Weekly, Monthly, Yearly?

“How often should I get a massage?”

This is one of the most commonly asked questions from our clients. Well, it depends on what your goals are. 

Are you looking for stress relief?

Ah, stress. Muscle tension is a natural response to stress, a protective mechanism that’s not always helpful in modern life. Massage is known to lower cortisol levels - the body’s main stress hormone, and raise serotonin - a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. We may be biased, but we find massage to be a pretty potent wellness practice! 

If you are living through a period of more-than-usual stress, starting with weekly or biweekly sessions might be most helpful to you. As life calms down, so can your massage frequency. A general guidance for maintenance massage (when nothing urgently needs attention) is once a month. Some clients prefer to come in more frequently, while others can space their sessions farther out without trouble. Check in with your own body between sessions and take note of how you’re feeling. Check in with your massage therapist as well, we also have perspective on how your sessions are progressing and it can be helpful to compare notes. 

Are you looking for pain relief? 

Current research suggests two to three sixty minute massages a week for several weeks is best for longer lasting results. If that sounds like more massage than your calendar or pocketbook can sustain, it’s important to note that massage therapists were not allowed to offer self-care recommendations in this study. We have some insight into how you feel better between sessions! 

Anecdotally, we notice that clients who are initially able to come in more frequently seem to fare better over time with regards to pain relief. That might mean weekly massages at least initially, and then tapering off to a maintenance massage schedule. If a weekly massage is not in the cards for you at this time (we get it), don’t despair. Your therapist will be able to discuss treatment plan options with you, and provide self care recommendations to help you feel better between sessions. 

Perhaps the greatest wisdom of the monthly massage is that it's easy to remember. Consistent bodywork can go a long way to reduce pain, and boost mood. Doesn’t that sound like something worth coming in for?