08/02/2026
How often should I get a massage?
This is probably the question I hear more than any other.
The answer is simple. Kinda…
It depends on you.
Your body, your goals, and your budget.
There is no universal schedule that works for everyone.
We've all heard the standard massage pitch:
"Research has shown that massage therapy can reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, improve range of motion, and help lower stress by influencing the nervous system."
And while this is true, these effects are well documented. What usually gets left out of the conversation is how to decide when it's time for your next massage.
Fun Fact:
Despite what you may have heard, there is no scientific rule that says everyone needs a massage once a month. Monthly visits are common because many membership-based businesses are built around that schedule, and for some people it works very well. The reality is, however, that the duration of the massage's benefits varies from person to person.
So instead of following someone else's schedule, I encourage my clients to ask two simple questions:
1. What are my goals for massage?
The most common goals reported in consumer surveys are:
Reducing soreness, stiffness, or muscle tension.
Relaxation and stress reduction.
Chronic pain relief or pain management.
And injury recovery or rehabilitation.
Understanding what you want massage to help you accomplish is the first step in determining how often it may benefit you. If we're actively working toward improving mobility or addressing a specific issue, a series of sessions closer together may help build on the progress from one visit to the next. Which leads us to our second question.
2. How long does it take before my body begins tightening back up and returning to old patterns?
The second question is answered by paying attention to the clues your body gives you after each session. For many people, the most noticeable benefits occur in the first 2 weeks after a massage. Clients often report moving more freely, feeling less restricted, experiencing less stress, and noticing improved posture or mobility. Eventually, however, old movement patterns, daily stress, repetitive work, and previous injuries begin to influence the body again.
When you begin noticing those old patterns returning, you've learned something valuable about your body. Some people find they need to come back a couple of times a month, while others are perfectly comfortable returning only a couple of times a year.
The idea isn't to fit everyone into the same schedule. It's to find the schedule that works best for your body, your goals, and your life.
I'd love to hear from you. What kind of goals would you like to set for massage therapy? Whether you're looking to reduce pain, improve mobility, manage stress, recover from an injury, or simply feel your best, reply to this post or send a message and let me know. I'd love to help you create a plan that fits your body and your goals.
