Although mild cases of scoliosis are common and may come with few if any major symptoms, this condition can worsen over time. For some, it can range from disruptive to debilitating. Let’s take a closer look at this condition and learn how back massage for scoliosis can help, which treatment considerations to keep in mind, and how you can experience relief at home with a massage chair for scoliosis. 

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.

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!

Take a look at this guest post from our friends at Massagers-And-More

Are you interested in buying a massage chair, but confused silly with all the different options out there? Not to worry, I was in your shoes about a year ago. With not enough resources and information, I’d find myself tirelessly scavenging the net comparing one chair to another. Safe to say that all paid off!

Since then my fascination for massage chairs has grown tremendously. I’ve written detailed reviews on 30 odd chairs, and continue to do so as new chairs get released.

The below 6 considerations are what I personally used/followed when I purchased my massage chair. Even though some items on this list may seem subjective, it’s worth paying attention to. Without further ado!

#1 Price $$$$$!

Massage chairs aren’t exactly cheap, and even the cheapest of chairs will run you a solid $400-500 easy. The higher end chairs can go up to the $10K mark!

Which is why it’s so important to get a handle on budget!

You must ask yourself the following questions specifically:

1. How much am I willing to spend in total? Total means everything i.e. shipping, install fees, taxes etc.

2. How do I wish to pay? Typically, you can either finance the chair (most places offer 0% interest) over a period of several months, or you can pay the entire amount in one shot.

It’s important you have a clear understanding of this before even looking at anything else. If you’re having difficulty coming up with a budget, just remember there’s no right or wrong answer. It’s about what you’re most comfortable spending.

If you’re okay spending $3K, fine. If you’re okay spending $6K, awesome. If you’re okay spending $500, swell!

If you have your budget nailed down, that’s it. Many people tend to budge from their set budget. Don’t be one of those people!   Set yourself a budget!

#2 Roller System: 2D, 3D, or 4D?

Once you’ve determined your budget, next step is to decide on a roller system. As of present day (2019 April), there are 3 types of roller technologies to choose from:

2D Rollers

2D rollers are the oldest technology you can find on a massage chair. They move in 2 dimensions i.e. up and down along the length of the back, and side to side across the width of the back.

3D Rollers

Basically, a step up from 2D rollers. In addition to the horizontal and vertical movements, 3D rollers can also protrude in/out. This additional dimension makes 3D rollers capable of performing deep tissue massage.

4D Rollers

The most technologically advanced roller system you can find on a massage chair. 4D rollers are the exact same as 3D, but with one major difference: roller speed control is automatic in a 4D system. In a 3D system, roller speed is something you must manually adjust.

So does that mean you should only buy a chair with 4D rollers?

Absolutely not! 4D is the best money can buy, no question, but 3D and 2D chairs are not far behind. What’s more is the incredible industry experience around 2D rollers. Because 2D technology has been around for decades, massage chair manufacturers truly understand how to get the most out of this technology.

What’s the catch?

It’s simple. It all boils down to intensity. If you’re specifically looking for a chair capable of massaging at high intensities, consider a 3D or 4D chair. If intensity isn’t a concern for you, pick a 2D chair!

Human Touch Super Novo: Not yet released, but this will be Human Touch's first 4D massage chair!

#3 Roller Track

In #2 we discussed the different roller technologies, that’s only one half of the equation. The other half has to do with roller track. What is roller track anyways?

Roller track talks about the distance a set of rollers will follow.

For example, there are some massage chairs with rollers that can only travel from neck to tailbone (30-32’’), and then there are other chairs whose rollers can travel all the way to the hamstrings (47-52’’).

The longer the track, the better the massage!

If you’re able to afford it, I recommend you always go for a chair with an extended roller track. The extra roller coverage makes a world of difference when it comes to massaging the glutes and hamstrings.

#4 User Flexibility

This is something that often gets overlooked. If people paid more attention to this one thing, they’d end up saving so much time and money!

User flexibility is about how well a massage chair can accommodate users with varying heights and weights.

If you’re buying online, this becomes especially important to consider. If you’re buying offline, it’s still important, but not as much because you would have sat and tried the chair out.

No 2 chairs are the same!

And as such user flexibility can tend to vary from one chair to another. For example, chair X may be designed to fit in small, tight spaces, so as a result, it can only accommodate a height range of 5’0-6’0 ft. Chair Y on the other hand is designed to fit taller folks and has a height range of 5’2-6’4 ft. The same thing applies for weight.

Remember to check the height and weight limits before you buy!

The Novo XT2 is an example of a massage chair that has incredible user flexibility!

#5 Number Of Auto Modes!

Auto modes are preset or preprogrammed massage routines. They’re incredibly important for a few reasons:

1. Auto modes take away the guesswork from the user. In other words, the user doesn’t have to mess around with manual settings trying to figure out the optimum parameters for massage.

2. They keep things fresh. This is especially true for chairs that have 10+ auto modes! Because you have so many choices, massage is never repetitive and boring.

