Massage Therapy as a Drug Alternative
Many people use pain relief massage therapy, but we're also seeing massage mentioned as one of the healthy alternatives to drugs. In fact, one study of 401 adults found that over a 10-week period, a one-hour massage was able to reduce pain and improve daily activities better than the control group, which followed standard care recommendations, including using pain killers.
Alternative massage can be used alongside traditional care routines to reduce pain and limit the use of addictive pain killers.
Massage can be used for alternative pain management, but it also extends further than just pain management. Let's look at the symptoms that massage can help ease or relieve completely:
What Symptoms Can Be Cured With Massage?
Human Touch conducted a direct-to-consumer research project in 2014, and in 2022, a secondary research project. This time, we conducted research on customers that purchased our chairs in 2016 with the help of the Portland Research Group.
We found the following:
- 51% of respondents took over the counter medication to reduce pain
- 26% took prescription medications for pain
- 49% who took pain medications and experienced pain took less medication after buying a Human Touch massage chair
- 14% of these respondents who purchased a Human Touch massage chair actually no longer take pain medication
When compared to 2016, respondents reduced their reliance on prescription medications significantly. See more figures from our research in the infographic below.
Massage is one of the alternative activities to drug use that doesn't interact with medications or cause symptoms to worsen.
Simply sit back and enjoy a pain management massage in one of our chairs.
Massage can help combat many symptoms, including:
- Swelling, by promoting circulation
- Pain, reducing reliance on opioids
- Reduce anxiety (here is a study on this subject)
Other studies also show that massage therapy can help with the sleep symptoms of PTSD and may help reduce symptoms associated with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tension
- Irritability
- Joint pain
- Muscle fatigue
- Headaches
- Insomnia
Additionally, massage after surgery, when you expect to experience pain the most, has also been shown to improve postoperative outcomes. In fact, one systematic review found massage improved outcomes, helped promote faster recovery, and reduced pain and anxiety, too.
Massage offers many alternatives to drugs, and different massages can help target varying symptoms.
What Types of Massage Are Used to Relieve Pain?
Massage of all types have been used to relieve pain, including:
- Deep tissue
- Swedish
- Shiatsu
- Massage
- Heat therapy massage
- Hot stone massage
- Thai
Heat massage is especially beneficial for tight muscles, swelling and inflammation.
Best Massage Chairs for Pain Management
Massage offers many essential health benefits and can be used as a drug alternative. However, it's crucial to choose the right massage chair. The following chairs are our top choice for choosing massage as a drug alternative:
Super Novo
Super Novo is our premier chair with a Virtual Therapist™ built-in so that you can use Alexa devices to control the chair using just your voice. The chair aims to redefine the massage experience with advanced features, such as:
- Heat on and off options
- Auto programs
- Recline position adjustments
- S- and L-track massage to target from your shoulders to thighs
- Full remote control function
- Ankle and calf massage
- More
Super Novo is designed to cradle the body, reduce strain on the back and massage tension away.
Click here to buy the Super Novo.
Certus Massage Chair
Certus offers three-dimensional massage, with state-of-the-art massage features that dynamically stretch your body, muscles and back. Advanced multi-dimensional massage is offered through key features, which include:
- 11 built-in wellness programs
- Zero gravity seating
- L- and S-track massage
- Dual lumbar and calf heat
- Extending calf and foot massager
- 0.2" rear clearance
Certus is one of our leading compact massage chairs, with just 0.2" of clearance needed between the wall and the chair to fully recline. If you're looking for a chair for smaller spaces, Certus is an excellent option.
Click here to learn more about the Certus.
Gravis ZG Chair
Gravis is the final chair on our list, offering a conveniently located remote control that you can use to gently move you into the zero-gravity position while you sit. The Gravis utilizes Air Massage technology to soothe your entire body and boasts key features, including:
- Multiple heat zones
- Power-adjustable headrest, backrest, and footrest
- Smart Sitting options that nudge you to move if you’ve been in the same position for too long
- Much more
If you're interested in the Gravis and want to learn more about its features, click on the link below.
Click here to view the Gravis ZG Chair.
Massage offers therapeutic alternatives to drugs that help reduce or eliminate pain, improve quality of life and do it without demanding users take even more harmful, addicting painkillers. If you're suffering from pain, try a massage chair as one of your alternative activities to drugs.