How Often Should You Get a Massage? Therapist-Approved Guide

Most people should get a massage every 2–4 weeks for general wellness, once a week for stress or chronic tension, and more frequently for pain recovery, according to licensed massage therapists. The right massage frequency depends on your lifestyle, stress levels, pain history, and health goals, not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

At Adore Essence, we help clients personalize their massage routine, whether they're booking a couples massage, a full body massage in Gurnee, or exploring which massage is right for them. This therapist-approved guide answers the exact questions people ask—clearly, practically, and honestly.

How Often Should You Get a Massage for General Wellness?

Recommended frequency: Every 3–4 weeks

✔ Ideal if you want:

• Stress reduction
• Better sleep
• Improved circulation
• Muscle relaxation
• Preventive self-care

Why this works:

Muscle tension and stress hormones (like cortisol) rebuild gradually. A monthly massage helps reset the nervous system before tension becomes pain.

➡ Best choice: Relaxation or full body massage

How Often Should You Get a Massage for Stress or Anxiety?

Recommended frequency: Once every 1–2 weeks

✔ Ideal if you experience:

• High work stress
• Anxiety or burnout
• Headaches or jaw tension
• Poor sleep quality

What therapists see:

Clients under chronic stress respond best to consistent sessions that calm the nervous system, not occasional "emergency" massages.

➡ Best choice:

• Full body massage
• Aromatherapy massage
• Gentle Swedish techniques

Many stress-management clients combine this with a couples massage in Gurnee to reinforce relaxation and emotional connection.

How Often Should You Get a Massage for Pain or Muscle Tightness?

Recommended frequency: Once per week (initially)

✔ Ideal if you have:

• Chronic neck or back pain
• Shoulder tightness
• Sciatica or hip pain
• Desk-related posture issues

Therapist approach:

• Weeks 1–4: Weekly sessions
• Weeks 5–8: Bi-weekly
• Maintenance: Monthly

This phased plan prevents relapse and supports long-term relief.

➡ Best choice:

• Deep tissue massage
• Targeted therapeutic massage

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), massage therapy can help relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain and tension when used consistently.

How Often Should Athletes or Active Individuals Get a Massage?

Recommended frequency: Every 1–2 weeks

✔ Ideal if you:

• Work out regularly
• Run, lift, or train competitively
• Experience muscle soreness or tightness

Why athletes benefit more often:

Massage improves flexibility, circulation, and recovery speed, helping prevent injury rather than treating it after it happens.

➡ Best choice:

• Sports massage
• Deep tissue massage

Is It Safe to Get Massages Frequently?

Yes, when performed by licensed professionals.

Massage is considered low-risk for most healthy adults. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) recognizes massage therapy as a safe complementary wellness practice when tailored to individual needs.

Exceptions (consult your doctor first):

• Blood clotting disorders
• Recent surgery
• Acute injuries
• Certain cardiovascular conditions

Can You Get Too Many Massages?

Yes, if recovery time is ignored.

Signs you may be overdoing it:

• Lingering soreness
• Fatigue
• Increased sensitivity

Therapist rule:

Your body needs time to integrate the benefits. More frequent sessions should be gentler—not deeper.

What Type of Massage Determines How Often You Should Go?

How often you should get a massage depends on the type and your goal. A full body massage is usually enough every three to four weeks, while a deep tissue massage works best every one to two weeks. For stress relief, a bi-weekly session helps maintain balance. Pain management massage is often done weekly at first, then spaced out as symptoms improve. Couples massages are more flexible and can be booked monthly or whenever desired.

Not sure which massage fits your goals? Explore: Which Massage is Right for You?

How Do I Know My Ideal Massage Schedule?

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel stressed daily or occasionally?
• Is pain limiting my movement?
• Am I active or sedentary?
• Do I want maintenance or recovery?

At Adore Essence, our therapists customize your schedule, so you don't waste money or miss results.

Does Massage Frequency Improve Long-Term Health?

Yes. Stress management and muscle care play a role in preventing chronic conditions related to tension and inflammation.

Consistent massage supports:

• Nervous system balance
• Circulation
• Sleep regulation
• Mental wellbeing

How Often Should You Get a Massage at Adore Essence?

Therapist-recommended starting point:

• Wellness: Every 3–4 weeks
• Stress or pain: Every 1–2 weeks
• Recovery: Weekly (short-term)

We proudly serve clients looking for:

• Full body massage 
• Couples massage
• Personalized spa & bodywork experiences in the USA

Key Takeaways (Quick Answer Summary)

• Most people benefit from massage every 2–4 weeks
• Stress or pain requires weekly or bi-weekly sessions
• Frequency depends on your body, goals, and lifestyle
• Licensed therapists ensure safety and effectiveness
• Personalized care delivers better long-term results

FAQs

1. How often should you get a massage if you're new to it?

If you're just starting, once every 3–4 weeks is a good baseline. This helps your body adjust and lets you notice how massage affects stress and muscle tension.

2. Is it okay to get a massage every week?

Yes, especially for stress, chronic pain, or recovery. Weekly sessions should be adjusted in pressure and technique to avoid overworking the muscles.

3. Does massage frequency change with age?

It can. Older adults or those with medical conditions may benefit from gentler sessions spaced every 2–4 weeks, based on comfort and health needs.

4. Should massage frequency change during high-stress periods?

Absolutely. During stressful phases, bi-weekly or weekly massage can help regulate the nervous system and prevent tension from building into pain.

Conclusion

There's no universal answer to how often to get a massage. The right schedule depends on your stress levels, activity, pain history, and wellness goals. Whether you're maintaining balance, managing pain, or recovering from physical strain, consistency matters more than intensity. A personalized plan delivers better results than occasional, reactive sessions.

Ready to Find Your Ideal Massage Schedule?

At Adore Essence, our licensed therapists help you decide how often to get a massage based on your body and lifestyle. Whether you're booking a full body massage in Gurnee or planning a couples massage in Gurnee, we tailor each session to support real, lasting wellness.