If you’re looking to buy a massage chair you will want to know exactly what it does to your body. There is a lot of misinformation out there. Don’t get sucked in by the myths online.
Our guide shows you the benefits of these chairs and how they work. We’ve also included some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your chair. Some people never fully experience all the amazing things their chair can do.
These powerful machines can feel amazing. Read on to discover how these can transform your mood, and aches and pains.
What is a Massage Chair?
A chair that includes rollers or compressors to massage your body. You can use these chairs to massage your back, but some also work on other parts of the anatomy. Legs, arms, neck, and even feet can benefit from the massage features.
Their features vary. Some also offer vibration modes and other types of massage. The idea is to allow you to access massage any time and within your own house. You don’t have to book appointments or pay for every massage, and you can enjoy lots of styles of massage, too.
How Do These Chairs Work?
You might be wondering what the chair does. If you’ve never sat in one before, it can be tough to envisage.
The chairs contain rollers. These are the parts that come into contact with your skin and muscle to provide a massage. Some rollers just work up and down the back, on an S-track chair. Others go further down to your glutes and hamstrings, these are usually called L-track chairs.
On some of the best massage chairs, the rollers protrude. This is called “3D” or “4D” technology. It gives a much deeper massage, which has medical benefits. You can choose how the rollers go up and down the back and body, but also how much they come out of the track to massage deeper.
By stimulating your muscles, it can provide loads of medical benefits as well as relaxation. More on this later.
They can work in other ways. As we’ve briefly mentioned, they can include other massaging modules. Some use air compressors for parts of your body like arms and legs. This compression provides a different type of massage. It also helps with blood pressure.
Some people opt for massage chair pads. These sit on top of an existing chair and use nodules to apply pressure. They’re not usually as effective or intense as a full chair.
Who Can Use These Chairs?
You might have questions about who these products are best for. Fortunately, they are suitable for the majority of people to use. Each chair is different, so you need to ensure that you read the manufacturer’s guidelines first.
Pregnant women should get medical advice before using these chairs. There is a theory that the pressure points being stimulated can cause a woman to go into labor prematurely. This isn’t proven, but it is also not worth taking risks. In some situations such as suffering from preeclampsia, it’s a good idea to avoid the chair.
If you have an illness or have sustained an injury in an area, massage is not always a solution. You might need to let your body heal. There are a few other conditions and ailments that mean you should be especially careful, including osteoporosis, phlebitis, and varicose veins.
Also, if you have low blood pressure or any other health concerns you think might be relevant, consult your physician before use. It is better to be safe. There are a few scenarios when you should avoid any type of massage.
Age, Size, and Height
How old do you have to be to get a massage using one of these chairs? We recommend that users be 12 or over, especially if they are going to use the chair on their own. Younger children should always be supervised.
You should also consider your build and height when you are buying. A bit like your clothes, the chair should fit your build. Some people need to find a specific “big and tall” variety for sale.
Most chairs are suitable for those up to 6’3” in height. If you are taller than this you might need to opt for a specific large chair. If not, it might not reach your pressure points. It can be uncomfortable.
Can I Use My Chair Every Day?
There is no specific rule for how much you can use your chair. The manufacturer will provide advice on how often you should use the actual massage features. However, it is easy to overdo it.
A lot of people do use their chair daily. If you decide to do this, limit your sessions to 15-20 minutes at a time. This way, you can monitor if you start to experience any pain or discomfort.
Using it too much can cause inflammation or injury. This is especially true if you use the more intense styles of massage, like deep tissue. If you use these for two long they can leave your back in a lot of pain afterwards.
If you do use your chair a lot, try varying the features and massage areas if you can. For example, massage your legs one day and your back the next day. This reduces strain on one area and prevents risks that come from overuse.
A lot of people choose to use their chair 4-5 times a week. You can do this safely and it gives your muscles the chance to rest afterwards. As long as you are cautious, you should be able to take advantage of massage chair benefits without having to worry about any risks of overuse.
Sitting in The Chair Without Getting a Massage
Having to restrict the massage doesn’t mean that you can’t sit in the chair, it just means not to use all of the massaging functions all the time. For example, you might choose to use it as your main chair for relaxing. You can sit in the chair and read a book or watch TV, just don’t use the massage features constantly.
