Getting a massage is a good way to relax and release stress. However, how often should you get a massage? Can too much massage pose any danger to your body? There can be various reasons or motivations for getting a massage, and the answer to your question lies within them. In this guide, we’ll discuss the different types of massage therapy, applicable conditions, precautions, and the recommended massage frequency of each kind.
The Type of Massage Affects the Frequency
The recommended massage frequency varies depending on the type of massage you receive. Therefore, we need to understand the various types of massage available first. You need to understand the applications of each massage before concluding. Here are the significant types of massage available today.
Thai Massage
A traditional healing system that combines acupressure, assisted yoga-like stretching and deep rhythmic compression. Thai massage is done entirely clothed on a mat and works on energy lines in the body. It increases flexibility, releases muscle tension and balances the body.
Foot Reflexology
In this technique, pressure is applied to some specific points on the feet that correspond to different organs and systems in the body. Reflexology is recognised for its ability to enhance circulation, alleviate stress, and promote the body’s natural healing process. Suitable for those with fatigue or poor circulation.
Full Body Massage
A full-body or Swedish massage is the most common type of therapy people get for stress relief. It is also beneficial for reducing joint pain and muscle tension. This type of therapy poses no significant risk of injury. So, the recommended frequency depends on your individual needs.
If you are suffering from any disease like arthritis, then you can get regular massages to cope with chronic pain. In this case, your massage therapist can recommend a frequency depending on your medical history.
In typical cases, you are free to decide on massage frequency to manage stress and relax tense muscles. Biweekly massages or even more frequent sessions are recommended in this type to relieve stress.
Yet, there is one aspect you should be aware of. If deep tissue therapy is included in your session, it is recommended to reduce your frequency to avoid potential injuries. Again, your therapist can offer more informed advice in this case.
Scalp Therapy
Another common type is the scalp massage, which people typically receive to maintain healthy hair. The massage frequency in this particular type directly affects your hair growth, especially for people struggling with hair fall issues.
There are no strict guidelines from health authorities in this case either. People receive more frequent massages to promote hair growth. If you have received hair treatments in the past, you are well-positioned to determine the optimal frequency of scalp massage for your individual needs. If you receive regular massage sessions for hair growth, you can continue on the same frequency if you are not noticing any adverse effects.
Massage Chair
Massage chairs are gaining popularity these days, as they offer convenience and numerous therapeutic benefits. They reduce stress levels and offer pain relief, especially to older adults who don’t want to travel and visit their therapist regularly.
As in the first two types, no clinical guidelines limit the use of a massage chair. Therefore, you can use these regularly to alleviate pain and enhance blood flow throughout your body. However, a single session should not last longer than 25 minutes, unless otherwise advised by your therapist.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
As you can infer from the name, this type of therapy is specifically designed for a particular medical condition. Lymphedema is a condition in which lymph fluid accumulates around the body. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is an effective way to manage this disorder and enhance your overall well-being.
Since this massage is used to treat a medical condition, a health professional can recommend a massage schedule depending on the severity of your case and your overall health conditions. They can also recommend massage techniques that are most effective in this case.
Deep Tissue Massage
As we mentioned earlier, it is essential to exercise caution when receiving a deep tissue massage. It uses more penetrative techniques to affect deeper connective tissues and muscles. Although the method differs, it yields immense physical benefits by allowing you to reach deep, soft tissues that are often left untouched during regular deep tissue sessions.
If you are suffering from any health issue that makes you more injury-prone, you should consult your therapist for the duration of the sessions and the duration of the massages.
Factors Affecting the Massage Frequency
You may wonder how therapists determine the ideal massage frequency for you. Several factors should be considered before selecting the perfect number. We’ll explain these one by one:
Your Health Conditions
The most crucial factor in determining massage frequency is your health condition. If you are suffering from a chronic condition like arthritis, more frequent treatments will reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation. On the other hand, if you are in good physical health, monthly massages may be sufficient for you.
Stress Levels
Your existing stress levels and emotional well-being play a crucial part in deciding your massage frequency. People with high stress levels are generally suffering from mental health issues, anxiety disorders, and poor sleep quality. In such cases, regular bodywork sessions can lower your stress hormones and improve mental well-being as well.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is another crucial factor that decides how many massage sessions you need. Athletes and individuals with an active lifestyle regularly engage in physical activity, which requires them to receive more frequent massages to maintain their optimal shape. Therefore, if you are hitting the gym regularly, you may need more massage sessions compared to someone with a sedentary lifestyle.
Budget
Ultimately, the budget also plays a role in determining the ideal massage frequency for an individual. Massage sessions can be expensive for someone with a tight budget. Therefore, you need to adjust this expense in your expense sheet and determine the best frequency for you.
Recommended Massage Frequencies for Different Needs
Now that you know which factors decide the ideal massage frequency, here are the recommended massage frequencies for everyone:
Stress Relief
Let’s talk about the most common issue first. Most people get body therapy to improve blood circulation and relieve stress. Regular massage sessions are recommended in this case, and we would recommend getting a weekly massage to encourage relaxation and deal with depression symptoms. One can enhance the results of these therapeutic sessions by improving their self-care routine and incorporating yoga and meditation into their daily lifestyle.
