Exercise plays an important role in overall health and wellness, and your recovery can be just as important as the workout itself. Not only can recovery prevent muscle soreness, but it can also help support healthy muscle growth.
The many positive effects of massage therapy have long been recognized by the athletic and sporting world.
Many coaches, athletes, and sports medicine experts have long acknowledged that massage can provide numerous benefits to the body, including increased blood flow, improved circulation, reduced muscle soreness and tension, lowered mental stress and anxiety, and better overall wellbeing.
And now, with the recent partnership between Human Touch® and Recovery For Athletes (RFA), these many benefits are now even more accessible to athletes than ever before.
In this post, we are going to explore Human Touch’s market-leading massage chairs and zero gravity recliners and review their many benefits for athletic recovery.
The Important Role Massage Therapy Plays For Athletic Recovery
It’s not hard to see why the athletic world is so jazzed about massage chairs. Their many benefits have seen professional athletes from around the world incorporate massage therapy into their recovery routines.
Below, we explore the main benefits of massage therapy and how it helps some of the world’s greatest athletes stay on top of their game.
Increased Blood Flow, Circulation, And Reduced Blood Pressure
Whether it’s simply muscle soreness from an intense workout or recovery from an injury, massage therapy, delivered by massage chairs, is a great way to increase blood flow to painful or injured areas of the body. When blood flows into an affected area, it brings oxygen and nutrients that replenish cells and help sore bodies feel better and heal faster.
In fact, research has shown that deep tissue massages can work to reduce systolic (contracted heart pressure), diastolic (expanded or open-heart pressure), and mean arterial blood pressure.
These benefits not only promote athletic recovery but can also help to promote the longevity of an athlete’s professional life.
Great Range Of Movement And Increased Flexibility
With intense workouts and heavy athletic routines comes tightness and limited range of motion. Stiff, sore muscles and joints don’t perform optimally and are more susceptible to injuries like tears, pulls, and strains.
Thankfully, massage chairs help to loosen and relieve areas of damage due to physical activity, reducing the risk of injury and preparing the body for the next tough training session.
It has been shown that consistent use of a massage chair is an effective intervention for musculoskeletal aches, pains, discomfort, and a great way to increase range of motion.
The perfect combination to avoid injury and stay active and healthy for longer.
Pain Relief
There's nothing more effective at killing motivation and reducing athletic performance than pain. Tired muscles, soreness, and tightness all lead in one direction, more recovery time and less time athletically training.
Thankfully, massage chairs are great at relieving unwanted pain symptoms from athletic and sports training to return the body to optimal conditions in a timely manner.
Take Ryan Bader’s experience with his Novo XT2, he says, “…it’s really taken my recovery to a whole new level.” and reveals, “What I really like about it is it has so many features that I can easily tailor a massage to my day and how I’m feeling.”
Massage chairs are the perfect solution for pain relief and to help athletes, even with regimes as demanding as an MMA fighter, quickly and effectively relieve their post-workout pain to get back to training as soon as possible.
Injury Recovery
Injuries, big or small, are the antithesis of effective athletic training. A niggling injury can keep athletes from training, performing, and competing at their very best. And could, quite literally, be the difference between a long prosperous athletic career and retirement.
Former NFL player, Hiram Eugene, suffered numerous injuries throughout his career, and describes, “I am most affected by tightness/stiffness/soreness in my lower back, joint tightness/soreness in left hip, and stiffness/tingling/inflammation/numbness in my neck.”
He goes on to say: “My attraction to the [Human Touch] Novo massage chair was that it really does have the touch of human hands giving you a firm massage, and it also has a recliner mode that helps you relax while you receive that massage.”
Hiram, unfortunately, sustained a career-ending injury back in 2012 , but has been using his Novo massage chair to help with his recovery and manage pain ever since.
Relaxation
In addition to physical fatigue, muscle soreness, and injury management, athletic training can also take a mental toll.
This, once again, is where massage chairs shine. Professional racecar driver and Human Touch Wellness Council Member, Cassie Gannis’ experience is a prime example.
Cassie uses her iJOY® massage chair to help her relax both during and after her workday: “This chair uses long strokes, kneading, compression, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize me while I review race films, post to social media and answer emails. The positive effects of the iJOY massage chair are that it reduces my stress level, back pain, and muscle tension.”
She also adds: “Outside of the massage effects, the iJOY chair is a comfortable chair. It provides a great place to just sit and relax. I can be found watching TV in it after my workday has ended.”
