How often should you get a deep tissue massage for back pain? For back pain, a deep tissue massage every 1-2 weeks can help manage symptoms and improve mobility.
Generally, it's recommended to wait at least one to two weeks between sessions to allow the body to fully recover and avoid overstimulation or strain. However, some people may benefit from more frequent massages, especially if they have specific health concerns or conditions that require regular therapy.
Pain Management
If massage is to be used for pain relief after injury it is most likely to be used more frequently initially (once or twice per week) tapering to once a week/every other week throughout recovery. For chronic health conditions, one a week is typically recommended depending on how your body responds.
Depending upon the specific condition you are treating and the specific areas of the body that are being worked on, the general rule of thumb is to wait 72 hours before having another deep tissue massage.
Getting two massages in a week is generally not considered bad and can be beneficial for many people, especially if you're dealing with muscle tension, stress, or recovery from physical activity. However, there are a few factors to consider: Individual Tolerance: Everyone's body responds differently to massage.
When too much pressure is applied, your muscles take an additional beating that can lead to more bruises, nerve damage, and trauma. This pain can last days after your massage, and neither you nor your massage therapist would certainly want that.
A weekly or bi-weekly session could prevent these knots from escalating. Conversely, severe knots, causing considerable pain and restricted movement, may require more frequent attention, possibly two to three sessions per week initially. Knowing the severity is key in how often you should get a massage for knots.
Deep tissue massage can leave the body feeling sore for a few days after the massage. It is important to drink plenty of water and rest to help the body recover. Soft tissue massage does not typically cause soreness, and recovery time is minimal.
Communication with your RMT is key in ensuring that you are receiving the right amount of pressure and focus during each session. In conclusion, getting a massage two days in a row can offer numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being.
The bottom line
Massage therapy is a great way to relieve low back pain without using medication or invasive procedures. It provides many benefits, including increasing circulation and improved healing.
Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with high blood pressure, reduced immune function, and obesity. This means that in addition to helping you feel much better, either a back massage or a full-body massage has the potential to actually help you to be better.
Typically, massage therapy treatments are done in 30, 60 and 90-minute increments. The 60 minute-massage is by far the most common, but it may not always be the best option. Here's some reasons to consider whether you need to book a 30-minute, 60-minute of 90-minute massage.
After a massage, it is important to drink plenty of water, eat healthy foods, and get plenty of rest. You should also avoid smoking, drinking caffeine, working out, and taking hot baths or showers. If you have any questions about what to do or not do after a massage, please ask your massage therapist.
1. Slow down when you need to. Speed up when you don't need to slow down.
For many people, the full effects of a massage, such as reduced muscle tension, improved circulation, and decreased pain, become most apparent within one to three days. During this period, your body continues to heal and respond to the treatment.
After a massage, your body is in a state of relaxation and recovery, and the massage oils applied to your skin continue to nourish it. Taking a hot bath immediately could strip away these benefits. Generally, it's recommended to wait at least two to three hours after a massage before taking a bath.
Yes, massage therapists are trained to identify muscle tension through touch and experience. They use their knowledge of anatomy to pinpoint problem areas effectively. The frequency depends on your activity level and tension severity.
Just like soreness post-workout, pain isn't a sign that your deep tissue massage was effective. If you end up feeling pain during your massage and it's not tolerable, you should always let your massage therapist know.
Lack of blood supply to the muscle causes lactic acid to build up, over time this can solidify with calcium deposits and is often the reason we hear a crunching sound when trying to realise the knots.
This myofascial release has a comparable sensation to being rocked by your mother when you were a baby. It causes a pleasant wave sensation to travel throughout the body. It is, in fact, a relaxing experience. That wave infiltrates the restricted areas to allow for softening.
Trigger points, or muscle knots, are hyperirritable spots within a taut band of skeletal muscle. The pressure applied during therapy can cause these points to release, sometimes resulting in a popping sound. This release can alleviate local and referred pain associated with trigger points.
Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
Experiencing sharp pain or excessive discomfort during or after the session is a clear indication that the massage wasn't beneficial. While some discomfort can be normal, especially with deep tissue massage, it should never cross the line into sharp pain.
Insurance Verification
If it is deemed medically necessary or falls under “habilitative or habilitation treatment,” it may be covered as an essential health benefit. However, many insurers only consider massage therapy necessary during the acute phase of treatment, rather than as an ongoing therapy.