Every Day! Well, maybe that’s not possible, even though it would be effective. This is a common question client’s often ask. It really depends on WHY you get massage’s. You get massage’s for its health benefits? Or, to help relax and de-stress from the demands of everyday life? Let’s look at 2 circumstance when regular massage is warranted:
1. Relaxation & Stress Relief
The best reasons to get a massage is to release tension. Massage helps to support your body, by increasing blood circulation and flexibility. Regular massage can help relax tight muscles and stressors from building up and causing pain. Why wait until you have a problem to get a massage? Consider a massage once a month for health and prevention, and more often to address acute issues.
There may be times in your life where you experience higher levels of stress and more muscle tension than normal. It is especially important to practice good self-care during these times. When we “don’t have time” for a massage, is usually when we need one the most. Make massage a priority especially during stressful times, it’s worth it.
If you are in a high-stress job or you work in an environment where you stay in a certain position for a long period of time (at a computer for example), you may begin to develop tight or “knotted” muscles. This will frequently occur in your shoulders, arms, and back. All of this increased muscle tension will restrict movement and can eventually cause greater discomfort/pain. Regular massage can help to keep you loosened up and will help to prevent pain and stiffness.
Living with higher levels of stress over months or years can increase the risk of heart disease, hypertension, headaches, high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes, skin conditions, asthma, arthritis, depression, and anxiety. ‘Seventy-five to ninety percent of all doctor’s office visits are stress-related ailments and complaints’ per NIH. The good news is, massage can help! Just knowing your massage is scheduled in day, week or month, like having a vacation on the horizon can help to relieve stress. And a massage every 2-4 weeks will help with stress related tension.
2. Sports Recovery
Are you a weekend warrior, or do you enjoy activity to stay in shape? Either way, massage can help with sports performance and recovery. Many athletes and physically active people receive sports massage because it improves performance, prevents injury, and speeds up their muscles’ recovery. Competitive sports can put a lot of stress on a person’s muscles and person! Research conducted at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging at McMaster University in Ontario shows that massage as well as exercise reduces inflammation and stimulates the growth of new mitochondria, the energy-producing units in the cells, after strenuous exercise. This means that massage can help relieve pain, build muscles and help with muscle recovery! For these benefits, it is recommended that athletic training preparing for competitive sporting events warrants regular weekly massage to optimize performance.