Massage chairs are pretty common nowadays. These chairs are massaging seats that are designed to resemble real massage chairs. For some people, it may be a luxury. But others may end up relying on these electronic devices because they can’t get out for regular massages.
A massage chair is a reclining electronic chair designed to relieve stress and pain in the back, and other areas depending on certain features. If you’re struggling with low back pain, you may have looked into massage chairs. You may have even tried one, and thought the experience was alright. While it’s true that some people get even better results from simply relaxing in a chair.
Massage chairs are an excellent alternative to traditional massage. They are especially great when you can’t get out to a spa or other location to relax your aching muscles. A massage chair is a luxury item that some might consider extravagant. It’s understandable though, seeing how so many people work jobs now that require long hours at the same desk for several days in a row.
What are the Health Benefits of Massage Chair
There are several health benefits to using a massage chair. The massage chairs these days, in fact, have so many features that they can offer a virtual spa experience for you at home.
1. Relaxation
As we mentioned above, massage chairs offer an excellent way to relax and relieve stress. If you have a busy life or simply struggle with anxiety, this can be beneficial for you. Even if you don’t suffer from any physical pain, getting a quick massage in the middle of your day can help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the day.
2. Relieves pain
Massage chairs can be very helpful for people who suffer from low back pain, neck pain, or other types of chronic pain. A massage chair increases circulation and relieves tension in your muscles with each pass of the massage rollers. This is a great alternative to other home remedies such as heating up your back with a heating pad.
3. Relieves stress and anxiety
Massage chairs can also help reduce stress through relaxation. The deep, rhythmic strokes in the massage chair work to relieve tension by increasing blood flow and decreasing muscle activity. This can lead to an overall feeling of calm and peace that many people find helpful.
4. Can be used as a supplement for therapy
Massage chairs can be a great tool to use alongside your physical therapy. You may also find that it’s an effective way to work out tension and pain on your own before you see a professional therapist for even better results. Many people who have gone through physical therapy have also found that massage chairs make a great addition to their treatment plan.
5. Can help with chronic pain
If you have a medical condition that causes chronic back pain, a massage chair may be able to help make it less of an issue. A one-time purchase of a good massage chair can revolutionize your quality of life as well.
6. Improved blood circulation
Massage chairs enable improved blood flow throughout the body. By increasing circulation, you will feel rejuvenated after a session on the massage chair. This can give your mind and body a much-needed boost when it comes to revitalizing energy levels.
7. Relieves muscle tension
As we have mentioned above as well, getting a massage has many benefits for your muscles and other tissues in your body. By relieving muscle tension, you can avoid or reduce many painful conditions that result from this such as fibromyalgia and arthritis.
8. Increase range of motion
Massage chairs also increase your range of motion in the area where they are applied after a session has ended. In some cases, people have found it easier to get out of certain positions after using the chair. This can lead to improvements in your overall flexibility and comfort.
9. Improves balance and coordination
Getting a massage is a great way to improve your balance and coordination, as well as relieve muscle tension which leads to a better range of motion.
10. Better appetite
People who get regular massages often find that they have an improved appetite, whether this means eating more or simply being more interested in food. This can be a great benefit for people who struggle with issues such as weight gain and low appetite.
11. Better sleep
Of course, getting a massage through a massage chair also leads to deeper sleep, which is essential for a healthy body and mind. If you struggle with insomnia, or simply want to ensure that your body and mind are as well-rested as possible, investing in a massage chair may be one of the best things you ever do.
Related Post: Are Massage Chairs Good For Your Health?
How a Massage Chair Can Improve Your Health
People who suffer from certain mental or physical ailments can benefit immensely from the use of massage chairs. The following is a list of conditions that are known to improve with regular sessions on a massage chair.
1. Low back pain
One of the most common conditions that massage chairs are used for is low back pain. Pressure on certain points in your spine can help release tension in these areas, which prevents further injury and reduces inflammation. This also benefits people who suffer from sciatica, a painful condition caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve.
2. Osteoarthritis
Massage chairs can help to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis, which often leads to improved mobility in the joints. Many people who have tried massage chairs find that this type of therapeutic equipment is a great way for them to stay active while still feeling comfortable and supported.
3. Fibromyalgia
Like arthritis, fibromyalgia is characterized by aches and pains along the joints. The increased blood flow that massage chairs provide benefits those who suffer from this condition as well, allowing for better joint mobility and management of pain.
