The Importance of Choosing the Right Massage Chair – Common Concerns

Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most effective ways to relax your mind and body. It prevents and relieves back, neck and shoulder pain, soothes anxiety and depression, helps improve circulation and maintain the proper posture. You’ve probably heard a lot about massage chairs and their features over the years. But do they deserve all the hype? Do they really work? Below you’ll find the answers to all these questions and more!

Does massage chair really work?

You’ve probably seen relaxation stations in the mall filled with these chairs. Or, if you enjoy regular pedicures, you’ve probably sat in a massage chair. There are even gyms that have a few of these units on their premises for members to relax after intense workouts. There are various reasons why many public spaces have these chairs. When people are stressed or simply overwhelmed, they need something that promotes relaxation. Stress leads to tight muscles and knots which may cause other health problems. Massage chairs help alleviate body tension by relaxing your muscles.

Although these chairs can’t offer the precise touch of a massage therapist, don’t write them off completely. The rollers featured in the chair are designed to knead, stroke or gently knock on the main pressure points of the body. These actions help increase blood circulation, which is very helpful when you’re recovering from an injury or dealing with pain. Increased blood flow is known to promote healing. Furthermore, massage chairs may stimulate the production of serotonin, which helps the body to manage pain and stress better.

It’s a well-known fact that the improper posture can strain your back and put a toll on your health. This can result in pain or weakness in your lower back, legs and glutes. Reclining and zero gravity massage models can help decompress and align the spine. This means that unwinding in a massage chair after a busy day will not only be relaxing but it will also mean practising self-care.

Are massage chairs safe?

For some reason, many people tend to believe that massage chairs have adverse health effects. However, the reality is totally different. Doctors and professionals on the matter have established long ago that these units offer a wide array of benefits. Nevertheless, individuals with serious infectious diseases, serious unhealed wounds, circulatory ailments, broken bones, and infectious skin rashes and diseases. should consult with their health care professional before using a massage chair.

Can you get a chair massage while pregnant?

Generally, getting a massage is a great way to relax the tense muscles that pregnancy often causes. However, it’s always best to first check with your doctor before using a massage chair. In some cases, massage should be avoided, for example, if your pregnancy is high-risk or other medical issues are a concern. Once your doctor says it’s safe, using a massage chair may be a great way to alleviate your back pain and cramps. According to experts, the vibrations of the chair can be felt by the baby. Although they are not very strong, your doctor may advise you not to use a massage chair during your first trimester, since this is the most vulnerable point of pregnancy when there’s a high risk for miscarriage.

How to choose a massage chair?

A good massage chair will have a plethora of options to choose from based on your mood and needs. It will also offer different massage techniques including tapping massage, shiatsu, Thay swing-step massage, and others. Some chairs are designed to target pressure points all over the body while others offer massages that use light-intensity kneadings movements. There are also zero-gravity chairs that recline to a zero-gravity position before starting with the massage. It’s important to know your options and see which one provides the best experience for you.

Keep in mind that different models are better suited for different areas of your body. Chances are that you won’t use all of the features, so figure out which part of your body requires special attention and choose a chair that caters to that area. For example, if you want a good foot massage, buy a chair that incorporates this feature. If you feel intense pain in your neck and shoulder area, look for a chair that focuses on alleviating pain in these areas.