Massages aren’t just for relaxation anymore. Over 60% of respondents to a 2023 survey said they got them for medical reasons. That was just behind mental health at 56%.
The best part of massage therapy is that the right procedures can heal both. A deep tissue massage can leave you free of knots in your body and stress in your mind. The key is to know when to get it.
Read on to learn the answer to the question, “how often should you get a deep tissue massage?”
What Is Deep Tissue Massage Therapy?
Deep tissue massage therapy is a special set of techniques that breaks down:
- Knots
- Scar tissue
- Bands of inflamed muscle fibers
These spots can do more than cause pain. They can also limit your range of motion and reduce blood flow.
The massage therapist will have to use all their body, including their:
- Hands
- Knuckles
- Fingers
- Elbows
- Forearms
The two most common ways to perform a deep tissue massage are stripping and friction.
Stripping involves the therapist applying pressure to the fibers of a muscle. They move from where they begin to where they end.
Friction involves applying pressure along the grain of the muscle. It helps break up areas where they’ve begun to adhere to themselves.
Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage
The benefits of deep tissue massage are wide and varied. It’s one of the oldest and most studied forms.
The most well-known benefit is that they reduce pain and muscle knots. They can also improve the flow of blood and the lymphatic system.
Athletes will notice improved performance. Deep tissue is also one of the most relaxing forms of massage.
Fewer Pain and Muscle Knots
Deep tissue massage is one of the best types of massage for muscle recovery.
It clears out knots in your muscles. You won’t have to deal with the pain they cause anymore.
Better Blood Circulation
Pain and muscle knots can keep your blood from circulating properly.
A deep tissue massage can stimulate blood flow in these blocked areas. It also warms the body and causes the blood vessels to dilate.
Improved Lymphatic System Flow
Deep tissue massages can also help your lymphatic system flow more freely. Lymph nodes are found all over the body. They regulate fluids and are an essential part of your immune system.
A lymphatic drainage massage is an even better way to get your lymphatic system flowing, but a deep tissue massage is a great start.
Improved Athletic Performance
Athletes are no strangers to achy muscles after a workout. They may also wish they were more flexible.
Deep tissue massage improves both of these areas. It reduces soreness and loosens tightened muscles that could be reducing your flexibility.
You’ll also have shorter recovery times between workout sessions. A massage can get you back in the game faster than you ever dreamed.
Mental Health Benefits
According to Psychiatry.Org, 53% of adults list stress as the most significant factor affecting their mental health. Sleep was right behind it at 40%.
Deep tissue is one of the best types of massage for stress. It reduces the tenseness of chronic stress and has a lasting effect.
How Often Should You Get a Deep Tissue Massage?
Deep tissue massage is powerful enough to relieve many aches and pains, but too powerful to do every day.
Think about why you’re visiting the therapist, because certain types of pain take longer to treat. Give your body time to rest between appointments and choose a therapist who can help you create a healthy routine.
Set Clear Goals
The most important thing to consider when asking “how often should you get a deep tissue massage” is why you’re getting the massage in the first place.
Are you looking for stress relief or to improve your general wellness? Wellness massage schedules don’t need to include more than one treatment every month.
Are you an athlete, or do you struggle with chronic pain? Schedule one every two weeks or once a week. Increase the frequency during intense training or periods of intense pain.
Do you have injury-related pain? A general recommendation is to start with once or twice a week. You may have to continually adjust the massage therapy frequency until you heal.
Know How Often Is Too Often
In general, it’s recommended to wait at least 48 hours between each deep tissue massage and not to do more than three per week.
Giving your body time to rest allows it to properly respond to the treatments.
Choose the Right Therapist
The most important part of setting the right massage routine is consulting a qualified massage therapist. Always check their experience. Look for reviews and get referrals to see who your friends and family recommend.
Set up a consultation to see if you can communicate well with them. It will make it easier to create a treatment plan with them.
Set Up a Routine
Having a therapist you can work well with ensures you’ll get the right treatments. They can help you choose the massages your body needs and how often it needs them.
Make sure their intended treatment plan fits in with the rest of your schedule. They can recommend other ways to feel better between appointments, such as trying other forms of therapy or exercises.
Talk to the therapist after each appointment. Adjust the frequency based on how you feel after each massage. If you feel pain in a certain area, it may be necessary to focus on it more deeply or come in more often to relieve it.
Where to Get a Deep Tissue Massage
How often should you get a deep tissue massage? It all depends on your needs and goals.
Relieving certain types of pain requires more frequent treatment. Having goals and choosing the right therapist can help you create a routine that provides the best possible results.
Allen Therapeutic Massage has been providing massage therapy since 2021. We believe that its benefits should be available to everyone.Our services are affordable and effective. We’ll create a customized plan using a range of treatments to provide you with the best results. Book an appointment to get started today.