be about the same, but cost and available time is a factor.
How Often Should You Get A Massage For Sport Or Exercise
Sports massage before competition or exercise has been shown to increase performance, reduce injuries and improve recovery time. Research has also shown that it reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of new mitochondria(3). This means you’re a lot less likely to suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
For best results, two or even three sports massages a week are recommended if time and your bank balance permits. If not, try to get at least one a week to reduce the chance of any developing knots becoming strains or tears. In the off season or during lighter training periods, you could instead have a Swedish massage once a week. Your nervous system, lymphatic system and circulatory system will thank you for the extra attention.
Book A Mobile Massage
If you would like to book a mobile massage in York please contact me on 07713 250352 or email david@massageinyork.co.uk. Includes sports massage, deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. For more information on booking click here