How Often Should You Actually Get a Massage?

This is one of the questions I get asked most, and the honest answer is: it depends entirely on why you're coming in. Here's a realistic breakdown by goal, rather than a one-size-fits-all number.

For general stress and maintenance

If you're coming in mainly to manage everyday stress and stay ahead of tension before it builds up, once a month is a common, sustainable rhythm. Some people do well with less — every six to eight weeks — and simply notice tension creeping back in as a signal it's time to rebook.

For chronic pain or an ongoing issue

Chronic or long-standing pain usually responds better to a closer series of visits at the start — often every one to two weeks for the first several sessions — before spacing out to a monthly maintenance schedule once things stabilize. Consistency early on tends to matter more than any single session.

For desk-related neck and shoulder tension

This depends a lot on your work setup and habits between sessions. Many people find every three to four weeks keeps things manageable, especially when paired with small daily habits like posture breaks and stretching. If the tension is building back within a week or two of your visit, it's worth coming in more frequently for a stretch until it settles.

For prenatal clients

This varies by trimester and how you're feeling. Many people book every two to four weeks through pregnancy, adjusting as things change. We can talk through a schedule that makes sense for your stage and how your body's responding.

Signs it's time to book again

• Tension or pain from before your last visit is starting to creep back
• You notice yourself unconsciously tensing your shoulders or jaw again
• It's been over a month and you can't quite remember when your last visit was
• You're back to the same stress levels that brought you in the first time

There's no universally "right" frequency

What matters more than hitting a specific number is noticing your own patterns — how long relief actually lasts for you, and adjusting from there. I'm happy to help you figure out a realistic rhythm at your next visit, rather than guessing at it on your own.