How Often Should I Get a Sports Massage?

How frequently should active people get sports massages?

This is a question that I’m asked quite often by clients. It can depend from person to person, largely down to the frequency of activity, intensity level of the fitness regimen, and whether or not the client has sustained previous injuries.

To give a couple of examples, for anyone who exercises strenuously:

If you are someone who works out 6 to 7 times per week: At least one massage weekly or bi-weekly; or at a minimum, once per month or per quarter for those on a budget.

If you are someone who works out 3 to 5 times per week: At least one massage per month, or per quarter for those on a budget.

When it comes to an athlete who’s in active recovery from a sport-related injury, once they’ve been cleared by a doctor for massages, I’d recommend them coming in 1-2 times per week for 2-4 weeks until the recovery process is nearly complete. This is due to the potential for scar tissue build-up on the affected muscle following the injury if it’s not stretched or massaged regularly. Following the 2-4 weeks they can return to their typical routine.

There are also some easy remedies to do at home in between massages. Stretch bands are a great and inexpensive tool to invest in, and using them to concentrate on stretching the areas where tension is felt can help provide relief. Using stretch bands while laying on the floor, targeting the legs and hips, are great for people with tight hamstrings or people experiencing sciatica.

I also recommend using heat for muscle tightness (like a heat pack or patch) or ice for any inflammation such as from a swollen ankle or tear caused from a sport injury.

However the above should all be used as basic guidance — every person is different and as such, I’d highly recommend that any potential client get in touch for an initial consultation where we can discuss your individual needs.

If you’re interested in booking a Sports Massage or Deep Tissue Massage with me, click the Book Online button above, or give me a call at (510) 982-1686.