A lot of chairs have other tech features. Some even include speakers, reclining, or heated sections. These can be used daily with no issues at all. You shouldn’t spend all of your time in a chair, of course, but you can sit in it for hours with no risks if the rollers aren’t active.
Can I Sleep in The Chair?
Massage can reduce cortisol levels which makes you feel a lot less stressed and can help you to nod off to sleep. However, if you fall asleep while receiving the massage you might not turn it off, and the rollers can keep massaging you for hours. This can lead to you being over-massaged and you might feel pain when you wake up.
There are a couple of ways around this. It is pretty harmless to sleep in the chair if the massage features are off. Many come with inbuilt programs like timers. These can help to restrict how long the massage goes on. You might be able to shut it off after 15-20 minutes. If you do fall asleep, there’s less risk this way.
If you start to feel like you are going to fall asleep, it’s probably best to turn the chair off and lay on your comfy bed. The chair has achieved the mission of making you sleepy.
Price Range (And Why It’s Cheaper Than Visiting a Massage Therapist)
The costs can be broken up into two areas: The upfront cost of the chair itself, and the running costs.
With these two costs in mind, you should think about the long game with your chair. It is estimated that a massage in the US costs $50-90 on average. One visit to a parlor per week would end up costing over $2,500 a year. In some areas, the cost is even higher.
With this in mind, even a top-quality chair will pay for itself over the years of use.
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Cost of Buying
Prices can vary hugely. Some chairs are on the market for under $1000, even brand new. These are usually 2D models not 3D or 4D. This means they only massage up ad down along a track, and do not protrude and give a deep massage.
If you pay a little more, you can find 3D and 4D chairs. Some great chairs with 3D rollers can cost less than $5,000.
If you want the very best in current tech features, the chair may cost $10,000 or more. The Imperial 3D/4D model is just under $12,000. A quick look at the reviews will tell you why. It has a wireless remote, body scanning features, it even comes with an air ionizer. The price tag is big, but it is worth it for many users.
How Much These Chairs Cost to Run
The cost of using your chair can be harder to work out. There are too many variables to work out the electrical cost precisely.
Many chairs use up to 300W of electricity when in use. At an energy cost of $0.13/kWh (the US average), it would cost less than $15 a year to run. This is calculated based on one hour of use each day. An idle chair also draws some power. This will cost about $5 per year.
These figures are estimates. However, it can be useful to know that your chair’s use will cost cents per day, rather than dollars. They are not expensive to use.
Eventually, you might need to pay for some repairs. Most chairs come with a warranty to protect the years of your purchase. They’re not indestructible, though. Over time, you might need a replacement part, such as a motor.
Medical Benefits
A lot of people get massages for medical reasons. This is one of the main benefits. Having a chair in your own house means you can take advantage of soothing properties whenever you need it. The benefits to both mind and body are scientifically proven. New studies are also regularly coming to light.
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Improved Blood Circulation
Your circulatory system needs some looking after. A healthy lifestyle often means your blood circulation is also healthy. However, massage can help greatly. Massage helps your vascular function, even if you haven’t exercised. It’s not a replacement for exercise, but it is helpful.
You can treat hypertension with massage, and some of the other benefits help indirectly with your blood pressure. For instance, the reduction in stress from lower cortisol levels also helps your circulation.
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Improved Mobility
Massage helps to keep your joints moving freely, and can make it less likely that you will sustain an injury. Studies have shown that muscles and tissues are more flexible after the massage. This can be a good way to prepare for exercise. It means a lower risk of injury.
People suffering from mobility issues can use massage therapy as a way to become more mobile. You will also be less likely to get aches or to pull muscles during your daily routines. Remember, if you have a serious illness or musculoskeletal disorder you should check with a physician beforehand.
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Treating Lower Back Pain
A study from the University of Warwick claims that lower back pain is the most widespread cause of disability. This is a stunning statistic that shows how important it is to get treatment. It’s estimated that about 10% of people are suffering from this ailment, and it is often chronic.
Studies have shown that massage can be a reliable treatment. Another notable study of over 100 people with back pain who got massages as a treatment showed more than 50% reporting an increase. Healthline also advocates using massage to help with your back issues.
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Improved Sleep Patterns
If you struggle to get to sleep then a massage can be a way to help you to nod off at night. As well as lowering your levels of cortisol, which can keep you awake, it helps you to create serotonin. Your body converts serotonin into melatonin which makes you feel sleepy.
