How Often Should You Get a Massage? A Guide Based on Your Lifestyle and Goals

When it comes to massage therapy, one of the most common questions I hear is:“How often should I come in?”

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your body, your stress levels, and what you're hoping to achieve through bodywork. At Intention Wellness at Sun Therapy, I view massage not as a luxury, but as a form of essential self-maintenance, a way to stay connected, balanced, and well.

Let’s explore what frequency might best support you.

1. For Stress Relief and Mental Well-being

Recommended: Every 2–4 weeks

If you're using massage to reduce anxiety, regulate your nervous system, or simply carve out intentional space to breathe, consistency matters. Regular sessions help:

• Calm chronic stress responses

• Improve sleep and mood

• Rebuild mind-body connection

Think of it as emotional hygiene—a way to reset before burnout sets in.

2. For Injury Recovery or Chronic Pain

Recommended: Weekly to bi-weekly, then taper as healing progresses

When working through shoulder tension, back pain, or post-surgical recovery, more frequent sessions can:

• Improve circulation and healing

• Release muscular guarding

• Restore functional movement

We often start with a higher frequency, then adjust as your body integrates the work.

3. For Athletes or Physically Active Lifestyles

Recommended: Every 1–3 weeks

Whether you're training for an event or simply move a lot, massage helps reduce recovery time, prevent injury, and optimize performance. Paired with intentional stretching, it supports flexibility and resilience under physical demand.

4. For Preventative Care and Maintenance

Recommended: Every 4–6 weeks

If you’re not in pain but want to stay ahead of tension, monthly bodywork is a powerful form of preventative wellness. It helps identify early imbalances and supports your long-term physical and emotional health.

5. For Energy Work and Emotional Integration

Recommended: Every 3–6 weeks or intuitively guided

For those drawn to Reiki or subtle-energy-focused massage, your intuition can often guide the timing. After emotional release or big life shifts, a session can help ground and center your energy system.

How to Tell It’s Time for Your Next Massage

You might notice:

• Your shoulders creeping up by midday

• Sleep becoming shallow or disrupted

• Emotional overwhelm or mental fog

• That “off” feeling you can’t quite name

These are your body’s quiet cues that it’s ready to reset.

The Real Key: Listen to Your Body

No matter your starting point, the most important thing is tuning in. Together, we can create a care rhythm that fits your lifestyle and honors your goals.

Massage doesn’t have to be “only when you’re hurting.” It can be a regular conversation with your body, a way to stay connected and prevent disconnection.

Ready to Set Your Wellness Rhythm?

Whether you’re new to massage or ready to deepen your routine, I’m here to help you find the right frequency for your needs. Let’s create a plan that supports your nervous system, your goals, and your capacity to heal.

Book your session today or reach out with questions. We’ll walk it together.