4. Carpal tunnel syndrome
Another common ailment that massage chairs help with is carpal tunnel syndrome. This can lead to a decreased risk of developing the condition in the first place and helps to ease pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall hand function.
5. Neuropathy
Neuropathy is nerve damage caused by different conditions such as diabetes or alcoholism. Massage chairs can benefit neuropathy sufferers by decreasing discomfort in the affected area, reducing pressure on nerves, and increasing overall blood flow.
6. Improves immune function
In addition to reducing pain and inflammation in the body, massage chairs also improve immune function. This means that people who regularly use a massage chair are less likely to catch the common cold or other illnesses and helps to reduce their severity when they do occur.
7. Reduces depression
Massage chairs can not only lead to better moods on a day-to-day basis but also improve moods related to depression. Studies have shown that massages can have a similar effect as antidepressants but without the cost or side effects associated with medication.
8. Reduces stress
Massage chairs are great for reducing stress in daily life and also before important events such as presentations or major exams. The increased blood flow and reduced pain from massage chairs benefit those who struggle with chronic stress and anxiety.
9. Relieves muscle tension
Massage chairs help to relieve not only mental but also physical tension in the body, which can lead to less risk of injury and improved range of motion for a wide range of people.
What are the Characteristics of Best massage chair
When you are looking for the best massage chair, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Here are some key characteristics of a high-quality massage chair:
1. Good quality construction
A good massage chair will be composed of high-quality material, such as PU leather or real wood veneer. Something hard and inflexible will not be able to provide the same support as a chair that is soft and has to give.
2. Powerful motors
Not all massage chairs are created equal in terms of their motor power. When you’re considering a massage chair, make sure that it has at least an 8-roller system with adjustable speed controls for each roller.
3. Customizable settings
A good massage chair should provide customizable features for the kind of massage that you are looking for. You can choose between a number of different styles such as shiatsu, rolling, kneading, and tapping among others. It should also have a heating function to help loosen up tight muscles before or after a massage.
4. Ergonomic design
You should find something that is designed to be ergonomic so that it conforms perfectly to your body shape. If you are buying online, then one way of knowing if this particular model will have the right kind of fit for your body shape is by checking out customer reviews and feedback about the product.
5. Quality padding
High-quality massage chairs are usually quite expensive, and you definitely want to avoid going for one of the cheaper models as these can be uncomfortable even after a relatively short amount of time. When looking for a product that is in your price range, look for one that has thick padding so you don’t end up feeling too much pressure or discomfort.
6. Customizable speed controls
Look for a massage chair that has adjustable speed controls so you can choose the kind of muscle therapy that you want to go for. This is especially useful when you have a particular area of pain or are feeling particularly tense, and need something more focused than usual.
7. Adjustable height
A massage chair that has an adjustable height setting will be better for people of different heights and body types as they can set it to the most comfortable level.
8. Large rollers
Massage chairs with small rollers are not good because they are unable to provide the kind of deep tissue therapy that is necessary for tired, aching muscles. Look for something with large rollers that will go deeper and provide the pressure you need as well as have the ability to rotate in different directions.
9. Multiple speed settings
Look for a chair that has at least three speeds so you can adjust it according to the kind of massage that you require, especially if you are going to be using it every day.
10. Waterproof exterior
A waterproof chair will be easier to clean, and you can make sure that it doesn’t get damaged easily if you accidentally spill some water on it or drop something near the massage area. Just be careful not to use any chemicals or cleaning products on the material as this might damage it or leave a residue on it.
11. Heating function
Last but not least, find something that has a heating function as this will help to loosen the muscles and provide relaxation to your entire body, not just the part that is being massaged. It also improves blood flow in this area which can improve recovery times from injuries or athletic strains.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, a good massage chair can be the best friend of someone who travels a lot or spends long hours sitting at their desk and needs some relief from muscle tension in tight areas like the shoulders and neck. It can also increase blood flow to certain parts of your body that need it more than others, which helps with circulation to prevents fatigue and pain.
You should start looking for a chair according to the area you want to be massaged as there are specific types of chairs such as an upper back and shoulder massage chair that is better suited for this part of your body. Make sure that you choose one with the appropriate features like adjustable speed settings, multi-directional rolling, and adjustable height controls so you can get the best possible massage.
Read More about Chairs:
Are Kneeling Stools Good For Your Back?
Are Kneeling Chairs Good For Sciatica?
Are Bar Stools Bad For Your Back?
How Strict Are Weight Limits On Chairs
