How often should I get a massage?  What should my maintenance schedule be?

by Juliana Pires

Most new clients will ask after receiving the bodywork, when they should come back.  The scheduling should be dictated by the ultimate goal; either relaxation or pain relief.

Pain Relief 

A pain relief regimen addresses extreme tension in the mid to upper back, lower back pain, tightness or pain in the hips, frequent headaches, sciatica, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis (link) or other specific muscular pain. 

It is suggested that you receive treatment once a week for three to four weeks.  The initial visits focus on returning the affected muscles to their natural relaxed state.   Weekly therapy builds on itself, effectively preventing the muscle from returning to the heightened state of tension.  Because our muscles have memory, they are very fast in getting you right back to that uncomfortable, painful state.  Thus, during the initial sessions, consistency should be considered a priority.

Once you go through the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, the muscles start to memorize relaxation, as opposed to tension; and are more likely to maintain itself for longer periods of time that way.  At this point, you are ready to start thinking about what type of maintenance you will need.   Your body will tell you when it is time.  Ideally you get back to the massage table before the pain comes back, but perhaps you will need to wait and see how long it takes, so we can figure out your own maintenance needs.

Relaxation 
If you initially came in because you have some tension and just need relief for that, combined with some deep relaxation, there is no need for a “plan of action”, and you get a massage whenever you want, or as frequently as your pocket allows.  For these clients, I usually propose a once a month, or every month and half, or even every two months maintenance schedule. The more mindful you are of your body and posture, the less maintenance you will need.  While stretching and exercise can help significantly in pain management, stress and poor posture are frequent contributors to muscular discomfort and/or pain.

About the Author

Massage Therapist specializing in the relief of chronic pain, Juliana Pires trained at the Palmer Institute of Massage and Bodywork, is a professional member of the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professional organization and certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork Professionals. Her goal is to help clients to reduce or rid of chronic pain resulted from poor posture, stress or injury by assessing, treating and rehabilitating the soft tissue injury.  To contact Juliana, please visit www.republicofwellness.com.