Massage therapy--what type and how often?

Deep deep deep. Every 2 weeks if possible. If you use chiropractic, they can sometimes refer you and insurance may pay.

It's like sex: should be done as often as possible. ;-) Deep tissue and as often as you can afford. I have a foam roller and use that for my legs. Need one for arms...

It seems I now have no excuse for not getting massages. It is necessary to maintain and improve my swimming. Thanks so much for making this point for me.

I go for deep tissue, usually targeting my shoulders/back/hamstrings. I aim for one per month, but that's dictated by economics versus desire. If I could have my own traveling massage team like Dara Torres did and get daily massages, I'd do it.

Craig, I think regular massage therapy is critical for us aging athletes. The problem is knowing what you need and getting it from the therapist. I'm very specific with what I want, but way too many therapists just go ahead and do their normal routine regardless. I'm really lucky and have recently found a therapist through my PT who deals primarily with professional athletes (especially baseball pitchers) and really knows how to work on my shoulder girdle and arms. I do suffer a bit, however. I usually do it once a month, but i think every other week is ideal (although a bit expensive for a recent retiree like me). Good luck. Rich

I go for a deep tissue massage every 3 or 4 weeks. I would like to go every other week, but the cost is too steep. Between massages, I work on flexibility and strengthening and incorporate foam rolling. My massage therapist considers this "homework", especially the flexibility work (stretching, yoga), and both he and I notice when I don't keep it up. His massages are pretty intense. Good luck!