As a professional athlete, it’s just as important to keep your mind sharp and relaxed as it is to keep your body pain-free. That way, when stepping onto the field or competing in a big event, their head is in the game and they are ready to perform at the top level.
Post-workout Muscle Care
Ultimate athletic achievements take not just serious commitment but also a rigorous athletic routine. Routines such as this can take a serious toll on the body and require just as much time off the field recovering as on the field performing.
Andy Potts, a world champion triathlete, shares his experience with the Novo XT massage chair: “As a professional triathlete, one of the pillars of my racing and training success comes from proper recovery. I train for over 35 hours a week, which takes a tremendous toll on the body. By adding the Human Touch Novo XT to my daily routine, I’m able to unwind and recover in a way I never thought possible.”
An investment in a high-quality massage chair is a convenient and easily tailored way to recover from heavy workout loads and professional athletic commitments. The process of giving
muscles and joints the care they deserve pays dividends to both recovery and performance.
Final Thoughts
Massage chairs are a fantastic way to take any athletic regime to the next level. That’s why a partnership between Recovery For Athletes and Human Touch is the perfect alliance for athletes everywhere.
RecoveryForAthletes.com is the top online retailer for athletic recovery, fitness, and wellness equipment. We stock products from over 75 brands within our online store, partnering with manufacturers who share our vision: to improve the recovery and performance of athletes irrespective of their sporting discipline.
With over 40 years of experience, Human Touch designs and manufacturers market-leading massage chairs that have set the bar for innovation and technology within the industry. Their comprehensive portfolio of high-quality massage chairs and zero gravity recliners has taken athletic recovery to the next level.
Back and lower back pain are typical for those of us sitting in chairs all day at our desks and is exactly the price we pay for walking on two feet. Spine specialists have become more concerned about the growing number of complaints: nearly 65 million Americans report a recent episode of back pain. And you’ve probably already guessed what has caused it.
Since the start of the pandemic and stay at home orders across the globe, human activities and lifestyles have changed a lot. People have been moving significantly less, postponing visits to a doctor, skipping their lower back massage sessions, crawling out of bed and walking the 20 feet to their desk, and taking advantage of Amazon and other instant delivery services instead of taking a short walk to the grocery store.
While Covid doesn’t directly cause back pain, our response to it has contributed to an increase in the cases reported by the general public.
Possible Reasons for Lower Back Pain
There are a number of reasons for lower back pain. What’s more, it’s not always rooted in the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes doctors observe a mirroring effect, when organ diseases manifest through lower spine inflammation.
It can be a consequence of trauma from an accident, diseases of the stomach, intestines, or kidneys or due to muscle spasms, a pinched nerve, and/or inflammation. In this case, seeing an orthopedic doctor or psychiatrist will help identify the root of the problem and proper plan for recovery.
None of the diseases of these organs and skeletal systems mentioned above can compare with the consequences of sedentary work. It’s the top reason for spine and neck pain, numbness in the arms and legs, and circulatory problems.
What’s more, according to medical research from the NIH, a sedentary lifestyle can lead not only to physical problems, but also mental distress. Thus, taking more conscious care of your back health should be a top wellness priority as it seriously affects your mental condition.
How Massage Can Help with Back Pain
Does getting a massage help with lower back pain? Of course it does! Back massage is one of the best ways to cope with and prevent it, which is most often caused by stiffness and muscle spasms. It relaxes tight muscles so that the pain disappears and your posture becomes more upright.
If it is caused solely by sedentary work, working out regularly and massage therapy that targets your lower back pain can be the best ways to alleviate it. When combined, these two self-care routines can drastically reduce painful sensations or eliminate them totally.
A massage after an intense exercise helps you relax tired muscles, improves your blood circulation, and brings many other positive healing effects.
The Benefits of Massage
Massage is a highly beneficial wellness practice—you don't have to wait until your spine asks for help to decide to make it part of your self-care routine. Instead, you may notice the benefits right after your first massage session.
- It helps your body detoxify through sweating.
- Massage stimulates the production of hormones that contribute to improved moods and positive feelings of well-being: endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine are released by touch.
- It also stabilizes your mental state by helping to relieve tension/stress and its effects.
- Massage improves blood circulation and helps your cells receive more oxygen and nutrients.
Massage Therapy Downsides and Precautions
Despite the fact that getting a massage is considered to be a highly beneficial practice, it can have downsides for a specific group of people. Particularly:
- Elderly people whose bones no longer have the same strength.
- Any age group who is suffering from broken bones, wounds, or injuries. In some cases, massage can be done with care during the post-traumatic recovery period. Make sure you tell your therapist about any current or past injuries so they can work around them.
