How Often Should I Get A Massage?
“How often should I get a massage?” is a common question we get asked at PRESS Modern Massage. The simple answer is: as often as you want! However, a more realistic answer depends on many factors, including your lifestyle, activity level, pain and physical needs, stress and emotional needs, and of course, your budget.
Like many things in life, consistency is key when it comes to massage therapy. Getting one massage every few months won’t produce the same results as regular treatments. If you want to see real improvements in your pain, tension, stress, and overall well-being, you need to come in for regular massage therapy sessions.
And while receiving a massage every week or two might be ideal for some people, it might not be realistic for others. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you figure out how often you should get a massage, depending on your needs.
What we’ll cover:
- Things you should have in mind when considering how often to get a massage
- How often you should get a massage according to why you need it
- The types of massages we offer
- Getting started with PRESS
By the end of this guide, you should have a better idea of how often to get a massage according to your own needs.
So, let’s dive in!
Things to Consider
Before determining your massage schedule, there are a few things you should consider:
Why You Need A Massage
Massage therapies offer a variety of benefits, but the reasons for getting one depends on your individual needs. Are you looking to relax and reduce stress? Help with chronic pain? Increase your range of motion? Reduce fatigue and improve the quality of your sleep? Your unique needs will help you decide how often to schedule a massage therapy.
For instance, those with chronic pain are likely to benefit from frequent massages to help them cope with their condition, while those looking to relax and reduce stress may only need to visit a massage therapist once in a while.
Your Lifestyle
The type of lifestyle you lead is another factor to consider when deciding on a massage schedule. If you are more active and physically exert yourself often you may have more muscle strain and tension. Therefore, you may need frequent massages to help with muscle recovery and soreness. On the other hand, if you lead a less active lifestyle you may only need to get a massage occasionally as preventative maintenance.
Consistency Is Key
It’s important to remember that consistency is key when it comes to massage therapy. Regular visits can help your body heal from issues and injuries while preventing new ones. If you’re looking for long-term results, it’s best to establish a regular massage schedule.
For example, people looking to enhance their immunity and eliminate toxins in their bodies opt to be more consistent with their massage sessions because it helps them achieve their desired results faster.
Don’t Wait
Many people tend to wait until they are in excruciating pain before seeking help from a massage therapist. Don’t give the pain time to get worse. If you start to feel the onset of pain, it is best to get a massage as soon as possible. Waiting until the pain is unbearable could potentially lead to more damage, making it much harder to treat.
Usually, it takes more time and effort to treat a condition that has been neglected for too long compared to one that has been managed from the beginning. Therefore, this could mean more frequent massages to help heal the condition.
How Often Should I get a Massage?
So how often should you get a massage? It all depends on why you need it. Let’s break it down:
Stress And Anxiety
Trying to keep up with everyday life can take a toll on our mental well-being. From work to family commitments, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. To help manage these feelings, you can benefit from our Signature Massage every 4-6 weeks. By deeply calming the body and mind, this therapy can help reduce muscle tension, release built-up stress, and combat your anxiety.
Pregnancy
When you’re expecting, your body goes through a multitude of changes in a very short period. The weight of your growing baby can lead to back aches, and the extra hormones during pregnancy can also cause fatigue and muscle tension.
To keep up with the demands of pregnancy, we recommend you book our PRESS Pregnancy massage every 1-2 weeks in the second and third trimesters of your pregnancy journey.
Athletes (Pre- and Post-Workout)
If you’re an athlete, your body can take a beating every day in the name of performance. Pre-workout massages can help increase muscular flexibility, while post-workout massages can help reduce muscular tension and inflammation. Therefore, a massage every 1-3 weeks can help keep your body in check and maximize your performance.
Long-Term Injuries
If you’ve had an injury or illness, it’s important to keep up with regular massages. This can help speed up your recovery and reduce your pain. If you are using massage to help relieve pain after an injury, it’s best to book a session once or twice per week, tapering to once a week as your condition improves.
For pain management, more frequent treatments may be necessary at the beginning of the treatment. Then, as your body begins to heal, your massage therapist can decrease the frequency of treatments.
Maintenance
Going for regular massages doesn’t just have to be a luxury; sometimes, it’s a necessity. To keep your body in good condition and maintain health, we recommend getting a massage every 3-4 weeks. This will help to prevent injury, pain, and tension build-up in the muscle fibers, as well as address any other issue before it becomes serious.
