How often should I get a Massage? This common question though seems simple, can vary from person to person. This is due to the variety of different stresses put on an individual and their health goals. In this article we will discuss the different ways your body may be telling you its time to book in.
Understanding your body’s signals is key to determining how often you need a massage. These signals can be related to physical, chemical, or emotional stressors, and if you push yourself too hard in any of these areas, your body will let you know it needs attention. Regular massages have many benefits that relate to helping you manage these stressors and achieve your health goals, but the frequency of massages should be determined by individual needs and preferences. For example, if you want your body to perform at its best and handle life’s stresses, you may benefit from regular massages even if you don’t have any symptoms. On the other hand, if you only want to address specific symptoms as they arise, you may not need massages as frequently. The key is to work with your massage therapist to determine what approach will work best for you based on your personal health goals and the stresses affecting you.
Physical:
Physical stress refers to the demands that your body experiences while performing various tasks, and how your body responds to them. These demands can come from many sources in your daily life, such as your job or other activities. For example, if you have a physically demanding job or spend long hours sitting at a desk, both situations can cause stress on your body. Certain muscles can become overworked, while others may be underused, and you may find yourself in a position that is detrimental to your posture, which can affect other areas of your body. Although it may be impossible to avoid these physical stresses entirely, it’s important to take steps to minimize their impact on your body. This may include making ergonomic adjustments to your work environment or engaging in regular physical activity to counterbalance the effects of prolonged sitting or standing. Analysing the daily absorption of physical stress is a good starting point to indicate how frequently you may need to book in for a treatment, but also in finding your own ways at home to help your body.
Chemical:
Chemical stress refers to stressors that come from exposure to toxins or chemicals in our environment, food, medication, or personal care products. Exposure to these toxins can have negative effects on various systems in our body, such as the nervous system, endocrine system, immune system, and digestive system, leading to various health problems. These can include processed foods, exposure to chemicals at a worksite, harsh toxins in skincare products or medications. Today, harsh chemicals can unfortunately be found in a lot of our everyday products. It is important to consider these factors when assessing your health, as neglecting them can decrease your body’s ability to cope with external pressures and thus, impact your wellbeing. If you’re exposing yourself to toxins, your body may struggle to adapt, heal, and perform optimally, making external help necessary. For example, if you’re recovering from an injury, trying to enhance sports or work performance, or just wanting to feel your best in everyday life, reducing exposure to toxins and seeking remedial massage therapy can be beneficial in supporting your body’s natural healing processes.
Emotional:
Emotional stress can have a significant impact on our overall wellbeing. Emotional stress arises from psychological or social factors, such as relationship problems, work-related stress, financial difficulties, or traumatic events. When we experience emotional stress, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can trigger the “fight or flight” response, causing physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension. Living in a constant state of high stress can negatively affect our body’s ability to perform at its best, heal, and thrive. While remedial massage is a great way to aid in the fight against stress, it’s also essential to practice self-care and stress management techniques to limit the impact of emotional stress. Taking breaks, spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or engaging in hobbies can all be effective ways to reduce emotional stress and support your overall wellbeing.
You may have been hoping to find a specific number or guideline for how often you should get a massage, but unfortunately, it’s impossible to provide a fixed answer without knowing your unique situation. As you’re the one living in your body, it’s important to assess how the three types of stress discussed in this article are affecting your health and how massage therapy can be incorporated into your life to help you thrive and manage these stressors. I recommend discussing your health goals with your massage therapist, evaluating how you’re dealing with physical, emotional, and chemical stresses, and finding a frequency that works best for you. Depending on your goals, the recommended frequency may be symptom-based or maintenance/performance-based. I wish you the best of luck in finding your balance and achieving optimal wellbeing.