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Mental Health Benefits
You may have worked this out from the previous points. The stimulation of your brain to create serotonin and endorphins can help your mental state. People suffering from anxiety find massage can be a powerful treatment, too. It’s not a substitute for therapy or other medical treatments, but it can support a healthy lifestyle.
This improvement in peoples’ mental health can also bring further knock-on benefits. You will be at less risk of stress-related conditions due to the improvement in your mood.
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Recovery After Exercise
There is a reason why so many sportspeople get massages after a game. WebMD reports that most people find that they experience a lot less pain after getting a massage. This aids recovery and helps people to keep performing at a high level.
You don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy these benefits. A lot of people like to get a massage after the gym. It can help with the sort of muscular aches you might experience after exerting yourself physically.
More Than Just Rollers
Many of the best chairs on the market offer far more than just massage rollers. You can use the chairs for entertainment or other medical benefits. High-end models are likely to include some of the extras below.
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Heat
Heat can feel great. You might enjoy the feel of a heated seat in your car. Many of these chairs also provide heat. This often targets the lumbar area. Heating and cooling injuries or sore areas can help to repair damaged muscles and ease the pain.
You might like heat because it feels good. You might find it helps you to target specific pain.
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Body Scanning
The technological advances of recent years make body scanning easier. This means you can scan your body via an app. The chair will then target pressure points for a more effective massage. All bodies are slightly different so it is a big bonus to be able to create a massage tailored for you.
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Bluetooth and Speakers
Lots of modern chairs have Bluetooth technology. Bespoke massage apps might need you to link up to the chair via Bluetooth.
Bluetooth also lets you stream media to the chair. A lot of great chairs have speakers inbuilt. This doesn’t help the massage itself, but it can be great to listen to your favorite album or some relaxing guided meditation while you enjoy your massage.
Some chairs even include a charging station. Charge up your phone or another device while you relax.
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Compression
Traditional S-track and L-track massagers don’t reach the extremes of your body like your arms and lower legs. Air compression therapy is sometimes used in these areas.
If you are wondering why the compression sections squeeze your legs or arms, this is to give compression massage to the parts of your body not covered by the rollers.
Like other forms of massage, compression helps your muscles, and can also relieve your pain. Plus, it feels great. Some people use compression massagers separately, so to get one included with your chair is a bonus.
Reclining
A lot of people have reclining chairs. You might think that this is just about comfort or putting your feet up. It has some medical benefits like the other areas of massage.
A lot of chairs now have the “zero gravity” feature that spreads your body weight. It mimics how astronauts recline in their seats when they blast off into space. It’s designed to evenly distribute your body weight. The effect of gravity can also make the rollers feel more effective.
Reclining can sometimes take up some extra space. Many modern manufacturers have made their chairs rotate along a track. This means you might just need to leave a few inches of extra space behind the chair to allow it to recline properly.
Does My Chair Come With a Warranty?
Massage chair brands such as Infinity offer a warranty to protect your purchase. Your Happy Chair provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. Beyond this, you need to check each manufacturer.
One year of protection is pretty common, but some manufacturers such as Titan and Osaki provide two or three years. The Osaki OS-Pro First Class has a three year warranty.
Can I Choose the Level of Power and Intensity?
You can usually choose the level of power on the chair. Along with the style of massage, this is one of the key things that impacts whether a massage is fast and deep, or shallow and gentle. Both can be useful for different scenarios.
More elite chairs let you control more aspects of your massage. You may also be able to save custom settings to recall the next time you want a massage.
What are Massage Programs?
A lot of chairs come with a variety of inbuilt “massage programs”. Because your chair will often have multiple modes and be capable of different styles of massage, programs can help you to immediately change the settings based on your mood or needs.
For example, a chair might have a sports recovery program, but it may also have a night mode designed to send you to sleep. You can choose whichever suits your situation.
To Sum Up
There aren’t many products out there that are both fun, and good for you. As well as enjoying all of the features and functions, you can experience medical benefits.
Invest in something like the Imperial 3D/4D and you can enjoy Bluetooth connection, full-body scanning, and even an invigorating air ionizer to freshen up and focus the mind.
They’re good for your physical health, good for your mental health, and the whole family can benefit from having massage on-demand in your home.