The most common question I get after a first session is some version of "how often should I come back?" The honest answer: it depends on what you're using massage for. Here's the breakdown, without the sales pitch.
Maintenance (general wellness)
If your goal is general wellbeing — better sleep, less stress, staying ahead of everyday tension — most people find a session every 4 to 6 weeks works well. That's the rhythm where the benefits carry through the month without the tension rebuilding in between.
Budget is real, and I won't pretend otherwise. Even one session a quarter does more than none — it keeps your body from settling into the same tight patterns every few months. Frequency should fit your life; consistency matters more than frequency.
Active tension or an ongoing issue
If you're dealing with a specific problem — the neck that locks up, the lower back after a long stretch of desk work — the pattern is different: more frequent sessions while it's active (weekly to every two weeks), then tapering off as things settle. Think of it like physical therapy for your muscles: intensive at first, maintenance later.
Around events and big moments
- Before an event: a session 3–5 days ahead is better than the day before. Your body has time to settle, and you won't be walking around stiff on the big day.
- After an event: within 24–48 hours helps your body recover from whatever it just went through — a race, a wedding weekend, a week of nonstop travel.
Signs you're getting the balance right
You should be able to answer "how are you feeling?" with something like "generally good, a few spots I keep an eye on" rather than "I'm in pain and waiting for my next appointment." If massage is becoming your only way of managing ongoing pain, that's worth investigating further — ideally with a medical professional alongside the sessions.
Making each session count more
- Tell me what changed since last time. Even small things — slept badly, new desk setup, stressful week. It changes how I work.
- Hydrate and sleep well the day after. Your body does most of its recovery while you rest.
- Move gently on session days. A walk or light stretching beats sitting still all afternoon.
There's no wrong answer to "how often" — only the rhythm that fits your body and your life. If you're not sure where you fit, tell me what you're dealing with and I'll give you a straight recommendation.