[Updated February 2024]Massage chairs have grown in popularity with many people who want to own one. This does not mean that you go with the hype without checking the pros and cons of owning one. The information you will get here can serve as a determining factor for your purchase. You will also understand whether the product is worth the investment or not.
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Does it fulfill the expected functions?
Nothing beats a good massage to relieve tension and small backaches. But such a session is a dream for many individuals unless you have a few hundred euros to spend regularly in a massage parlour. Massage chairs are increasingly becoming an effective alternative and cheaper. Already, the concept itself is excellent: just sit on the seat to enjoy a “palpation” comfortable and saving. However, such a device is not always free of risks.
Is Massage chair harmful to the back?
Research has it that that “benign back pain” can not prevent us from practicing using the electric massage chair. However, what is less known is that these devices are not really recommended to cure back pain. And unlike the massage seat, a professional physiotherapist is in the best position to know the condition of the patient.
Moreover, in the case of acute and inflammatory pain, it is wise to temporarily leave the massage chair to concentrate on its treatment. Also, the risk of complicating the disease is not excluded, especially since the massage chair can never treat the causes of the diseases.
Are the massage chairs suitable for the back?
If you have ever seen a doctor for your back pain, you may have heard from the doctor that you could have a good massage.
Problem: The regular care of a licensed massage therapist is costly. This care does not fit into the Social Security coverage area or health insurance reimbursement (unless from your HSA).
With a well-designed massage chair, it can be likened to the therapeutic sensation and the benefits of a massage performed by a human therapist.
Most of these machines are also very easy to use and considered low risk.
Can massage chairs help relieve back pain?
Massage therapy has long been backed by medical research as a potentially effective treatment for many types of back pain, By improving the blood and body fluid circulation through the manipulation of the muscles.
It is clear that it stimulates the absorption of nutrients in the tissues of the back.
The improvement of this body fluid circulation helps to evacuate the toxins from the painful areas of the back. Thus revitalizing the massaged area.
Also, the release of endorphins that result from time spent in a massage chair can help those with back pain to sleep better. It also helps in maximizing the body’s natural healing processes.
Nothing will equal human touch. But a massage chair with a good intensity that reaches deep into the muscle tissue proves to also be a good relief solution.
What are the contraindications for massage chairs?
In general, there are no specific contraindications associated with the use of massage seats. However, precautions on the use of traditional massage therapy should be followed to reduce the risk of complications.
Injuries: Massage therapy, let alone the massage seat, is not supposed to heal the physical wounds. On the contrary, the use of these devices may complicate dermatological disorders such as bruising and rashes.
Age is also a risk factor for some people. Unlike the “human touch”, the massage chair can provide very intense massages at times.
Pathologies: we know that massage is known for its many beneficial effects on the body. However, it can be dangerous or even fatal in certain situations such as; (breastfeeding, spinal disorders, cancer, pregnancy, inflammation, heart and bone disease, menstruation, osteoporosis, temperature rise, pathological back disorders, sensory or vascular disorders).
A recent surgery: if you have had surgery for less than three months, it is not recommended to use a massage chair that could prevent the healing process.
Like breastfeeding, pregnancy is a well-known contraindication to massage. Indeed, it is not recommended to have your legs, back, and lumbar massage during pregnancy,
If you are prone to certain diseases: The massage chair surprises by the number of its beneficial effects on the body. What is less known is that it can have the opposite effects if you have one of the following:
- the restlessness of the spinal column, causing cancer, pregnancy, inflammation, heart disease, bone and skeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis and spondylitis, menstruation, osteoporosis, and wearing a pacemaker, high temperature, disorders of the spine.
- sensory disorders and severe disorders related to blood circulation in the legs
Prevention is better than cure, so if you have any of these conditions, consult your doctor before using a massage chair.
If you have just eaten: For the most hedonistic of you, know that massage and meals do not necessarily go hand in hand. After a meal, please allow your body time to digest before you get a massage.
If you do not respect the instructions for use: We all love to have a massage. But like all good things, do not abuse it. A session of 15 minutes a day is enough for your body.
In any case, refer to the instructions for use, since it was written to protect you and make you get the most out of your new purchase.
If you are in one of these cases, you must seek the advice of a doctor. Massage is a good thing, but not at all costs. So be reasonable, and your body will reward you. Read the pros and cons of this chair below. From there, you will decide whether to buy a chair.
Pros And Cons Of Massage Chair
Pros
With a massage chair, you can have a massage at any time at home. You do not need to visit the massage center to relax your body. The relaxation time will be improved because you have all the time you want, and in many cases, no one is waiting for you. You can be pampered after work by pressing a button. The time and money used for the massage center is saved.
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No need for therapists
After the purchase of the massage chair, you will no longer need the services of a therapist. This is because the chair is designed to perform different types of massage, including shiatsu, Swedish, etc.
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Cost-effectiveness
Visiting the massage parlours thrice a week can be costly. A single session, depending on where you go, can cost you up to $ 100. If you do the math, it will cost you a lot of money in a month. To reduce this cost, purchase a massage chair and save the money spent on the monthly bills of the salon. The initial value may be high, but you will notice that a lot of money is saved in the long run.
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Calm nerves and improve blood circulation
A massage chair works perfectly to relieve pain. In many cases, we have body pain because the blood does not circulate as it should. In addition to that, a massage makes the muscles tenser. The overall performance of the body is also improved.
Cons
- The massage chair is programmed so that it does not allow to massage all parts of the body.
- The chair takes up a lot of space. This is because for it to mass, the person has to lie down and the chair too.
Here are the three main benefits of offering massages.
Restores good blood circulation
The common sources of low back pain are caused by disruption of blood flow and compromising the supply of essential nutrients to muscles in the lower, middle and upper back. This is commonly known as ischemia.
The massage chairs can stimulate blood flow like traditional massage, thus promoting the recovery of muscle pain.
Reduces muscle tension
Another common source of back pain: muscle tension.
It is not uncommon for some muscles to contract in response to a wound in the back to maintain proper alignment of the spine.
It is a form of protection for the body, although natural, contributes to the pain.
Here again, a good massage chair can reduce muscle tension around the pain area and improve the flexibility of muscles and tissues.
In addition, massage therapy is known to promote a state of deep relaxation, itself conducive to getting into the best sleep once an evening. We know that sleep is a direct factor in reducing muscle tension, thus facilitating the healing process.
A good night’s rest, and the general mood that is also improved.
Releases endorphins and improves overall mood
Finally, a single session of 20 minutes in a massage chair increases the rate of released endorphins. You know them well; it is these hormones in the brain that trigger relaxation, peace of mind and a sense of well-being.
By improving overall mood, negative stimuli such as depression and anxiety are reduced. This can also exacerbate the frustration that usually accompanies back pain.
