How Often Should You Get a Massage? A Guide for Different Lifestyles

A massage isn’t just a treat; it’s something that can really support your body and mind over time. But figuring out how often to have one isn’t always straightforward, especially when life can get in the way.

When it comes to how often you should book a massage, it really depends on your lifestyle, how active you are, your stress levels, and what you want to achieve. For example, someone training hard for a marathon will likely need massages more often than someone who spends the day sitting at a desk or a parent managing family life.

To help you work out what the right massage schedule for you is, this guide will go over what regular massages can achieve and the influences that can determine how often you should get a massage, so you can maximise the benefits without going overboard.

Why a Regular Massage Helps

A Massage does a lot more than just help you relax. It supports your body and mind in many ways, including:

Physical Benefits:

Better blood flow and less muscle tightness

Increased flexibility and movement

Quicker recovery from exercise or injury

Relief from long-term pain and swelling

Improved sleep quality

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

Reduced stress and a calmer mind

Lower levels of stress hormones

Better mood and sharper focus

A greater sense of wellbeing

Long-Term Benefits:

Stronger immune system

Improved posture and body awareness

Lower chance of injury

Enhanced sports performance

What Influences How Often You Should Get a Massage?

Several things affect how regularly you should look to get a massage, including:

Age
Younger people tend to bounce back faster from physical strain. Older adults might need massages more often to keep moving comfortably and ease aches.

Activity Level
If you’re very active, you’ll usually need massages more regularly than if you lead a more sedentary life, to help reduce muscle tightness and bring back levels of flexibility.

Stress
Stress can build up tension in your body. Regular massages help manage both physical tension and mental stress, allowing you to de-stress both your mind and body.

Health Issues
If you have ongoing pain or injuries, more frequent sessions may be necessary. For example, if you have injured your back in the past.

Budget and Time
Of course, how much time and money you can spend will shape your massage schedule.

Massage Frequency Suggestions for Different Lifestyles

Here are just a few general examples of what some massage schedules would look like:

Office Workers
Doing long hours at a desk, which can cause tightness and poor posture.

Every 2 to 4 weeks is typical

Focus on neck, shoulders, and back

Swedish or deep tissue massage often works well

Athletes
Often training, which places heavy demands on the body.

Weekly or every two weeks during training

Monthly or less during rest periods

Sports massage for performance; deep tissue for recovery

Parents
Consistently looking after kids, which can be physically tough, tiring and cause high levels of stress at times.

Every 4 to 8 weeks is common

Concentrate on lower back, neck, and shoulders

Swedish massage for stress; prenatal massage for expectant mothers

Wellness Enthusiasts
Those who value holistic health and have the capabilities to get regular massages.

Every 2 to 4 weeks

Full body focus

Swedish, aromatherapy, or hot stone massage

Maintenance vs. Recovery Massage

It’s helpful to know the difference between the two so you can choose the correct massages for your routine:

Maintenance Massage

Helps prevent problems before they start

Keeps muscles flexible and healthy

Generally gentle and relaxing

Done regularly, even without pain

Recovery Massage

Targets specific injuries or pain

More focused and sometimes uncomfortable

Often needed more frequently at first

When to Be Careful Not to Overdo It

More massages don’t always mean better results. Watch for signs such as:

Soreness that sticks around

Bruising or skin irritation

Feeling too tired after a session

Financial or time pressure

Getting a massage feeling like a chore, not a relief

Listen to Your Body

Your own reactions will guide you best. It’s usually sensible to begin with a session once a month, then adjust based on how you feel.

Next Steps

A Massage can be a valuable part of your health routine. While this guide can help you get a general grasp on what to do, getting advice from a trained therapist can help you tailor a more detailed plan that suits your lifestyle and goals.

So if you are looking for some advice or to start your regular massage journey, do get in touch with one of our experts today.