How Often Should I Get a Sports Massage?
Determining the Right Frequency for Your Sports Massages
The frequency of sports massages for active individuals can vary widely based on several factors, including the intensity and frequency of their workouts, their activity levels, and how their bodies respond to massage therapy. While there are general guidelines that can serve as a starting point, it's essential to personalize the approach based on individual needs and responses.
General Guideline:
For Those with a High-Intensity Workout Regimen (6-7 Workouts per Week):
Recommended Frequency: At least one massage weekly or bi-weekly.
Budget-Friendly Option: At a minimum, consider scheduling a massage once per month or quarterly.
For Those with a Moderate Workout Regimen (3-5 Workouts per Week):
Recommended Frequency: At least one massage per month.
Budget-Friendly Option: A quarterly massage can still offer benefits.
For Athletes Recovering from Sports-Related Injuries:
Initial Phase (2-4 Weeks): Once cleared by a physician, it is recommended to receive massages 1-2 times per week to support recovery. This frequency helps prevent scar tissue build-up and promotes effective healing.
Post-Recovery: After the initial recovery phase, returning to a regular massage routine can help maintain muscle health and prevent future injuries.
Personalized Guidance Based on Individual Response
It’s important to recognize that each body responds differently to massage. After receiving a massage, it’s common to experience some soreness for a day or two. The real benefits of sports massage are typically felt after this soreness subsides. A good way to determine the optimal frequency of massage is to gauge how the body feels a few days post-session and observe how long it takes for tightness or discomfort to return. This approach allows for timing the next session before the tightness fully returns, using the momentum from the previous massage to keep breaking up tension.
In the beginning, it’s recommended to schedule a follow-up session about a week or two after the first massage. From there, clients can adjust their massage frequency based on how their body responds to the work and how recovery fits into their activity levels.
Recover at Home Between Massages
Foam Rolling - Verdure Sports Massage offers a free foam rolling guide on the website, which provides detailed instructions on how to use foam rollers effectively. Foam rolling can help alleviate muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and enhance circulation, extending the benefits of your massage sessions. Incorporating foam rolling into your routine can be particularly beneficial for maintaining muscle health between massages.