Many clients have wondered… how often is it OK to get a massage? While there’s no one answer to this question, we can look at it from a few different angles.
Sure, it feels great to pop in and see your massage therapist every now & then. I’m always glad to hear from clients who I haven’t seen in a while. Besides that, “no worries” if you’ve been busy or just haven’t had the chance to get on the schedule. (My goal is to help you with your stress level, not add more to it!)
Goodness knows, we all tend to put self-care on the back burner when life demands so much from us. However, have you considered the value of regular, monthly massage appointments?
Besides the emotional boost of having that “me time” reserved on your calendar, you can actually start to see some physiological effects of regular massages as well. Here are a few short-term (& long-term) health benefits you may discover when you make that goal of getting a massage on a monthly basis.
Lowered Anxiety & Stress Levels
Even after your first massage, you will start to notice that you feel more relaxed, which can be a major plus if you suffer from stress or anxiety.
After all, when our bodies experience stress, we tend to tense up our muscles, which leaves you feeling fatigued & sore. I’ve especially noticed this with my clients who work at a computer all day! But a massage session is tailor-made to loosen your tight neck & shoulders.
Help with Cancer Treatment Side Effects
With clients who are going through chemotherapy, radiation or other treatments… Oncology massage can give you some relief from side effects such as pain, nausea, anxiety, fatigue, and depression.
To that end, I’ve taken some specialized training to learn how to adapt your massage sessions so that they will be safe & helpful.
And if you’re out of active treatment, but you’re continuing to experience side effects… a massage can address those issues that you have. It’s in your best interests to work with a massage therapist who has taken advanced classes in OMT.
Reduced Chronic Back Pain
If you are suffering from the debilitating problems associated with chronic back pain, you know how much it can cut into your daily routine and leave you feeling frustrated, in addition to the muscular pain you’re already experiencing.
A Seattle study found that after 10 weeks of regular massage, people experiencing chronic back pain felt less discomfort, and even needed fewer painkillers to manage their symptoms.
Help with Insomnia
Massages can increase your serotonin level, which aids in your ability to fall asleep & stay asleep. Unlike other sleep aids which can be harmful or addictive, you’ll experience no negative side effects from a massage!
Reduced Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Some clients have experienced benefits like these which have improved their quality of life! After receiving massage therapy consistently, some fibromyalgia patients have reported:
- Better sleep (especially after sessions that are later in the day)
- Improved muscle strength and function
- Improved mental clarity (as a result of lowered stress)
- Headache relief
- Decreased stress and anxiety
Focus for ADHD
Studies have suggested that massage could be helpful in increasing focus and decreasing the stress and anxiety that can accompany ADHD, especially in children.
Lowered Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can leave you at risk for stroke & other major health complications, but studies support that regular massages could benefit your BP numbers. That comes from massage therapy’s potential to help you lower your stress.
(Important Note: It’s crucial that you continue to take your prescribed blood pressure medications, and consult your physician regularly with any concerns you have.)
Additional Health Benefits
Research in the use of massage therapy is steadily growing. I like to steer clear of massage myths or absolute claims, but one thing that I’ve noted over the course of my practice: a majority of clients who make that commitment to their health and self-care, tell me that they have seen benefits for their happiness and emotional well-being!
So, “How often should I get a massage?” Why not make a monthly appointment, to start, and see how you feel from there. Let me know if there’s a day of the week that works best for you! Check available appointment times here, and look forward to your next massage!