Comments Off on How Often Should You Get a Massage?
One of the most common questions I get asked, by massage newbies and veterans alike, is some variation of, “How often should I get massage.” I’m gonna sound like a broken record, and you might be tired of hearing it but… It depends. I’m sorry, but it’s true. I lied… I’m not really sorry. #SorryNotSorry
Why Do You Get Massage?
The answer to the “how often” question is going to depend on why you’re getting massage in the first place, and what you do at home that either helps or hinders your cause.
It depends on:
what your massage goals are
if you have pain or tension
how much pain you have
how long you’ve had pain
if your pain has become intractable
how much muscle tension you have
how long you’ve had that tension
whether you have nerve pain
whether you have numbness
if you have an injury
how much stress you have
how well you manage your stress
if your range of motion (ROM) is limited
how well your body responds to your therapist’s style of massage
the results you’re getting (or not getting) from massage
if you do (or don’t do) the home care your therapist recommends
if you consistently push your body past its limits
if you routinely get enough rest
if you routinely get enough sleep (NOT the same thing as rest… read this post to find out more about the difference)
how much time you have to spend getting massage
how much money you have to spend on massage
Ultimately the answer will come from you and shouldn’t be dictated solely by your therapist. That said, it is a good idea to collaborate with your therapist to come up with a treatment plan that, among other things, has a recommended frequency that you both feel comfortable with.
SaveSave
If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!