How close together should you get massages?

How Often Should You Get a Massage?

There is no single massage schedule that is right for every man. Weekly, fortnightly or monthly massage can all make sense in different circumstances — and some people simply book when their body tells them they need it.

The better question is not “What is the ideal number of weeks between massages?” It is what are you using massage for, and how does your body respond?

If you are booking for general relaxation

If massage is mainly time to slow down, switch off and feel less physically wound up, your schedule can be based largely on preference, budget and how long you feel the benefit lasts. There is no evidence-based rule saying you need a massage every three or four weeks to stay healthy.

If you train or do physical work

Gym training, sport and physically demanding work can leave you sore or tight. Research suggests massage after strenuous exercise can reduce delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), although that does not mean massage prevents injury or automatically improves sporting performance.

Some men like massage around heavier training periods. Others find occasional treatment is enough. Your training load, recovery, sleep and any existing injuries all matter.

If something keeps hurting

More frequent massage is not automatically better. If pain keeps returning, is getting worse, follows a significant injury, or includes weakness, numbness, unexplained swelling or loss of function, it deserves appropriate medical or physiotherapy assessment rather than simply increasing the number of massages.

Massage may be useful for some pain and muscular complaints, but the evidence varies considerably depending on the condition, and benefits can be short-term.

Can you have massages too close together?

It depends on the treatment. A gentle relaxation massage is very different from strong, focused work on already tender tissue. If you are still particularly sore from a previous treatment, tell your therapist. Pressure and technique can be adjusted rather than assuming more intensity will produce a better result.

Finding your own rhythm

At Core Benefits, I would rather work around the individual than sell everyone the same timetable. Consider:

• why you are having massage;
• how physically demanding your work or training is;
• whether you are dealing with a particular area of discomfort;
• how you feel in the days after treatment;
• your health history; and
• what frequency is realistic for your time and budget.

For one person that may mean a short period of closer appointments followed by less frequent visits. For another, an occasional massage when they want to unwind is completely appropriate.

There is no compulsory massage schedule

Massage should be something that is useful to you, not another health rule you feel pressured to follow. Pay attention to your body, talk openly with your therapist and adjust the frequency as your needs change.

Explore our men's massage options in Toowoomba, or book when the timing feels right for you.

General information only. Massage is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.