How often should I get a massage? — Find out how this form of therapy can improve your physical and mental well-being.
Short answer: More than just “when it hurts.”
Massage isn’t just about treating pain.
It’s about supporting your recovery, performance, and nervous system — so your body keeps up with life, not just puts out fires.
But one of the most common questions we get at YFS (Your Form Sux) is:
“How often should I actually get a massage?”
Here’s your honest, no-fluff answer:
It depends on what you’re using it for.
Let’s break it down by goal.
💥 If You’re in Pain or Rehabbing an Injury:
Recommended: 1x/week to start, then taper to biweekly or monthly.
Massage helps:
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Release protective muscle guarding
- Improve circulation for faster healing
- Calm the nervous system (because pain = stress = slower recovery)
We often pair massage with physio or movement therapy so you’re not just treating symptoms — you’re fixing the root.
🏋️ If You’re Active or Training Regularly:
Recommended: Every 2–4 weeks, depending on training load.
Massage helps:
- Reduce muscle tension and recovery time
- Improve range of motion
- Prevent overuse or compensations
- Boost performance by keeping tissues healthy
👉 If you’re training hard, lifting heavy, or prepping for competition, weekly massage during peak phases can make a huge difference.
🧠 If You’re Stressed, Anxious, or Burned Out:
Recommended: Every 2–3 weeks for nervous system regulation.
Massage does more than relax muscles — it:
- Activates the parasympathetic (rest/digest) system
- Improves sleep
- Lowers cortisol
- Helps you reconnect to your body
If your jaw is always tight, your breath is shallow, and your shoulders live near your ears — yeah, massage is medicine.
🧘 If You’re Maintaining General Health + Mobility:
Recommended: 1x/month as part of your recovery routine.
This is your “tune-up” zone — keeping tension from building, catching patterns early, and supporting whatever else your body’s doing (physio, strength work, yoga, desk job, parenting, etc.)
It’s proactive — and way more effective than waiting for a flare-up.
⚠️ Signs You Might Need It More Often:
- Chronic tension that returns within a few days
- Limited mobility or stiffness in one area
- High training load or work stress
- Poor sleep, headaches, jaw pain
- You’re always “on” and never fully relaxed
If your system is always tight, always buzzing, or always sore — you need a plan, not a one-off.
Final Word: It’s About Consistency, Not Just Crisis
Massage shouldn’t be a last resort. It should be a core part of your recovery strategy — just like physio, strength training, hydration, and sleep.
At YFS, we don’t just “give a massage.”
We assess your body, track progress, and help you build a hands-on recovery plan that actually supports your goals.
Not sure how often your body needs massage?
Book a movement + soft tissue assessment at YFS — and we’ll figure out the ideal rhythm for real results.
