How Many Massages Does It Take to Get Knots Out? Insights from The Mark of Massage

At The Mark of Massage in Castle Rock, Colorado, I’ve been helping clients release stubborn muscle knots (also called myofascial trigger points or adhesions) since 2004 through deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, sports massage, and structural integration. These “knots” are tight, contracted bands of muscle fibers that cause local pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and often referred discomfort (like a knot in your shoulder triggering headaches).

The honest answer: It usually takes more than one session—often 2–6 sessions (or more for chronic cases)—to significantly reduce or fully eliminate knots, depending on their severity, how long they’ve been there, your lifestyle, and how your body responds.

Typical Timeline for Knot Release

•  Mild or recent knots (e.g., from a recent workout, stress buildup, or minor strain): Often noticeably softer or mostly gone after 1–2 sessions. You might feel immediate easing during the massage, with full relief following in a few days as soreness fades.

•  Moderate knots (common from desk work, repetitive activities, or moderate tension): Typically require 3–5 sessions over 2–6 weeks (e.g., weekly or bi-weekly at first). Each session breaks down adhesions, improves circulation, and deactivates trigger points, building cumulative progress.

•  Chronic or longstanding knots (years of buildup from poor posture, high-stress jobs, or intense Colorado activities like hiking/skiing): May need 6+ sessions (initially weekly/bi-weekly, then tapering to monthly maintenance). Deep-rooted knots involve scar tissue and compensatory patterns, so they respond more gradually—full resolution often requires addressing root causes (e.g., posture, stress, hydration).

In professional practice and client experiences:

•  Many feel substantial improvement after the first session (knots soften, pain decreases).

•  Noticeable lasting change often comes after 3–4 sessions.

•  Complete elimination (no recurrence without new triggers) usually takes multiple sessions plus self-care (stretching, hydration, better ergonomics).

Why It Varies So Much

•  Severity & duration: Newer knots release faster; chronic ones (with scar tissue/fibrosis) take longer.

•  Individual factors: Pain tolerance, hydration, stress levels, activity, and overall muscle health play a role. Some people adapt quickly; others need gentler starts.

•  Technique & consistency: Deep tissue with targeted trigger point work is highly effective, but spacing sessions allows recovery (avoid overworking tissues).

•  Lifestyle support: Knots return if causes (e.g., slouching at a desk) aren’t addressed—maintenance sessions (every 4–6 weeks) help prevent them.

In my experience, clients who commit to a short series (e.g., 3–4 sessions close together) see the best results—knots dissolve more fully, pain drops significantly, and mobility improves. We track progress each time and adjust frequency.

Whether it’s an in-home mobile session (within ~30 minutes of my home office at 216 Douglas Fir Ave, 80104) or a private visit to my lower-level space (fully secluded, occasional family sounds from upstairs outside the room), let’s assess your knots and create a plan. Ready to start breaking them down? Book today—most people notice real change after just the first targeted session!

Sources for Verification (based on 2025–2026 health, therapist, and wellness resources):

•  Zama Massage & Elevation Massage: Knots often need frequent/multiple sessions; rarely resolve in one (https://www.zamamassage.com/2023/10/muscle-knots/; https://www.elevationmassagehou.com/how-often-should-i-get-a-massage-for-knots/)

•  Essential Chiropractic & Various Therapist Guides: 2–4 weeks (or 3–5+ sessions) for knots/chronic tension (https://essentialchiropractic.co.uk/deep-tissue-massage-how-often-for-optimal-wellness/)

•  Cleveland Clinic & Healthline: Consistent massage (multiple sessions) needed for trigger points/knots; time to loosen fibrous tissue (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/trigger-point-massage; https://www.healthline.com/health/deep-tissue-massage)

•  Body in Mind Institute & PMC Studies: Single session insufficient for knots; multiple with intervals recommended (https://bodyinmindinstitute.com/general/can-massage-help-with-muscle-knots/; PMC articles on trigger point release)

Your relief is my priority—hope to help get those knots out soon at The Mark of Massage! 😊