It’s also a good idea to consult with your massage therapist to determine the best frequency for your body maintenance, as different people have different needs and/or conditions.
After Surgery Recovery
If you’ve had surgery, a massage can be an excellent complement to your recovery. It can help stimulate the lymphatic system, break down scar tissue, and reduce pain, swelling, and muscle tightness. To reap the benefits of massage, book a session 6 weeks after your surgery, every 1-2 weeks until you fully recover. This will help to speed up your recovery and return you to your normal activities quickly.
Types Of Massages We Offer
At PRESS, we understand that everyone has different needs and preferences, and tailor our sessions to meet those individual needs.
Let’s explore the different massage options you have to choose from:
Full Body
Our PRESS Full Body massage covers all areas of the body. These areas include the head (scalp, temples, and crown), neck (sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and scalenes muscles), shoulders (rhomboids and rotator cuff muscles), back (quadratus lumborum, latissimus dorsi, and the erector spinae muscles), arms (biceps, triceps, brachialis, coracobrachialis, brachioradialis, and the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles), hips (glutes and piriformis muscles) and legs (hamstrings, quadriceps, adductors, gastrocs, and achilles) and feet.
During this massage, our licensed massage therapists employ our Signature technique - a blend of relaxing Swedish (long gliding strokes to promote relaxation and circulation) and orthopedic Deep Tissue massage therapy (applying targeted pressure on specific areas of tension) - to help promote relaxation while releasing stress and tension from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.
With our PRESS Full Body massage, you can expect therapeutic benefits such as increased blood circulation, improved range of motion and flexibility, reduced stress levels and improved mood, as well as reduced pain and soreness.
So, whether you are suffering from chronic pain, recovering from an injury or surgery, or simply need to relax and de-stress after a long day, our PRESS Full Body massage can help!
Back, Neck And Shoulders
PRESS Back, Neck & Shoulders massage is specifically designed to target the back (upper and lower), neck, and shoulder muscles. This therapy targets soft tissues and muscle groups in these areas to help ease stress and tension, promote blood circulation, and encourage relaxation, which in turn leads to several therapeutic benefits such as reduced pain and soreness (headaches, neck tension,, and back pain), improved range of motion, improved blood and lymph circulation, improved posture, and overall enhanced well-being.
By targeting the back, neck and shoulder muscles, our massage therapists are able to provide deep healing in these areas, making our PRESS Back, Neck & Shoulders massage therapy an effective treatment for people suffering from tension headaches, too much screen time, TMJ dysfunction, carpal tunnel syndrome, “Text Neck,” Scoliosis, and sports or office injuries.
Pregnancy
Massage therapy during pregnancy is an excellent way to help reduce stress, alleviate aches and pains, relax tense muscles, and improve circulation. At PRESS, we understand that every expectant person is unique and no two pregnancies are the same, which is why we ensure that each of our PRESS Pregnancy massage therapy is 100% tailored to meet the individual needs of each client.
This massage therapy is specifically designed to address sciatica, headaches, neck tension, swollen feet and ankles, and leg cramping during pregnancy.
During this massage, our licensed massage therapists use moderate pressure to work on the areas of tension while helping mothers-to-be relax. We also provide supportive maternity pillows, ensuring maximum comfort and safety throughout the massage session.
In-Office Chair Massage
Many of us have jobs where we have to sit at a desk all day. Prolonged sitting can lead to injuries like eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome, tight and sore muscles, neck pain, headaches, fatigue, poor posture, and circulation problems. That’s why we offer PRESS Corporate Chair Massage to help improve the well-being of office workers and help them remain productive throughout the day.
This special therapy is designed to target the back, neck, shoulders, wrists, hands, and arm muscles while the individual remains seated in their office chair or our massage chair. Our massage therapists use moderate to deep pressure to work on the areas of tension, effectively releasing stress and reducing tension. In turn, this helps to improve posture, reduce stress and anxiety levels, enhance concentration, increase energy and alertness, as well as prevent further physical injuries from prolonged sitting.
If you are looking to reduce workplace turnover costs, make your employees less stressed and more productive, and improve their overall well-being, PRESS Corporate Chair Massage is the perfect solution!
Get Started With PRESS
As we have seen, there are many benefits to getting regular massages, and the frequency of when to get one depends on your individual needs. If you are an athlete looking to improve your performance, a worker needing to reduce stress levels and prevent workplace injuries, or just someone looking to relax and unwind after a long day, PRESS has a massage therapy that’s right for you.