Chronic Pain Management
Let’s say you are suffering from an extreme case of arthritis and need massage therapy for pain management. In such a case, you can benefit from a daily deep tissue session. The frequency can vary depending on your unique health condition, and we recommend consulting your physician before making this decision.
Another thing you should keep in mind is that these therapy sessions are not a replacement for your nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which help with inflammation control. Although a massage session can help break down scar tissue and control inflammation, it is not a replacement for your regular medication.
General Well-being
If you are not experiencing the above problems and still want to receive a massage for general wellness, a full-body massage is ideal for you. The frequency of massage depends on your budget in this case. If your budget is tight, a monthly bodywork session can help regulate your stress hormones. If you can afford more, getting biweekly sessions can do wonders for you.
For Athletes
If you are an athlete involved in intense cardio workouts, your massage requirements are different. If you are actively training, we recommend receiving a good deep tissue or sports massage every week to help your body stay fit and prevent injury. For higher performance and any specific training goals, you can increase the massage frequency.
Benefits of Regular Massage Sessions
A massage session can have a profoundly positive impact on both your physical and mental health. Let’s discuss the top benefits you can expect from regular therapy sessions:
Muscle Tension Gets Reduced
Muscle tension is a common problem people from all walks of life face. Whether you work out regularly or live a laid-back life, you can face issues related to increased muscle tension from time to time. In this scenario, a massage therapy can offer instant relief by reducing the muscle tension. Your range of motion will also get an immediate boost after a massage therapy session.
Blood Circulation Gets Improved
Massage therapy is well-known for improving blood circulation in the body. An improved blood flow then leads to better overall health. If you are recovering from an injury, the blood circulation boost would do wonders for you. Your skin health also benefits from this increased blood circulation. Finally, some people struggling with any illness that damages their blood circulation receive instant relief from a session.
Decrease in Depression Symptoms
If you have anxiety issues, a therapy session can offer instant relief to reduce your depression symptoms. Mental health is an issue many people ignore even today. Life can be hard at times, and it is vital to take a breath, relax your mind and body, and gather the physical and mental strength to cope with daily challenges.
Sleep Quality Gets Improved
This benefit of regular massages is related to the one we discussed earlier. People suffering from anxiety issues also face sleep disorders most of the time. If your sleep quality is getting compromised, everything else will automatically work against you. For the healthy functioning of your mind and body, you need regular sleep of 6-8 hours. If you are struggling, regular massages can help relax your body and mind, leading to an improved sleep cycle.
Fast Recovery For Athletes
If you are an athlete recovering from a bodily injury, regular massage sessions would reduce the time to full recovery. The range of motion would drastically improve, which would help you recover faster from the injury.
Ready to Feel the Benefits of Massage? Try the Asiatic Difference
Now you know how often to get a massage and what it does to your body and mind—why not try it for yourself with one of London’s top massage therapists?
At Asiatic Thai Massage, we specialise in authentic Thai massage and body therapies to suit you. Whether you’re managing chronic pain, training for a sport, or need to unwind after a long week in the city, we’ll help you feel your best every day.
With over 4,500 online reviews, we’ve built our reputation on expert care, excellent service and results that speak for themselves. Our services include:
- Traditional Thai massage – full-body stretching and alignment
- Foot Reflexology – to relax, reset and energise
- Asiatic Signature Therapy – for relief from tension, knots, and stress
We have wellness centres across London, including Islington, so that you can fit your massage into a busy schedule.
From the moment you step into our peaceful space, you’ll feel the difference. Our experienced therapists use tried-and-tested techniques and customise each session to your body, so you achieve maximum results every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you wait between massages?
It depends on a couple of factors. The type of massage, your health condition, and your budget are the primary factors to consider when selecting a massage. If you are suffering from chronic pain, a massage session after 3 to 4 days can help in pain management. The same applies to athletes recovering from an injury.
For general wellness, consider setting aside a weekly interval for your regular massage routine. Your budget would also decide how many sessions you can afford per month. However, we recommend weekly sessions to help alleviate stress.
How frequently should I get a full-body massage?
A full-body massage is an excellent way to enhance your overall physical and mental well-being. If you are not suffering from any medical conditions, you can receive a full-body massage every two weeks. You can adjust the frequency according to your lifestyle and goals.
If you are an athlete recovering from an injury, you can create your schedule to facilitate a speedy recovery.
Can too much massage be bad?
Apart from deep tissue massages, other types of massages are pretty safe for any frequency. A weekly session is generally recommended as the optimal frequency for manual therapy. However, if you are elderly or have any underlying health issues, you should exercise caution when undergoing a deep tissue session. Always consult your therapist for personalised advice depending on your health conditions and lifestyle goals.
Is it good to get massages regularly?
Yes, regular massage is good for you. Whether you’re seeking stress relief or aiming to enhance your sleep quality, regular sessions are beneficial for both your mind and body.
For most people, a weekly session is the most effective approach. You can adjust the frequency to suit your unique lifestyle.
Should I consult a doctor before getting a massage?
Most of the time, massage is safe, and you don’t need to consult a physician. The only exception is if you are suffering from any medical condition that makes your body more prone to injury.
In that case, you should exercise caution with deep tissue massages, and we recommend consulting your physician before establishing a regular deep tissue therapy routine. For all other cases, you are good to proceed with your regular weekly session.