How Often Should I Get a Massage? (The Complete Guide)
- Mick Breen
- Jul 29
- 2 min read
Why Frequency Matters
Massage isn’t just for when you’re broken. The real magic happens when you plan it with purpose.
At Melbourne Soft Tissue Therapy, we see the same pattern: people book when pain is unbearable, get relief, then wait until it comes back. That cycle can be avoided.
The question “How often should I get a massage?” has one honest answer: it depends on your body, goals, and lifestyle.
Here’s the breakdown.
1. If You’re in Pain or Recovering from Injury
Frequency: 1–2 sessions per week for the first 2–4 weeks.
Why? Because:
Your tissue is inflamed and needs consistent input to settle
Each session builds on the last, speeding recovery
Case in point:
After 3 sessions, Scott’s tennis elbow was pain-free and he said, “Dry needling plus remedial exercises got me moving almost instantly.”
Once symptoms settle, we scale back while adding strength and movement strategies.
2. If You Train Hard or Play Sport
Frequency: Every 2–4 weeks.
Why?
Recovery between heavy sessions
Keeps tissue pliable and responsive
Catches minor restrictions before they become major
Think of it like a tune-up.
Example: Michelle trains 6 days a week. She comes in monthly to prevent fatigue turning into injuries:
“Mick is absolutely the best in the business. He keeps me running strong and pain-free.”
3. If You Sit All Day or Are Highly Stressed
Frequency: Fortnightly or monthly.
Desk work + stress = tension everywhere. Regular massage:
Frees up your neck, shoulders, and hips
Improves blood flow
Helps you sleep better
Client story: Yawen said:
“My shoulder pain has reduced a lot after seeing Mick. He also gave me effective exercises which helped my recovery.”
4. Maintenance: The Ideal Frequency for Most People
For most active adults:
Frequency: Every 3–4 weeks.
This keeps you ahead of pain. It’s not reactive, it’s preventative.
“I’ve been coming to MSTT for over 18 months now. Mick is always looking to understand what’s happening in my life to provide the most personalised treatment.” – Brendan
Regular maintenance stops the flare-up cycle.
Factors That Change Your Frequency
Training Load: Marathon prep vs. casual gym-goer.
Stress Levels: High-stress jobs need more recovery.
History of Injury: More previous injuries = closer watch.
Lifestyle: Sitting all day? You need more.
We’ll always tailor your schedule to you.
Why MSTT is Different
A massage isn’t a massage everywhere. Here’s what makes MSTT stand out:
Longer, hands-on sessions
Dry needling, cupping, and trigger point therapy integrated where needed
Movement coaching to fix the reason you keep breaking down
Individual care – you’re not just another number here
Final Word
So, how often should you get a massage? Enough to stay ahead of pain, not just chase it.
For some that’s weekly. For others, monthly. If you train hard, sit long hours, or deal with recurring pain—every 2–4 weeks is ideal.
👉 Book your massage at Melbourne Soft Tissue Therapy and turn “once in pain” into a plan that keeps you moving.
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