- Patients suffering from inflammation. Massage at the site of inflammation can worsen the situation if not done properly.
- Pregnant and lactating women. Massages during pregnancy can stimulate the body, leading to a potential miscarriage. What’s more, toxins released during the massage process pass into the milk. In such a situation, you can take preventive measures such as using a massage chair for pregnant women and notifying your therapist of your current condition.
How to Perform a Back Pain Relief Massage at Home
Prefer to get a massage from the comfort of your own home? In this case, you must warn your doctor about your intention to do a massage at home so that he can equip you with special instructions and precautions. Below are some tips to make this experience safe and effective.
1. Use a firm couch so your body has more support
Whether you’re giving or receiving a back massage, the couch must be firm and you must have your body aligned just right. Otherwise, there’s a risk of damage to the spine from bending on a soft surface that lacks support.
2. Use an ankle support
For better blood flow to your back, you can place soft cushions under your shins when laying on your stomach. This will provide better support, improve your comfort level and the overall back massage experience. Plus, it's a good way to relieve leg swelling at the same time, which is also a common complaint for those of us who spend most of the day sitting or standing at work.
3. Choose a hypoallergenic oil
Massage oils are great for reducing friction from hands rubbing on your body but can cause allergies or irritation for some people. Before getting started, read the ingredients and make sure that the oil doesn’t contain components that you’re sensitive to or test it beforehand on a part of your body.
4. Master techniques for self-massage for lower back pain
Giving yourself a back massage can help because it’s almost impossible to harm yourself. Your instinct for self-preservation will usually prevent you from hurting yourself! Help yourself out after a hard day and massage your tired lower back. Make a fist and apply pressure to the sore spot.
It’s also sometimes helpful to massage yourself while lying on the floor. To do this, bend your knees and wrap your arms under them, round your back, and roll on the floor like a ball.
5. Preventing lower back pain using a massage chair
Do you have a desk job that leaves you with little time to visit a specialist? A back massage chair can be a great substitute for a masseuse and might be a useful self-help tool to consider. It’ll feel amazing, while keeping your spine healthy and capable of coping with its main task: supporting your whole body.
Do massage chairs help back pain? Hundreds of customers have confirmed that they do! Our massage chairs for back pain can be easily adjusted according to your health needs, massaging your entire body from the neck to your upper legs or targeting a specific part of your body, Massaging chairs come in a variety of designs and with a range of relaxing features.
Conclusion
Massage is a beneficial practice that has many health advantages beyond relieving lower back pain. It’s a calming way to set aside time for self-care. Massage chairs go a step further in offering the relief of therapeutic back massage at any time, from the comfort of your own home. If you’re interested in a massage chair, please get in touch with us. We’ll be happy to help you find one that’s perfect for your needs.
Could your home office use an upgrade? With more and more people working from home, the demand for workspaces that foster productivity and wellness has never been higher. Consider featuring a carefully-crafted massage chair in your home office that by its design and engineering, induces relaxation, refocuses your mind, and relieves stress.
Human Touch, a leading luxury massage and home office chair brand, has you covered. Check out this list of the best home office chairs of 2021:
Massage Chairs for Relaxing After a Long Day at the (Home) Office
Gravis ZG
The HumanTouch® Gravis ZG combines myriad therapeutic benefits, intelligent engineering, convenient controls, and exceptional comfort. Enjoy multiple heat zones, targeted air massage technology, and a zero gravity recliner, all in a compact, minimalist design. Gravis ZG has its own app for quick customization of your favorite positions and a reliable battery backup. And don’t forget the Smart Sitting feature (available in the downloadable app)! This intuitive feature allows you to set a timer so the chair “nudges” you when you’ve been sitting too long and should probably take a break and stretch your legs. Two frame color options, mahogany and beech, and three neutral pad set color options, saddle, sand, and bone, seamlessly blend into any home office decor.
Super Novo Massage Chair
The ground-breaking Super Novo Massage Chair is the first Alexa-enabled compatible ergonomic home office chair featuring patented Virtual Therapist™ technology. A Human Touch best-seller, the Super Novo lives up to its “super” name with features like 3D and 4D massage programs, Cloud Touch acupressure, dual-lumber heat, and zero gravity positioning. Access and store your devices with a convenient magnetic dock and holder, or turn on the premium Altec Lansing sound system to listen to calming music or nature tracks while you focus on work.
