How Often Should I Get a Massage?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from my clients, and the honest answer is: it depends. Each person’s body and lifestyle are different, so the frequency of massage really comes down to your individual needs.

If you are recovering from surgery, healing after an injury, or dealing with chronic pain, you may benefit from more frequent sessions in the short term. On the other hand, if your main goal is to relax, de-stress, or prevent problems before they arise, your schedule might look different.

That said, there’s one thing I can say with confidence: the world we live in today puts our bodies and minds under constant pressure. Fast-paced schedules, long hours at work, endless screens, and the stress of everyday life all take their toll. Our immune and nervous systems—two of the body’s most important defense networks—often need extra support to stay balanced. This is where massage comes in.

Massage therapy does far more than loosen tight muscles. By releasing restrictions in the tissues, it helps improve blood and lymph circulation, which supports detoxification and strengthens immunity. It encourages deeper, easier breathing, which is vital for energy and resilience. Regular massage also calms the nervous system, reducing stress hormones, improving sleep, and enhancing your ability to cope with daily challenges.

Many of my clients notice the difference immediately: less pain, more mobility, clearer thinking, and a deep sense of relaxation. Some come to me only when they are in pain, while others choose to book more frequently to stay ahead of tension and stress. From my experience, the clients who treat massage as part of their well-being routine—rather than just a quick fix—enjoy the greatest long-term benefits.

So, how often should you get a massage? While it varies from person to person, a good guideline for overall wellness is once a month. This frequency allows your body to reset regularly, preventing stress and tension from building up and keeping you as far away from illness as possible. Of course, if you are going through a particularly stressful time, struggling with pain, or recovering from something more specific, you may find that more frequent sessions are helpful.

Think of massage as an essential part of your self-care routine—just like eating well, moving your body, and getting enough rest. By giving yourself this time, you’re investing in your health, balance, and well-being.

Marts Suchanska

Certified Massage Therapist/Final Year Student Osteopath