Conclusion. According to our research and the Physiotherapist, Doctor of Chiropractic, and Orthopedist we spoke to, massage chairs are good for you and generally safe for most people. Massage therapy can help relieve pain and muscle tension, support relaxation, and improve circulation and sleep.
According to David Koivuranta, a Doctor of Chiropractic at Toronto Neck and Pain Clinic, massage chairs are beneficial for relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation. He also highlights their role in encouraging reflex relaxation through the nervous system, which helps to calm nerves and reduce stress.
- Enhanced Relaxation: These chairs provide a calming and soothing experience that complements your chiropractic adjustments, helping you to relax before and after your sessions. - Pain Relief: Targeted massage and decompression can assist in alleviating pain, reducing muscle tension, and promoting healing.
Disadvantages of Massage Chairs
High-quality massage chairs with advanced features can be quite expensive, making them a substantial investment. However, it's important to recognize that these chairs are designed for long-term use and can last for many years before requiring servicing.
No, you can't. Overusing massage chairs can lead to muscle soreness, fatigue, and even injury. It's recommended to limit use to 3-4 times a week, with sessions not exceeding 15 minutes to avoid overstimulation and potential negative side effects.
Many contraindications are self-evident and most people would know that it's not sensible to use a massage chair if you have specific wounds, broken bones or spinal injuries for example.
Vibration massage can benefit mobility by reducing muscle stiffness and enhancing joint flexibility, making it easier for individuals to move with increased comfort and range of motion. The gentle vibrations help relax tense muscles, improving mobility and reducing stiffness in the targeted areas.
According to Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D. Orthopedist and Spine and Bone Specialist at Miami Spine Doctor, “If you want to live with less pain, then a massage chair may be very good for you.” Not only can massage chairs alleviate pain, but they can also encourage relaxation and improve your circulation.
See how you feel during the massage and in the day or so after, and go from there. Gradually increase your session duration before bumping up the intensity. Even after your body gets adjusted to sessions in your massage chair, you shouldn't use it for longer than 30 minutes to an hour at a time.
Massage chairs are beneficial for seniors as they can enhance circulation of blood, alleviate pain, and diminish muscle tension. These chairs support the management of persistent pain and help in preserving mobility for older adults.
Air cushions compress the calves, causing the muscles to contract and relax. This leg massage improves circulation, leaving the legs feeling light and relaxed. Next, Bello 2 and Ricco come equipped with a rotating leg massager. This rotating leg massager allows the chair to be used in two ways.
Some of the chiropractic and massage tools our company carries include neck and head supports, Omni rollers, log massage rollers, tuning forks, Acuballs, and more. Related Buyer's Guides: Find the Best Back Massager for Pain.
The materials used in the chair's construction significantly impact its cost and longevity. Chairs with high-quality materials and components like durable frames, premium upholstery, and robust motors will generally cost more. These characteristics enhance comfort and contribute to the chair's durability and lifespan.
Improved Circulation
The rhythmic motions and pressure applied by the chair can help stimulate your circulatory system, increasing the flow of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs. This can help reduce swelling, improve skin health, and even boost your immune system.
Are there contraindications for chair massage? Yes. Medical contraindications include but are not limited to: uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, fractures, herniated discs, malignancy, numbness or tingling in any part of the body, especially the hands and feet.
If you are not diagnosed with any medical condition, you will not get a doctor's prescription for a massage chair. So, you won't be able to get your insurance to pay for it. Nonetheless, you can still save some money while shopping for a massage chair.
There are no limits to the frequency of massage, but as with everything, it should not be overdone. Everyone has their own individual tolerance limits. Some people may enjoy the benefits of frequent sessions in a massage chair, while others feel fully relaxed after just one session every two days.
Massage chairs can only work on your body areas that can be physically reached by their rollers; If you need a deeper massage or you're looking to cover a more specific part of your body, you can't expect your chair to magically take care of it.
As we explain in Can You Sleep in a Massage Chair?, it isn't harmful to doze off during a massage, but massage chairs are not designed for a full night's sleep. You will get the most benefit from a massage chair by enjoying some gentle bodywork and then laying down in your bed.
In general, Massage Chairs have a life expectancy of around 10-20 years. Let us say the median cost for a 60-minute massage is $120 including tip. To reach the average $2,000 you would spend on one of our Massage Chairs on massage therapy, you would need to have two massages per month (or 24 total) over two years.
After a new round of testing, the Kyota Genki M380 Massage Chair is our top pick. We recommend the Massamax MT339 if you prioritize lower-back and foot massages. Let's come right out and say it: No one absolutely needs a massage chair.
A Smart Investment in Your Well-Being
When you consider how much time and money you spend on temporary treatments, the value of a massage chair becomes clear. Over time, it pays for itself, offering health and wellness benefits that support your body and mind.
A massage chair can help you burn calories, but not enough to create any significant impact compared to daily exercises. However, massage chairs can still help you burn or reduce calories in subtle ways like improving your metabolism.