So don’t wait any longer. Book your session today and start reaping the benefits of PRESS Modern Massage therapies!
Key Takeaways:
- Consider why you need a massage according to your lifestyle when determining your massage schedule.
- Consistency is key when it comes to massage therapy.
- Different types of massages can be beneficial for different needs; for instance, those with chronic pain may need frequent massages, whereas those looking to relax may only need to visit a massage therapist once in a while.
FAQs
How much do you tip a massage therapist?
The amount you tip a massage therapist should be entirely up to you. You may want to tip because of the quality of service, the length of the massage, or the location where you received the service. If you are unsure about how much to tip, you can always ask the massage therapist or the front desk for guidance. Industry standards are similar to that of any service in a restaurant or salon, 20% being the most common. For exemplary service, consider higher gratuity. Your therapist works very hard to make sure you have the best experience.
What’s the best thing to do before and after a massage?
Before a massage, it is best to avoid a heavy meal and drink plenty of water, staying hydrated will help prepare your muscles for the massage. Arrive on time and communicate with your massage therapist if there are any concerns or areas of pain so that the therapist can tailor the massage to your needs.
After the massage, drink plenty of water to help stay hydrated. A gentle stretch after a massage will help with flexibility and release tension in your muscles. Take some time to rest and have a warm bath or shower to help soothe sore muscles and keep you relaxed.
When is the best time to get a massage?
The best time to get a massage varies from person to person and depends on factors such as the time of day, timing of meals, work schedule, and purpose of the massage. It is generally recommended to avoid eating a heavy meal before a massage and to schedule the massage at a time when you can fully relax and enjoy the experience.
Additionally, If you're getting a massage to relieve pain or tension, you may want to schedule it for a time when you're likely to be experiencing the most discomfort. It’s always best if you can schedule your session for a time where you won’t be interrupted, and have a moment to rest after your session before resuming your daily activities.
How long is too long for a massage?
A typical massage session lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, but some people may prefer shorter or longer sessions. Ideally, the length of a massage varies depending on individual preferences, needs, and physical conditions, so there is no specific time that is considered "too long" for a massage.
It is important to listen to your body and communicate with your massage therapist before or during the session. The length of the massage should be tailored to your specific needs and comfort level.
Is it good to get a massage every week?
Generally, one massage a week is recommended, especially if you have a specific health condition or injury. Regular massages can help manage symptoms and promote healing, it can also help with pain relief, improve flexibility and range of motion, and promote overall well-being.
Is it okay to get a massage during my period?
Yes, it is safe to get a massage during your period. Massage can help alleviate the pain and discomfort of menstruation and cramping. Your therapist may use a heated table or apply a heat pack to any areas that feel extra tender to help you feel more relaxed during this time.
What shouldn't you do after a massage?
After a massage, it's best to avoid drinking alcohol and eating a heavy meal; instead drink a lot of water. Strenuous or stressful activity should also be avoided, it is important to allow your body time to rest and recover.
Should you sleep after a massage?
It is not necessary to sleep after a massage, but some people find it beneficial. Massage therapy can help promote relaxation and relieve muscle tension, which can make you feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
Sleeping after a massage can also depend on the massage technique you are getting. For example, a deep tissue massage may leave you feeling more relaxed but also more physically energized, while a gentle, soothing massage may make you feel more drowsy and ready for sleep.
When should you not get a massage?
There are some situations where you should avoid getting a massage, including if you have a fever, contagious skin conditions, open wounds or recent injuries, blood clots or bleeding disorders, or pregnancy complications.
A general rule of thumb is that if you feel unwell enough to shop for groceries and carry them back to your apartment, it’s best to give your body a rest and not come in for a massage.
It's important to communicate with your massage therapist and healthcare provider about any medical conditions or concerns you may have before scheduling a massage to ensure that it is safe and beneficial for you.
Is one hour of massage enough?
An hour-long massage is a common standard and can be enough time to address many common concerns, such as stress relief, muscle tension, and relaxation. However, the ideal length of a massage will depend on a client's condition and preferences.
For example, someone who is experiencing chronic pain or muscle tension may benefit from a longer massage session or multiple sessions to fully address their concerns. A massage therapist can advise on the best length of massage needed.