Weekly, monthly or simply when you need one? Finding the right routine for your body.
“How often should I have a massage?”
It’s a question I’m asked quite regularly – and perhaps unsurprisingly, there isn’t one answer that’s right for everybody.
For some people, massage is something they enjoy occasionally when life feels particularly busy or their body is asking for a little extra attention. For others, it becomes part of a regular wellbeing routine.
You might book because your shoulders are feeling tight after weeks sitting at a desk. You might be training regularly and want to give tired muscles some attention. Perhaps massage is one of the ways you manage the stresses and strains of everyday life.
Or you might simply love how you feel after a massage.
All of those are perfectly good reasons to book.
So rather than telling you that you should have a massage every week, fortnight or month, I prefer to look at a slightly different question:
What does your body need?
There Is No Magic Number
It would be lovely if I could give you a simple formula.
Have a massage every four weeks and everything will be perfect.
Unfortunately, bodies don’t work like that.
We’re all different, and even your own needs can change from one month to the next.
Your work, activity levels, stress, sleep, exercise, health and general lifestyle can all influence how your body feels.
There may be periods when you’d really appreciate regular massage, followed by times when you feel you need it much less frequently.
That’s why I don’t believe massage should be about sticking rigidly to a timetable.
Instead, think about why you’re having massage in the first place.
If You Have Massage for Relaxation
Sometimes massage is simply about stopping.
No laptop. No phone. No emails. No jobs waiting to be done.
Just some time where you don’t have to be anywhere else or look after anybody else.
If relaxation and general wellbeing are your main reasons for having massage, you may decide to make it a regular part of your routine – perhaps once a month or every few weeks.
But there are no rules.
Some people love having a regular appointment in their diary because it gives them something to look forward to and reminds them to make a little time for themselves.
Others book whenever they feel they need that opportunity to reset.
Both approaches are absolutely fine.
Treatments such as Swedish Massage and Warm Bamboo Massage can be lovely choices when relaxation is your priority.
If You Regularly Experience Muscular Tension
If you spend your working day sitting at a computer, driving, standing for long periods or doing repetitive physical work, you may notice certain areas becoming tight again and again.
For many people, it’s the familiar combination of the neck, shoulders and upper back.
You might notice yourself rolling your shoulders at your desk, stretching your neck or thinking:
“I really need a massage.”
If that sounds familiar, having massage a little more regularly may be something you find beneficial.
A Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage allows us to concentrate on those particular areas, while Deep Tissue Massage may be appropriate when you prefer a firmer, more focused treatment.
But frequency still depends on the individual.
Rather than waiting until you’re extremely uncomfortable before booking, you may find it helpful to pay attention to those earlier signs that your body is beginning to feel tense.
If You’re Very Active
Exercise is wonderful for us, but whether you run, cycle, go to the gym, dance, play sport or simply have a physically demanding lifestyle, your muscles are doing a lot of work.
Some active clients like to incorporate massage into their routine, particularly during periods when they’re training more frequently.
How often you choose to have massage will depend on the type and intensity of activity you’re doing, how your body responds and what you’re hoping to achieve from the treatment.
It’s also important to remember that massage isn’t a substitute for appropriate recovery, rest, hydration, good nutrition or professional medical or physiotherapy advice when you have an injury.
If something hurts unexpectedly, persistently or severely, getting it properly assessed is always more important than simply trying to massage it away.
What About Lymphatic Drainage?
This is another area where I’m often asked about frequency.
I offer both Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, and people come to these treatments for different reasons.
Some people may choose to have lymphatic massage occasionally, while others may have a particular reason for considering a series of treatments.
The right approach depends on the individual and, importantly, their circumstances.
If lymphatic drainage has been recommended following surgery or because of a medical condition, you should always follow the advice of the healthcare professional looking after you.
For general wellbeing or cosmetic reasons, we can talk about what you’re hoping to achieve and decide on an appropriate approach together.
How Often Can I Have Madero Therapy?
Treatments such as Madero Therapy and Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage & Madero Therapy are slightly different again.
Clients are often interested in these treatments because of their focus on massage, lymphatic-style techniques, body contouring and skin appearance.
Some people choose an individual treatment because they enjoy the experience, while others may prefer a course of appointments.
Again, there isn’t a single schedule that everybody needs to follow.
I’ll always talk to you about your goals, your experience of the treatment and how your body responds rather than encouraging you to book appointments simply because the calendar says it’s time for another one.
And What About Facial Massage?
Your face contains muscles too – and anyone who has ever caught themselves clenching their jaw after a stressful day will know just how much tension we can hold there.
Treatments such as my Natural Facelift Therapy and Quantum Sculpt & Drain Facial Massage can be enjoyed as occasional treatments or incorporated into a more regular self-care routine.
Some clients book facial massage because they enjoy its relaxing qualities, while others are particularly interested in facial tension, puffiness or sculpting techniques.
As with body massage, consistency may be something you enjoy, but it shouldn’t become another obligation on your to-do list.
Self-care is supposed to make life feel better – not give you another deadline!
Should I Wait Until Something Hurts?
This is perhaps the biggest misconception I’d like to change.
You don’t have to wait until your shoulders feel like rocks before you’re “allowed” to book a massage.
Massage doesn’t only have to be something you turn to when you’re uncomfortable.
It can simply be part of looking after yourself.
Think about all the other little things we do regularly because they make us feel better – going for a walk, having our hair done, exercising, taking a long bath, reading a book or meeting a friend for coffee.
You don’t necessarily wait until something is wrong before doing those things.
Massage can be the same.
Listen to Your Body
Our bodies are actually very good at giving us little hints.
Perhaps you’re feeling stiffer than usual.
Maybe your shoulders seem to be creeping towards your ears.
You might be clenching your jaw, feeling tired, struggling to switch off or simply noticing that you haven’t taken any proper time for yourself recently.
Sometimes we ignore those signs because there is always something else that seems more important.
But taking care of yourself doesn’t have to mean making enormous changes.
Sometimes it’s simply noticing how you feel.
So… How Often Should You Have a Massage?
The simple answer is:
As often as feels appropriate for you.
That might mean weekly for a period of time.
It could mean fortnightly.
It might be once a month, every couple of months or simply whenever you feel your body would appreciate one.
Your ideal routine may change too – and that’s completely normal.
I would much rather help you find a pattern that suits your body, your lifestyle and your budget than tell you there is a particular number of massages everybody needs.
And if you’re not sure, ask me.
We can talk about why you’re considering massage, how you’re feeling and what you’d like to get from your treatment.
Make Massage Work for You
For me, massage has never been about applying exactly the same treatment to every person who walks through the door.
Your recovery. Your relaxation. Your wellbeing. Your way.
Whether massage is a regular part of your routine or something you enjoy as an occasional treat, the important thing is that your treatment works for you.
I offer a range of massage, lymphatic drainage, body and facial treatments from Body Matters Clinic in Belsize Village, London, and I’m always happy to help if you’re unsure which treatment – or how often – might suit you.
So perhaps the next time you find yourself wondering,
“Is it time I booked another massage?”
take a moment to notice how you’re feeling.
Your body might already have the answer.
Make today the day you put you first.
