One question I hear over and over again is: \u201chow often should I get a massage?\u201d It\u2019s a very interesting question for a couple of reasons. One, the language that people use when asking this question gives me the impression that people are looking for permission, from an authority figure, to receive massage. You don\u2019t need permission; unless you are injured or have a medical condition that you should consult a doctor on, otherwise, just go get one, then you can judge for yourself. You\u2019ll know how often you could get a massage by how long your last massage lasted, your schedule and your budget.\u00a0 Once you get a sense of these factors, then you can work it in to your schedule and book them in advance by booking the appointments before you leave your last appointment. I, for example, get them once a month. I have a repeat reminder in my iCal to remind me to book it. Also, I have clients who vary tremendously in their frequency. I have some clients who book weekly, every three weeks and monthly, and I have clients who book them just when they happen to be in town or alongside their training regimens for competitive events, all the way through the NY Marathon in November. So, you can be very creative with your massage plan.<\/p>\n
The question also infers that people think they \u201cneed it\u201d. You don\u2019t, but there are some benefits to having regular massages. The Mayo Clinic lists on their website at http:\/\/www.mayoclinic.com\/health\/massage\/SA00082<\/a>, that some studies have found that massage therapy can be helpful for:<\/p>\n Stress relief<\/p>\n Managing anxiety and depression<\/p>\n Pain<\/p>\n Stiffness<\/p>\n Blood pressure control<\/p>\n Infant growth<\/p>\n Sports-related injuries<\/p>\n Boosting immunity<\/p>\n Cancer treatment<\/p>\n In fact, there are many benefits to massage therapy that are supported by research that can be easily found online from reputable sources. For example, conclusions found in the summary of the article \u201cLower Back Pain is Reduced and Range of Motion Increased After Massage Therapy\u201d, located online at http:\/\/informahealthcare.com\/doi\/abs\/10.3109\/00207450109149744<\/a>, states that: \u201cMassage therapy is effective in reducing pain, stress hormones and symptoms associated with chronic low back pain.\u201d<\/p>\n (The International Journal of Neuroscience, 2001)<\/p>\n <\/p>\n