So…how often should you get a massage?

I get this question a lot, and I often joke that I am quite a bad salesman, because it is difficult to give a concrete answer to this question. At least, it is before I have initially worked with you.

A lot of “Brand X” massage therapists give a blanket “once a week” recommendation that is given based on THEIR financial goals, as opposed to YOUR needs and desires. This just doesn’t sit well with me.

For some people, once a week is the perfect. They find that regular massage is a way for them to maintain a sense of balance and well-being in their lives, and they find that the benefits of massage are cumulative.

For most folks, this just isn’t realistic. Perhaps you don’t have the time or budget to accomodate massage that often. Even more likely: you don’t NEED it that often.

Yup, I said it. See…I told you I was a terrible salesman.

But, yeah, you probably don’t need it that much.

So how often do you need one?

As one who hates to speak in binary, absolutist terms, my answer is usually: It depends.

It’s important to note that everyone’s body and needs are different and what works for one person may not work for another. This is why I stress communication and collaboration so much at Brooklyn Body Mechanic. Having the right information can help me to help YOU determine the most appropriate frequency for your sessions.

With that being said, here are a few things to consider when determining how often you should schedule a massage:

  • Do you have specifc injuries? – If you are dealing with a specific injury, it might be recommended to have more frequent sessions to help alleviate your symptoms. For example, someone recovering from a sports injury might benefit from a massage once or twice a week. In such cases, we will work on specific areas of the body that are causing pain or discomfort, and the massage will be tailored to your needs and goals. This can help to speed up the healing process, which can ultimately lead to a reduction in pain and discomfort.
  • How do you respond to massage? – There are plenty of people with chronic pain that figure out a cadence that keeps them pain free. I have many clients that do well on two 90-mintes sessions per month. Others do well with two 60-minute sessions per month. Some come more often, some much less.
  • Are you seeking maintenance or well-being? – If you are looking to use massage as a way to manage stress and promote overall well-being, getting a massage once a month may be sufficient. This can be a good way to maintain the benefits of massage, without overextending your budget or schedule. In fact, if I find that someone is really tracking well and doesn’t need intensive work, this is generally my recommendation.

As you can see, many factors play into how frequently you should be getting a massage. When you have a your first session with me, we will debrief afterwards and I will give you an honest, professional opinion of what I think will work for you relative to your goals, preferences, and budget. Also, throughout or working relationship, I will keep you informed if I feel you require fewer session, or shorter ones. Listen: I like money, I really do, but what I like more is to see clients pain free and progressing.

My goal is never to make you dependent on me. I’d rather see you leave me and send me referrals than to make you think you need to be dependent on my services for life.

*GASP*

Yes, I just wrote that.

To sum this up, the frequency of massage depends on your goals, preferences and budget. When you come in to see me, we will work out a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle and even modify it as necessary when your goals or needs change.

As it should be.