Why Massage is Like Exercise or Healthy Eating: A Long-Term Investment in Your Body
Why One Massage Isn’t Enough
You finally book that long-overdue 60- or 90-minute massage. As you settle onto the table, you feel the tension melting away. By the end of the session, your shoulders are looser, your back feels lighter, and your mind is calmer.
Then, you return to your daily routine. Sitting at a desk for eight hours. Standing behind a counter all day. Driving for long stretches. Lifting and moving boxes. These repetitive movements and postures dominate your life—sometimes for 40+ hours a week.
Now, let’s do the math.
If you get a massage every six months, that’s 2 hours of treatment per year—versus nearly 2,000 hours spent in similar (often bad) postural positions during a year of work.
Would you expect one great workout to get you in shape? Or one healthy meal to fix your diet? Of course not. The same applies to massage—if you want to feel good consistently, you need to invest in regular bodywork.
Let’s look at why consistency matters and how massage, like exercise and good nutrition, keeps your body functioning at its best.
Massage Supports Your Body Like Exercise Does
We know that regular movement keeps our bodies strong and flexible. But movement also causes strain—whether from repetitive daily tasks or intense exercise. Recovery is just as important as the workout itself.
Regular massage helps your body recover and perform better by:
• Improving circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles
• Reducing stiffness and soreness, so you feel less tight and achy
• Enhancing flexibility and mobility, preventing injuries before they happen
• Supporting postural alignment, helping you avoid chronic pain patterns
Skipping massage is like skipping stretching, rest days, or proper warm-ups—eventually, it catches up with you.
Massage Heals and Nourishes Like Healthy Eating
Think about what happens when you eat nourishing, whole foods versus when you fill up on processed junk. Your energy levels, digestion, and even your mood shift based on what you put into your body.
Massage works in a similar way—it “feeds” your muscles, fascia, and nervous system with what they need to function well.
The benefits include:
• Lowering stress hormones, reducing the toll of chronic tension
• Supporting detoxification, helping your body clear out waste and inflammation
• Encouraging relaxation, allowing your body to shift into a true healing state
• Balancing the nervous system, just like the right nutrients support brain and hormone function
Just like healthy eating, massage isn’t a quick fix—it’s a long-term investment in your body’s resilience and well-being.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Consistency is key. Just as you wouldn’t expect to get fit with one workout, you can’t expect long-term relief from one massage every six months.
How often you should get a massage depends on your body and lifestyle, but here’s a general guideline:
• Weekly – If you have chronic pain, high stress, or a physically demanding job
• Bi-Weekly – If you need ongoing maintenance but don’t have acute pain
• Monthly – A good rhythm for general well-being and stress relief
• Bi-Monthly – If you’re easing into a self-care routine but want noticeable benefits
What’s Right for You?
Ask yourself:
• How many hours per week do I spend in repetitive postures or movements?
• How often do I feel tension, stiffness, or discomfort?
• In a perfect world, how frequently would I get a massage to truly feel my best?
Let’s talk about it! At Serenity Healing Therapies in Summit, NJ, we’re here to help you build a massage routine that fits your life and keeps you moving pain-free.
Book your session today and let’s find the right frequency for you!