Most massage chairs generally tend to have on average 5 auto modes. Some of the better ones have 7-10, and some of the high-end ones have 30+!

#6 Massage Technology Other Than Rollers

The main roller system is arguably the most critical component to a massage chair, but it doesn't end there. There are several other components that also play a role in determining how good/bad a chair is. These are the airbags, calf rollers, and foot rollers.

Why are each of these components important?

Airbags and calf/foot rollers are important for 2 reasons:

1. They provide a massage technique different from the main roller system. For example, airbags inflate with air to provide a compression style massage.

2. They provide a massage to areas of the body where the main roller system can't reach. For example, the feet is one area where the main back rollers cannot reach.

That being said, one should always consider:

1. The number of airbags in a chair before buying. Look for a good spread across the chair!

2. The presence of calf and foot rollers. Foot rollers are a must have as far as I'm concerned. Calf rollers on the other hand is a feature you won't find in most massage chairs.

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Technologically-advanced devices can be hard to figure out if tech isn’t your thing. And, unfortunately, that fear of being overwhelmed by technology can steer you away from using tools that would make your life infinitely better. Some people see anything with an LCD remote and think, “Not for me. I remember last year’s ‘Surround Sound Incident’ all too well…”

Rather than having tech-anxiety, it’s important to understand that there are two types of device users: Tech-Intuitive and Research-Savvy.

Tech-Intuitive

Tech-Intuitive Users tend to integrate ever-evolving technology into their daily lives. They can easily navigate and operate most devices, because they’re engaged with the process of tech evolution. It should come as no surprise that these types of users can use any Human Touch massage chair with ease. They easily navigate through auto-massage programs, like “Energize” or “Relax,” or create their own massage program and save it for future use. More likely than not, they find it enjoyable to explore the different capabilities of each massage chair and may even try a different massage each time they sit in one.

Research Savvy

Research-Savvy Users are folks who generally read through owner’s manuals or quick guides to navigate technology. As Gretchen Rubin, New York Times #1 best-selling author of The Happiness Project, says about instruction manuals, “Why should I expect to operate something without learning anything about it?”

Some people seem to think that reading the directions is discrediting, but we all learn how to do things differently. Human Touch user manuals are easy to understand, come in multiple languages, and get you from the Power Button to a Zero-Gravity Massage in a few easy steps.

In order to demonstrate a new user experience, we had a tester try out a few different massage chairs using their owner’s manuals to help navigate the various functions. Here is what he said:

iJOY® Active 2.0 Massage Chair

“This chair seemed pretty straight forward. I was easily able to recline back and get started in an auto-massage program that I liked, since there were minimal buttons to navigate through. I didn’t really feel the need to use the owner’s manual, but it was nice that I could flip through the massage benefits it listed while I relaxed in the chair.” 

Bali Massage Chair

“The Quick Start options were easy to navigate through on the remote, and once I was more confident with the other options, I moved into Auto Immersion section on the remote control. These options ended up being pretty user friendly because they had descriptions of each different technique right there for me to read. I wasn’t sure how to adjust the calf width, but it showed an easy-to-understand diagram in the owner’s manual. I really liked that the owner’s manual also listed out intensity levels for the different Auto Immersion Programs, and descriptions of each of the Targeted Techniques. This made it easy to figure out which massage selection was best for me.”

ZeroG® 5.0 Massage Chair

“At first, I was a little overwhelmed by the remote control, since it has a lot of buttons and even has buttons on the side of it. However, this ended up being a really user-friendly remote due to the BodyMap PRO feature. It had a diagram of the human body, and I simply pressed a button wherever I wanted to feel relief. Everything else was really self-explanatory and I was able to select the massage intensity, recline position, and leg extension just by pressing one or two buttons. I actually enjoyed reading the manual because it talked about massage benefits, and it also clearly explained every button on the remote.”

NOVO Massage Chair

“I started this one in Demo mode just to get the feel of it, and really loved how it cradles you like a rocking chair while you’re getting massaged. The remote was really simple to navigate, and I tried a few different auto-massage programs until I found one that I liked the best. The great thing about all of these chairs is that I can try out one style of massage and if I don’t like it, I can switch to something else right then and there. Once my massage was finished, the chair put itself right back into a regular seated position and turned itself off. It was great.”

We’re all at different expertise levels when it comes to technology, but there’s no reason to be intimidated by it. The great thing about Human Touch massage chairs is that you can navigate technology through the way it makes you feel, and try out the different settings to fit your own unique needs. If you still struggle to understand something, you can always call the Customer Experience department to answer your questions and get you on the right track.

So, whether you’re Tech-Intuitive or Research Savvy, it’s easy to Feel Your Best. For more information on our Human Touch massage chairs, call our Customer Experience team at (800) 355-2762, or go to https://www.humantouch.com/.

Photo Credit: Thomas Hafeneth

Massage is one of the fastest-growing complementary therapies around the world. Like any other treatment, diabetic massage has several potential benefits and side effects for people with this diagnosis. Some studies show that it has a positive impact on blood glucose levels and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. In fact, one group study found that when parents gave a full-body nightly massage to their diabetic children, the children’s glucose levels dropped from an average of 158 to 117 mg / dL within one month.