Novo XT2 Massage Chair
The Novo XT2 Massage Chair is a sophisticated home office chair designed for long working hours. Considered one of the best home office massage chairs available due to its powerful three-dimensional massage system, Novo XT2 delivers a masseuse-quality massage from the top of the spine all the way to the thighs. State-of-the-art technology, including Flex 3D Massage, dual-lumbar heating, and an extending foot and calf massage system, make this modern piece of furniture a must-have for relaxing breaks during the workday.
Ergonomic Chairs for Small Home Offices
Sana Massage Chair
The best compact home office chairs offer you a relaxing respite right when you need it, whether it’s during a short break between meetings or winding down at the end of a long workday. The Sana Massage Chair is a gorgeous modern home office chair, inspired by the simplicity of contemporary design with a luxurious first-class touch. Professionals dealing with high-stress jobs and long office hours will benefit from Sana’s pain-relieving zero gravity recline and nine intelligent Auto-Wellness programs that support and massage the back. A small rear clearance requirement makes the Sana perfect for tighter spaces, and built-in USB ports also make it easy to use and charge your devices while you decompress with a relaxing full-body massage.
iJOY® Total Massage Chair
Unwind after work (or during your own mini breaks throughout the day) with the iJOY Total Massage, a top-of-the-line home office chair for back pain. Intelligently designed with FlexGlide® orbital massage technology that simulates the expert techniques used by massage professionals, the iJOY Total Massage also features air cells strategically placed to target healing pressure to the shoulders, arms, seat, and calves. Adapt the chair to your perfect fit with back massage rollers that adjust to your ideal width, a gentle recline, and extendable foot and calf massagers. This high-quality compact massage chair will take your workspace to the next level.
Perfect Chair® PC-600 Silhouette
While all Perfect Chairs are exquisitely-crafted, the Perfect Chair PC-600 Silhouette is a step above the rest. Compared to the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion, the PC-600 is a more compact-ergonomic home office chair optimal for smaller workspaces. Relax into the plush memory foam and take advantage of the added comfort seating available with the innovative 3D EasePoint Technology™ (offered on the Supreme Upholstery Package option). Discover a new sense of wellness while you work with power recline, an adjustable lumbar system, extended armrests, and much more. And attach the Perfect Chair Laptop Desk to secure your devices while you work and take meetings.
ZeroG® 5.0 Massage Chair
The ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair is where state-of-the-art design meets pure, weightless relaxation. Whether you’re weaving self-care breaks into your day or simply relaxing after work, recline into zero gravity and experience immediate relief of pressure on your spine and lower back. Increase blood circulation, reduce swelling in your lower extremities, and indulge in a fully encompassing massage of your feet, calves, and lower and upper back. Featuring the revolutionary BodyMap PRO® remote, Acupoint® Detection scanning technology, and an extra-wide seat for added comfort while you work upright, this remarkable modern massage chair is the ultimate addition to any home workspace.
Zero Gravity Reclining Office Chairs
Lito Zero Gravity Recliner by Relax The Back®
The Lito Zero Gravity Recliner by Relax The Back offers unparalleled comfort whether you’re video conferencing with clients, working long hours, or benefitting from a short screen break between meetings. Dip into virtual weightlessness with Lito’s zero gravity recline and take advantage of intelligent preset memory functions you can access with the touch of a button. Use this as an optional home office chair when you need a break from your desk, and enjoy its heated seat and contoured backrest that supports your lower back, as well as an articulating headrest comfort pillow.
Perfect Chair® PC-420 Classical Manual Plus
The Perfect Chair PC-420 Classical Manual Plus is a stunning example of marrying human craftsmanship with remarkable engineering. The PC-420 is made with superior materials designed for ultimate comfort and durability; materials include high-tensile strength steel, memory foam, a solid wood base, far-infrared Jade heat stones*, and Premium Leather or SōfHyde upholstery. Use the detachable Perfect Chair Laptop Desk for work and meetings, and then manually recline to zero gravity and ease into weightless comfort. *Note: Jade heat available on select upholstery packages only.
Perfect Chair® PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic
Explore next-level wellness while you work with the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic, a contemporary leather home office chair that artfully blends form and function. Constructed with premium materials including a hand-carved wooden base and Premium Leather (or choose SōfHyde upholstery if you prefer!), the Perfect Chair PC-610 Omni-Motion Classic is everything the modern-day professional needs in an office chair. Recline to zero gravity for instant back and spine relief, find your preferred seating position with the chair’s 3D EasePoint Technology™ and alleviate muscle tension with soothing built-in Jade heat. (Note: 3D EasePoint Technology and Jade heat available on select upholstery packages only).
