Just How Often Do I Need to Come for a Massage?

3 Sep 2019

A question that I receive often from clients, usually during their first visit, is how often should they come for massage to see benefit? My answer is one that varies based on the person and the issue presented in front of me. Important variables to consider are: the reason(s) for seeking massage therapy, the client’s level of discomfort and the severity of the issue at hand. When they ask me this question, I usually ask them to consider the following questions:

1. “How important it is to you that the problem you are experiencing is resolved?” Or in other words, how significantly is it affecting your activities of daily living?

With any acute issue, such as: tendonitis, a recent muscle strain or injury to the joint, a sudden slipped disk, whiplash, concussion, chronic arthritis with acute flare ups – it may be more urgent to receive care at least once a week, if not twice a week, at first.  This frequent treatment would be needed at least 4-6 weeks and then, as their RMT, I would re-evaluate at the end of this time to see the progress that has been made.

For less acute situations, where immediate attention isn’t urgently required, for example, in a situation of a sore back, neck and/or shoulders due to repetitive use or postural imbalances – once every 2 weeks would be more suitable for approximately 4-6 weeks, and re- evaluate progress from here.  That being said, coming in once a week for the above mentioned, to get ahead of the issue, never hurts either. Remedial exercises are a great way to continue to heal and take the benefits of massage outside of the treatment room, once the initial treatment plan has been completed. (Regular stretching has similar effects to receiving regular massages!) Sometimes a few follow-up sessions are needed to be sure healing is well underway.

In the case of wanting to improve circulation, digestion, general flushing of toxins (especially after a workout/competition) or just to de-stress from a hectic/busy life, massage is a fantastic modality for maintaining optimal health and functioning when done once a month.

2. “Does your schedule allow you to come for regular treatments once a week in an acute situation? Would your schedule allow you to come in once every 2 weeks to work through an ongoing issue?”

3. “What is your massage benefit coverage from your insurance company?” Some clients may find it difficult to pay for treatments out of pocket, if their coverage runs out, so I try to develop a plan that will work within a time frame of their benefit coverage.

Massage is not a “one plan fits all.” A massage plan is as unique as the clients who seek it.

Interested in booking an initial massage with one of our Registered Massage Therapists?  Just CLICK HERE!

In health,

Jessica Sgrignoli , RMT

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash