"When do I need a massage?"  That question is asked more of me than nearly any other.  You need a massage when your muscles start to ache from the stresses of work or play.  Waiting until they are so sore you can barely move is detrimental to your well-being and the health of your body in general.  The time to receive a massage is when your stress level is so high it feels like your head is going to explode at any moment.  Massage will help reduce the stress hormones floating through your body and relieve the muscular tension such high stress levels can cause.  It is time to get a massage when you notice that you cannot rise from bed or a chair without major effort (and, sometimes, groaning & moaning) on your part.  Relief of spasming muscles that control your ability to stand erect is possible through timely massage.  You need a massage whenever you feel the need for one.  There is nothing wrong with scheduling a massage for yourself "just because".  In fact, that is one of the best reasons there is to get a massage.  It means that you recognize the beneficial nature of massage and have decided to include it in your healthy lifestyle.

So, my answer to the eternal question, "When do I need a massage?" is this - Whenever you feel the need mentally, emotionally or physically.  Any time is a good time for a massage.