This post has been quality checked in line with our Do massage chairs actually work? It’s a question that has been debated for years, but there’s finally a study that provides some answers. The verdict? They can be helpful, but they’re not a cure-all. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits and limitations of massage chairs.
As a general rule, a message chair my improve blood circulation, immunity response, muscle recovery, and manage hypertension. The body’s nervous system sends signals to the brain that promote relaxation and healing through massage. The movements also help to loosen tight muscles and improve the range of motion.
Let me guide you through if it is s it good to use a massage chair for back pain. Here’s why I can help:
- For over 30 years, I’ve been practicing chiropractic I’ve also trained as an ergonomist
- 10,000+ subscriber YouTube Channel on posture
- I have a published book on posture
- spoke on posture on national tv
- engineered othopedic mattresses and ergonomic pillows
- I ran a successful Kickstarter campaign on a posture device
With all of this experience and expertise, I’m confident that I can answer any questions you may have about whether or not it’s a good idea to use a massage chair for back pain relief.
Is It Good to Use Massage Chair?
Yes. Reduced stress is definitely a good thing, no matter how it is achieved, correct? Manufacturers of these chairs say that they can help improve your circulation and increase the oxygenation of your blood. Manufacturers claim that improved circulation can help lower your blood pressure and heart rate and improve your overall cardiovascular health; additionally, massage chairs can help boost your immune system function by reducing stress levels. That marketing jargon may be a reach? I can’t find much research to back these claims up. But I can say (anecdotally) that my patients feel relaxed and stress-free and that (again) is a good thing!
Is Massage Chair Good for You Everyday?
It is generally recommended that people use a massage chair no more than three or four times per week for maximum benefit. However, if you are using the chair primarily for relaxation or stress relief, one to three times per week should be sufficient. In general, it is best to listen to your body and use the chair as often as you feel comfortable. I’ve written a complete hands-on review about why your stomach is flat until you sit down and here are some of the shocking issues that I ran into in this post!
How Long Can You Sit In Massage Chair?
When it comes to massage chairs, it’s essential to understand that more is not necessarily better. I used to have massage chairs in my practice and found this: While a short session in a massage chair can provide some relief from tension and pain, spending too much time in one can exacerbate existing injuries and cause new ones. Most massage chairs are designed to work on specific body areas, such as the back or neck, and overusing them can lead to strain and discomfort. In addition, the repetitive motions of a massage chair can aggravate arthritis or other conditions. For these reasons, it’s essential to limit your use of a massage chair to 15 minutes or less and consult with your practitioner before using one if you have any existing health concerns.
Are Massage Chairs Good for Your Back?
I get this question every day in my practice. While massage chairs are a great way to relax and relieve tension, they won’t fix your back pain, and they should be used in moderation like anything else. While a quick massage can help loosen tight muscles and reduce stress, spending too much time in a massage chair can lead to back pain. This pain is because the massage chair places constant pressure on the spine, which can cause the muscles and ligaments to become irritated. In addition, the vibrating action of the massage chair can cause inflammation and bruising of the tissue. As a result, it is vital to use a massage chair in moderation and consult with a doctor if you experience any pain or discomfort.
If you are into super easy and inexpensive alternatives to office chairs, I wrote a fantastic article on how and why you should consider these options for back pain and I encourage you to read it!
What is the Best Seat Cushion for Back Pain
If you’re looking for relief from back pain, you may have heard of spinal decompression. One approach to this involves using a seat cushion designed to provide support for the lower back and improve posture. Made of high-density foam, this cushion relieves pressure on the spine and can be used for extended periods of time, making it ideal for those who spend a lot of time sitting. If you’re looking for a non-surgical solution to reduce back pain, try a supportive seat cushion.
I created an ergonomic seat cushion to help those dealing with discomfort improve their daily life. Made from natural latex for support and a 4-way stretch vegan leather for comfort. Many people have reported relief from back pain with its use. Give it a try to see if it can help improve your comfort levels too!
I explain the concept of my design on a TV show HERE
Can Massage Chairs Hurt You?
There is a slight chance of injury. However, people may damage their muscles by excessive use of a massage chair. Excessive use of a massage chair may lead to bruises of tissue, muscle damage, and inflammation. A Massage chair offers a varying amount of pressure and intensity. Depending on the setting, a massage can range from gentle to intense. So, it is essential to be aware of your own body and condition when using a massage chair. If you have any pre-existing injuries or health concerns, please consult with your doctor before trying out a massage chair. When used correctly, massage chairs can be a great way to relieve stress and tension. However, overuse of a massage chair can lead to bruising, muscle damage, and inflammation. Be sure to listen to your body!
Do Massage Chairs Use a Lot of Electricity?
The older models that we had back in the 90’s sure used a lot of power! However, today, all bets are off the table. On average, (according to manufacturers’ websites, each massage chair requires circa just 1 amp of electricity. A standard 110-volt outlet provides enough power for even the most powerful massage chair. In addition, massage chairs are extremely energy efficient. Most models are designed to automatically shut off after a certain period, so you’ll never have to worry about wasting power. Whether you’re using a massager for relaxation or pain relief, you can be confident that it won’t significantly impact your energy bill.
Do Massage Chairs Release Toxins?
One of the claims often made about massage chairs is that they can help release toxins from your body. While I can find very little scientific evidence to support this claim, there are some ways in which manual massage tables may help to improve your body’s natural detoxification process.
One of the primary ways that manual massage tables may ‘release toxins’ is by improving circulation; as your massage chair applies pressure to your skin, blood flow increases, and heat releases. This may increase circulation and can help to improve the functioning of your organs, including your liver and kidneys, which play an essential role in detoxification.
Furthermore, the relaxation that you experience during and after a massage can also help reduce stress levels, which can positively impact your overall health. Again, while there is no scientific proof that manual massages can help to ‘release toxins,’ there are some ways they may be beneficial for your health.
Conclusion
It’s clear that massage chairs have a lot of potential health benefits. If you’re looking for a way to improve your blood circulation, immunity response, muscle recovery time, or manage hypertension, investing in a massage chair may be the right choice for you. Have you tried using a massage chair to improve your health? Let us know how it went in the comments!