How Often Should You Get a Massage? Finding Your Rhythm with Intention
One question I get a lot when people learn I’m a massage therapist is, “How often should I get a massage?” The answer is: It depends … on your lifestyle, your individual needs and wellness goals, and, of course, any time and budget constraints.
But whether you’re looking to relieve stress, manage chronic pain, or recover from a workout, the right massage frequency can help you maximize these benefits. So while there’s no single answer that’s right for everyone, here are some things to consider as you decide how often to make space for bodywork in your life.
1. Connect with Your Needs
Our needs shape our wellness routines, and massage is no exception. Deciding what you want to gain from massage can help you determine how often it makes sense for you to receive bodywork. Following are some common goals and the frequency I typically recommend for them:
Relaxation & Stress Relief If your main goal is relaxation, coming in every three to four weeks creates a consistent, sustainable way to manage stress that can be integrated into most lifestyles without major time or financial commitments. That said, those battling chronic anxiety, or dealing with a particularly stressful or difficult situation, and for whom time and budget constraints aren’t an issue, may find fortnightly — or even weekly — sessions highly beneficial.
Chronic Pain or Injury Management For those managing chronic pain or muscle tightness, or recovering from an injury, weekly or twice-monthly massage can make a real difference in keeping pain at manageable levels, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. Frequent, regular massage can ease muscle tightness, improve circulation, and help your body heal over time.
Active Lifestyles Athletes and other active individuals may benefit from weekly — or even twice-weekly — massage during peak training periods. By reducing soreness and improving flexibility, massage can enhance both performance and recovery. Many athletes find post-workout sessions beneficial to aid muscle repair, reduce soreness, enhance flexibility and circulation, and help prevent injuries.
2. Tune Into Your Body’s Signals
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us, speaking to us in subtle — and sometimes not so subtle! — ways. Tuning into what your body is telling you is a valuable guide for when it might be time for a massage:
Notice Areas of Tension Persistent tension or tightness is your body’s way of asking for extra support. A massage may be the reset you need to help release tension before it settles deeper. Noticing these sensations as they arise can help determine the rhythm that feels right.
Observe Your Stress Levels Stress levels fluctuate, and massage can help restore balance, especially during difficult or intense periods. Increased irritability, poor sleep, or just feeling generally “off” may be signals that you’d benefit from more frequent sessions. Think of massage as a way to reconnect with yourself, as an anchor to help you return to a state of ease and equanimity.
Reflect on How You Feel After Massage Take note of how you feel after your massage. If you notice lasting benefits — e.g., better sleep, improved mood, reduced pain, increased flexibility — it may be worth making massage a more frequent part of your routine.
3. Make it Sustainable
While frequent massages can be incredibly beneficial, balancing them with your budget and schedule is key. I offer several specials and packages to reduce the cost per session and make regular massages easier to manage financially. Between sessions, self-care practices like regular stretching and meditation can help maintain the benefits.
Conclusion
Ultimately, there’s no single formula for how often you should get a massage. Monthly massages are generally effective for basic relaxation and maintenance, while weekly or fortnightly sessions may be better suited for managing pain, recovering from injuries, or handling high-stress levels. The best approach is to tune into your body, experiment with frequency, and find a balance that supports your goals, lifestyle, and budget. In the end, it’s about listening to your body, balancing your needs, and making self-care a priority.