A massage has many benefits. It helps us to release stress and to work out the kinks. When you ask how often you should have a massage, you really need to ask yourself a couple of questions.

First, how do you feel? This is a great question, because of the proven health benefits and the release of stress that comes from a massage.

Secondly, do you have any chronic pain? If so then a massage may be the perfect solution! You really should consider what type of massage you need as well. Each massage therapist has a different style, and you may want to schedule frequently using different massage techniques.

A massage is all about you and your needs so it is important to do a little homework and find the perfect fit for your needs. If money is a concern, then try to schedule your massage appointments for at least once a month, but once a week is even better. The release of stress and the long term health benefits will give you a more fulfilling life.

Personal Needs

When considering a massage, remember that it is all about you and your needs. What do you need now? Frequent massages will allow your muscles to soften and become more pliant, which will help with pain, and with stress. Once a week sessions will give you the most benefit for stress and muscle stiffness. You can stretch your visits out to once a month, but that will give your muscles more time to revert back to their old behaviors, and then you will have to start over with weekly sessions, to restore the relaxed state to the tissue.

If you have chronic pain then more frequent massages may be needed. The health benefits of loosening the muscles, and releasing the tension on the nerves is well documented, and for those in chronic pain it is a life saver. You should remember to listen to your body, and when you start to feel stiff, and sore then it may be time for a massage. Since there are different types of massages to select from, you will be able to find the right technique to make you feel better.

Massage Techniques

There are several types of massages, and it will take some experimentation to find the right one for you. The most common massage style is Swedish, which is a relaxation based massage and will be of the most immediate benefit. There is also the deep tissue massage, which is a treatment that consists of more firm pressure to release knotted muscle structures and also to release stress that is deep in the muscles. You can schedule most type of therapies through your massage therapist, but it also may help to have several that you can go to, just in case you need something a little more specialized.

A couple more massage therapy styles that you should look for are reflexology, and Craniosacral. Reflexology massage is used to loosen stiffened muscles, and to work the reflexes of the muscles to release tension and stress. It is commonly used as a sports massage. The Craniosacral massage is more about balance of the body and the rhythms of the body. You will experience a light touch massage that focuses more on aligning the energy of the spinal column. It is a refreshing, and balancing massage.

So, How Often Should You Get a Massage?

To the answer the question directly, you should get a massage whenever you feel that you need one. If money is a concern then schedule the massage less frequently, but don’t let the muscles to tense up again, or you will have to start over with the massage therapy. It may be more beneficial to have several different massage therapists on hand that have different styles, because this will ensure that you can always get the type of treatment that you need. There are multiple massage techniques—each with their own benefits and it is about what you need. If you are experiencing chronic pain then one method may work over another, but it is worth trying different styles, and trying to get in for a massage at least once a week to maintain supple muscles, and the health benefits that go with them.