How Often Should You Get A Massage?

Everyone loves a good massage and the positive glow that remains long after it is over. But how often should you get a massage? Is getting too many massages bad for you? To answer the second question first, there is no medical or scientific evidence that it is possible to have too many massages. However, health conditions may require that the number of massages is limited. As for how often you should get a massage, it depends on you, your overall health and your lifestyle. There are no set rules – the frequency at which you can get a massage done varies from individual to individual. That being said, these are the generally accepted frequencies.

For General Health and Relaxation

Those in generally good health, who live under moderately stressful conditions and have a sedentary lifestyle, should have a massage 1 or 2 times a month. This will tone the muscles, tendons and ligaments and boost the metabolic system. This amount of massage will also help in controlling moderate stress levels.

For Stress Management

Stress can have many causes. It could be work related, brought on by lifestyle, caused by frequent travel, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and other such factors. Obviously reducing or controlling the causes will reduce the stress levels. If that is not possible or the stress levels remain high, massage is known to be extremely effective in stress reduction. Those who are under high stress will normally benefit from a weekly massage. A regular schedule is very important. As stress levels build up between massages, the knowledge that there is another one to look forward to can help to bring the levels under control.

For Pain Reduction

Massage is a great way to reduce/control/manage pain. Depending on the nature of the injury or medical condition, a Certified Massage Therapist, doctor or other trained professional will decide on the frequency. It could be as much as every alternate day in the initial phase. As the pain reduces and comes under control, the frequency will also reduce as decided by the therapist or doctor.

For Athletes

For athletes, the frequency of receiving massages will depend on a number of factors. These include:

• The nature of the sporting activity
• The age and overall fitness of the athlete
• The training schedule
• Whether the massage is to help with injury recovery
• Whether the athlete is prone to specific recurring injuries
• Whether the sport is a seasonal one – off season massage frequency may differ from that followed in season
• Environmental factors that could affect performance levels.

Who Decides?

If you are under medical treatment and are getting massages as advised by a medical professional, the doctor will decide what type of massage you should get, how often and for what duration. The doctor may also consult a massage therapist on this matter. If you are an athlete, your coach, trainer or sports medicine specialist will decide on the massage parameters. However, if your main objective is just to relax and feel good, consult a Therapeutic Massage professional who will advise you on what is best for you.

A good massage, tones you up physically and mentally. It is not a luxury – it is an essential way of coping with the pressures of modern life.