How Often Should YOU Get a Massage?

EVERY DAY! Well, okay maybe that's not practical, even though it would be awesome. Trust me...in massage school I was receiving massages almost every other day...it REALLY is pretty AWESOME! This is one of the most common questions clients ask about massage therapy, and it really all depends on WHY you get massages. Do you get massages for health benefits? Or, to help you relax and handle the stress of everyday life? Most likely it's a combination of the two, so let's take a look at some of the most commone reasons people get regular massages:

Relaxation and Stress Relief

One of the very best reasons to get a massage is for relaxation. Relaxation massage helps to support your body, including blood circulation and flexibility of joints. Regular massage can help prevent pain, muscle tension, and stress points from building up and causing problems. Why wait until you have a problem to get a massage? Massage is perfect for preventing issues with your tissues. Relaxation massage is usually recommended at least once per month, or as often as you want!

There may be times in your life where you experience higher levels of stress and more muscle tension than normal. It is especially important to practice good self-care during these times. When we "don't have time" for a massage, is usually the times when we need it the most. Make yourself a priority even during stressful times, your health (and YOU) are more than worth it.

If you are in a high-stress job or you work in an environment where you stay in a certain position for a long period of time (at a computer for example), you may begin to develop tight or "knotted" muscles. This will frequently occur in your shoulders, arms and back. All of this increased muscle tension will make movement harder and can cause a great deal of pain. Regular massage can help to keep you loosened up and will help to prevent pain and stiffness.

Living with high levels of stress for a prolonged period of time increases the risk of contracting heart disease and other diseases. It has been estimated that 75-90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress related illnesses/problems. The good news is, massage CAN help! Just knowing your massage is coming up in a few days can relieve stress, and a massage every 2-4 weeks will help with stress related tension.

Sports Recovery

Are you a weekend warrior, or do you just like to stay in shape? Either way, massage can help with sports performance and recovery. Many athletes and physically active people receive sports massage because it enhances their performance, prevents injury, and speeds up their muscles' recovery. Competitive sports can put a lot of stress on a person's muscles! Research conducted at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging at McMaster University in Ontario shows that massage reduces inflammation and stimulates growth of new mitochondria, the energy producing units in the cells, after strenuous exercise. This means that massage can help relieve pain, build muscles and help with muscle recovery too! For these benefits it is recommended that you get a massage up to three times a week or at least three times a month.

Chronic Health Conditions


People with ongoing health issues often find massage very helpful to alleviate symptoms. Chronic health problems that greatly benefit from massage therapy include back pain, joint pain, and localized inflammation. If you get therapy for specific issues, the frequency of getting massage therapy varies with the type of condition you have and how severe it is. Relief from pain can usually be achieved with 2-4 massage sessions per month. Your massage therapist at Infinity Massage and Wellness Center will work with you to help you get on the best schedule for your body.


Pregnancy
Pregnant women can greatly benefit from massage therapy! Prenatal massage is popular among expectant mothers, who often experience a lot of aches and pains as their pregnancy progresses. Many women suffer from back pain, hip & sciatic pain, headaches and tired legs/feet. But you don't have to be one to suffer, a licensed massage therapist from Infinity Massage and Wellness Center can help you to relieve those discomforts.

Going to your massage therapist about once or twice a month can help with the symptoms associated with pregnancy. Symptoms such as low back pain, swollen ankles, headaches and anxiety that are caused by pregnancy, and as a bonus, it can also help you sleep better!
Of course, it is always a good idea to check with your doctor and your massage therapist to ensure that you don't have any pregnancy related conditions that would contraindicate massage therapy for you. Most women experiencing a healthy pregnancy can and should enjoy regular massage sessions.

If you are ready to schedule your next appointment with Infinity Massage and Wellness Center 

(860 Biester Drive, Belvidere, IL 61008), you may do so in several convenient ways:

Click the "Book Now" button on our website: www.InfinityMWC.com

Email us: info@InfinityMWC.com (evening appointments can only be scheduled by calling or email)

Call: 847-363-4844 (evening appointments can only be scheduled by calling or email)

Click the "Book Now" button on our Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/InfinityMWC