The therapeutic benefits of massage — a lower level of stress, increased circulation, and greater flexibility of shortened muscles — are enhanced with regularity.

How often should I get a massage? Recommendations for frequency and duration of a session vary individually. Certain physiological conditions like chronic pain, injury, and illness will dictate the modality of massage and even its advisability. In general, however, the answer is “as often as you can,” according to Les Sweeney, president of Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals. “The therapeutic benefits of massage — a lower level of stress, increased circulation, and greater flexibility of shortened muscles — are enhanced with regularity,” he explains. Whether this means once a month, week, or day depends on the scope of your needs and, of course, budget.

How do you develop trust with a therapist? Fundamental to any positive spa experience, trust is necessary for relaxation and dictates receptivity to a treatment’s benefits and the extent to which a therapist can be effective. As with any relationship, communication is vital, and there should be an open dialogue at the outset about specific concerns and expectations. “Honesty and respect are key components in starting and building this bond,” says Hannelore Leavy, founder and executive director of The Day Spa Association.

“A client needs to be as honest with a therapist as she is with any health care professional.” Leavy also advises that personal boundaries need to be set from the very start and adhered to. If your therapist is not responding to your requests or you feel uncomfortable at any time, it is your right to end the treatment immediately.

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