Whether you’re looking for sleek, compact chairs for your home office or the ultimate combination of modern comfort and ergonomics, let this best office chair review guide you to the perfect choice.
When it comes to relaxing at home, the easier to do, the better it is! Pick a category that appeals to you and give it a try. You can also mix and match different categories based on how you’re feeling – remember, listen to your body, and do what feels right!
Relaxing before meditating is a necessity. Most meditations start with relaxing the mind before trying to meditate. While relaxation is only one piece of the puzzle, it is one of the most important.
The benefits of meditation and massage can be powerful - especially when you combine the two. Add zero gravity into your meditation practice- with or without massage- and decompress your spine while boosting your relaxation.
Meditation + Massage: 5 Powerful Benefits of Combining Meditation and Massage
1. Boost Your Heart Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study that found meditating has significant heart benefits, including:
- 49% reduction in coronary artery disease risks
- 24% lower stroke risk
- 30% lower risk of diabetes
Research also suggests that massage can reduce the risk of stroke and support heart health.
2. Reduction in Anxiety
New York University (NYU) conducted an 8-week study on the benefits of meditation. The study found that during the eight-week assessment, participants enjoyed significant benefits, including:
- Decreased anxiety
- Decreased fatigue
- Reduction of behavioral anxiety
- Reduction in mood disturbance
The participants, all between the ages of 18 and 45, meditated for just 13 minutes a day. The true benefits of meditation were noticeable in the participants after only a couple of months.
The anxiety-reducing benefits of massage are well-documented and when combined, massage and meditation can be a powerful way to keep anxiety at bay.
3. Significant Reduction in Pain
In 2019, a meta-analysis was conducted on 60 clinical trials, which included a total of 6,404 participants. The study focused on pain reduction and the dosage of opioids by participants to relieve the pain.
The analysis found that meditation was able to:
- Decrease pain
- Reduce opioid dosage
Researchers concluded that meditation, along with other forms of mind-body therapy, were not only able to reduce pain and opioid cravings, but also lower the risk of misuse.
In addition to the pain-relieving benefits of mediation, there is also evidence that massage can help with pain. Together, meditation and massage can help give pain a one-two punch.
4. Higher Gratitude Levels and Lower Levels of Negative Emotions
A small, 8-week study conducted in the Netherlands at the University of Groningen determined that 15 minutes of meditation was the equivalent of taking a day of vacation. The analysis found that meditation was able to:
- Reduce exhaustion
- Improve life satisfaction
- Increase levels of positive emotions
- Increase levels of gratitude
- Decrease general irritability
The relaxing effects of a massage can help amplify these effects, helping you maintain that upbeat attitude for longer.5. Reduction in Cortisol Levels, Stress, and Anxiety
In 2016, a South Korean study was conducted over a span of eight weeks. The study included a school-based program that used a form of meditation called mind subtraction meditation. Elementary school students followed the program and researchers found a significant reduction in:
- Cortisol levels
- Stress
- Social anxiety
- Depression
Meditation, whether in a group or at home, can have long lasting benefits to a person’s health and well-being.
If you’re meditating at home, the Super Novo’s three-dimensional massage can relax the mind, alleviate stress, and help you move into your meditative state. Bluetooth connectivity and Premium Altec Lansing speakers allow you to listen to guided meditations while the Sound Soothe function immerses you in nature sounds. You can also use Virtual Therapist™ to customize your massage.
If you can’t find a guided meditation that you like, the Super Novo has its own built-in meditation and yoga programs for deep relaxation and therapeutic stretching. Dual lumbar heat kicks it up a notch to really put you in a state of bliss. The Perfect Chair® PC-LiVE™ is another great choice to help eliminate pressure on key points and relieve aching muscles by simply reclining into the zero gravity position. 3D EasePoint™ technology eliminates pressure points caused by prolonged sitting and Jade stones provide far-infrared heat that penetrate deep into the muscles to alleviate pain and inflammation while helping you transition into your meditation.
When you add in the benefits of meditation and massage, you’ll be on your path to less stress, tension, anxiety, and better health.
This article seeks to unravel the many health complications caused by bad posture. We’ll identify the common practices that go unnoticed yet pose a risk to your mental and physical health.
Human Touch® is thrilled to be a part of a major locker room renovation that the University of Alabama developed for their top-ranking NCAA Football team...
Today, after the chair time, I did a yogic stretch of one leg, and "click" the offending vertebrae went back into place! Stunning! Thank whoever developed that "energize" series for the chair.