Can You Have Too Many Massages?

Who doesn't like massage? Probably no one, right? Getting a massage is probably one of the go-to activities for people looking to destress, relax and just take their minds off their daily chores. Some people even like getting massages multiple times a week, some even daily. But who doesn't? But is there such a thing as having too many massages? How often should you have massages for optimum health benefits? Read on to find out.

What are the Benefits of Massage?

Let's begin by exploring the reasons why massage is so good for us. While different techniques deliver varied benefits, the overall benefits of massage include:

• Immense relaxation
• Muscle tension relief
• Improved skin tone
• Relief from sore joints
• More restful sleep
• Improved waste removal
• Increased white blood cells to boost your immune system
• Heals injuries and pain
• Widens the blood vessels to improve blood circulation
• Regulates cortisol level

It's not just the body that benefits from massage, however. Your mind also enjoys reduced stress, mental distress, improved self-confidence, a natural high caused by endorphins being released, and an enhanced sense of wellbeing.

When Should You Get a Massage?

The reasons why people book a session with a licensed massage therapist are many and varied. Some get a massage to alleviate their headaches or muscle pain, while others simply want to relax and pamper themselves with the soothing and tension-releasing strokes of their preferred type of massage. The effects of massage therapy go beyond reducing pain signals, and one doesn't even have to be ill to experience them.

Getting regular massages offers a host of health benefits. As well as reducing stress levels and chronic pain, a full-body massage gives the body a chance to repair and balance itself. This process not only improves physical and mental health but also eliminates emotional blocks. That's why we feel amazing after a 60-minute massage!

Is it Okay to Combine Two Types of Massage?

Some massage treatments are intended for a specific purpose. For instance, sports massage can help condition athletes when they're preparing for an upcoming competition. A post-event sports massage, on the other hand, will improve blood flow, increase range of motion and help flush out accumulated lactic acid that causes sore muscles.

Pregnancy massage is a specialised area of massage therapy that promotes relaxation and eases the discomfort of a pregnant woman. This type of massage can only be rendered by a therapist who has an advanced qualification in maternal massage. Lymphatic drainage massage is another specialty that can help with lymphoedema, a condition wherein lymph fluid builds up in the lymphatic system and causes swelling of legs and feet. This fluid build-up is usually caused by a medical condition, a surgery or an injury.  

A massage therapist can combine a massage technique with another based on the client's personal preferences to provide them with a unique experience. A hot stone massage therapy, for instance, may be combined with Swedish massage to improve circulation, or deep tissue massages to relieve muscle spasms or joint pain.

How Much Massage is Too Much?

Having a qualified therapist work on the deep layers of muscle in your body with the applicable strokes and pressure can be very liberating. This explains why many people get weekly massages, while more prefer daily massages.     

After a massage, you may feel a little tender, especially if you have had a penetrating deep tissue massage. This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and is thought to be caused by tight muscles being moved and realigned, or injured muscles being worked on. If you do experience muscle soreness, it should abate after a day or so.

For this reason, you probably don't want to have massages too frequently, as your body needs time to rest and resettle between sessions. The frequency of massage depends on the specific needs of the client. However, many massage therapists recommend having around one massage a month. This may increase if you have an injury or health condition that you and your therapist are treating.

There doesn't appear to be any evidence to suggest that it's possible to have "too many massages". Still, if you're a big fan of relaxation massage, you'll want to stick to a once-a-month schedule to allow your body to adjust and rebalance. Other massage techniques that are required for the treatment of a specific condition must be performed more often. Take lymphatic drainage massage, for instance, which is recommended daily. Once swelling has reduced, the client can schedule their treatments two or three times a week.

Are there any areas of the body you should avoid massaging?

Yes, there are certain areas of the body that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether during a massage, particularly if you have specific medical conditions or concerns. Some of these areas include:

1. Damaged or injured areas: Avoid massaging areas with recent injuries, open wounds, fractures, or dislocations, as it may exacerbate the condition or slow the healing process.

2. Varicose veins: Massaging directly over varicose veins can cause discomfort or worsen the condition. A qualified massage therapist should use light, gentle strokes around the affected area.

3. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Massaging areas with blood clots can dislodge the clot, leading to a potentially life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism. Avoid massaging these areas and consult a healthcare professional.

4. Infections or rashes: Avoid massaging areas with skin infections, rashes, or contagious skin conditions, as it may spread the infection or irritate the skin.

5. Tumors or cancerous areas: Massaging areas with tumors or cancer should be avoided unless specifically approved by a healthcare professional, as it may promote the spread of cancer cells.

6. Abdomen during pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid deep abdominal massage, especially during the first trimester, as it may cause discomfort or pose risks to the developing fetus. A qualified prenatal massage therapist can provide appropriate massage techniques for pregnant women.

7. Bony prominences and joints: Be cautious when massaging bony areas, such as the spine, knees, and elbows, as applying too much pressure can cause discomfort or injury.

Evidence of the effects of too much massage therapy 

There is limited research specifically addressing the effects of too many massages or the frequency at which they become detrimental. However, some potential negative effects of receiving too many massages or massages that are too intense include:

1. Overstimulation of the nervous system: Constantly activating the body's relaxation response through massage may lead to an overstimulated nervous system, making it difficult for your body to return to a natural state of balance.

2. Tissue damage: Aggressive or overly frequent massage can lead to tissue damage, inflammation, and soreness, especially if your body does not have adequate time to recover between sessions.

3. Dependence: Some people may develop a psychological dependence on massage as a coping mechanism for stress and pain, which could interfere with developing healthier, long-term strategies to address these issues.

4. Financial strain: Regular massages can be expensive, and receiving them too frequently may lead to financial stress.

While these potential issues are worth considering, moderate and regular massage therapy has been shown to have many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation.

How long should you wait between massages?

The ideal time to wait between massages depends on several factors, including your personal preferences, the type of massage, your physical condition, and your goals for receiving the massage.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. For relaxation and stress relief: A massage every 2-4 weeks may be sufficient to help you relax and relieve tension.

2. For chronic pain or specific health issues: You may benefit from more frequent massages, such as once a week or even twice a week in some cases, to address the underlying issue and provide relief.

3. For athletes or individuals with high physical activity (such as people with highly physical jobs): Regular massages, perhaps weekly or bi-weekly, can help with muscle recovery, flexibility, and injury prevention.

4. After a deep tissue or intense massage: You may want to wait a little longer between sessions, such as 2-4 weeks, to allow your body to recover.

Ultimately, the frequency of massages will vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. It's essential to listen to your body and work with a qualified massage therapist who can help you determine the best schedule for your situation. If you have any medical concerns, consult with a healthcare professional before starting a massage regimen.

Now, isn't that good news for massage lovers – you can indulge quite a bit! Feel like a massage now? Why not book a session with a massage therapist on the Natural Therapy Pages.

Of course, if you feel you are developing an addiction, it might be a good idea to speak with a counsellor or another health professional.