Diabetes massage relaxes the muscles and calms the mind, thus reducing the physical and mental ailments associated with diabetic symptoms.

What Are Common Complications of Diabetes?

According to the American Diabetes Association, an estimated 1 out of 3 diabetics over the age of 50 will suffer from peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD occurs when the blood vessels in the legs are narrowed and blocked by fatty deposits, and the blood flow to the feet is decreased. This can result in an alarming number of consequences, ranging from foot ulcers to amputation. Therefore, it is critical for people with diabetes to ensure that the blood flow to their legs is regulated.

Can Diabetics Use Massage Chairs with Foot Massagers?

Massage products—from recliners with foot-and-calf massagers, to targeted foot-and-calf relief solutions—can serve as an incredibly useful tool for patients with diabetes seeking to increase blood flow in their legs and swollen feet. The Figure-Eight^® Technology in many Human Touch^® products delivers an advanced technique that emulates those used by a professional masseuse, and this technique increases the blood flow between the legs and torso.

Benefits of Foot Massage for Diabetics

Massage has been shown to drop glucose levels, which can help to prevent hyperglycemia in diabetics. According to Healthline.com, hyperglycemia can cause eye damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage (neuropathy), skin and gum infections, joint problems and even can result in a diabetic coma. Helping to relax your body will assist in lowering your glucose levels, which can prevent these types of hyperglycemic ailments.

Another benefit of diabetes massage is the increase in flexibility as the muscles are loosened. High blood sugar can result in the thickening of connective tissue, and massage will increase the mobility and elasticity of that tissue. As the muscles, tendons and ligaments are relaxed, patients will find an increase in motion and flexibility in the joints, therefore improving their quality of life. Thus, a foot massager for diabetics is a great way to increase flexibility and mobility in their feet. Diabetics also often have restricted blood flow in their feet, which massage can help increase.

Important Precautions of Massage for People with Diabetes

All of these benefits of massage should be noted by anyone suffering from diabetes. However, if you are diabetic, you need to consider a few important factors when seeking the therapy.

As with any type of physical therapy, you need to consult your physician before beginning massage therapy. It’s a great option for anyone seeking stress and pain relief, but people with diabetes need to be aware of fluctuations in their blood sugar levels at all times. Diabetics especially need to monitor their glucose levels after such therapy. They may not need as much insulin as they normally do after a massage.

It is also important for diabetics to avoid massage in an area where they inject insulin. Pressure in this area may influence the way that their body absorbs the shot and therefore alter their intake. This is one of the things professional athletes suffering from diabetes especially need to be mindful of.

Are Foot Massagers Good for Diabetics with Neuropathy?

As a final recommendation, diabetics should be cautious when assessing the pressure levels and heat options from any massage service, whether from a masseuse, a chair or with a foot massager. Those who want to try foot massage for diabetic neuropathy need to consult with a healthcare professional and also do their own research to determine if the massage technique or heating levels are ideal for a person of their body type and sensitivity levels.

Deciding to purchase a Human Touch wellness solution is an easy decision, but transporting it home can be daunting. Some of our massage chairs weigh over 275 lbs., which might not be quite what you’re benching at the gym. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to ship your chair to your home or office so that you can start enjoying it.

Threshold Plus Delivery

With the Threshold Plus Delivery option, your chair will be shipped to its final destination by two trained service providers. Prior to delivery, these experts will let you know when to expect them within a 4-hour window, in which they will unload the packaged chair just inside of your preferred building entrance or doorway for you. Many of our products are already assembled, but a few of them take some minor assembly to attach pad sets or headrests. Assembly is not included with this delivery option.

White Glove Delivery

With lighter chairs, Threshold Plus Delivery might be the best solution for you. However, with some of the larger massage chairs, you may want to consider taking advantage of our White Glove Delivery option. With this delivery system, our team will not only bring the chair to your home or business, but carry it into whichever room you prefer (within the first level of the building). They will then unpack the product for you, fully assemble it, and connect it with the nearest power source. If there is any debris or packing materials left over from the unboxing process, they will tidy up the area for you so that you can simply sit back, relax, and enjoy your new wellness solution.

As an added bonus- White Glove Delivery is offered as a free service with all Ascent Series massage chairs, as well as a number of other elite massage chairs. You can also take advantage of White Glove Delivery with any of our other wellness products for an additional charge. 

Fibromyalgia, a chronic musculoskeletal condition, affects nearly five million Americans and significantly more women are likely to suffer from the disease than men. The main symptom of it is experiencing pain throughout the entire body, as well as tension headaches, fatigue, stiffness and sleep disorders. Still, the cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown. As a result, those who suffer from it often have anxiety if they will find long-term pain relief. 

In 1990, researchers at the American College of Rheumatology identified 18 fibromyalgia pressure points, a.k.a. tender points, that are still used to help therapists diagnose patients with this disease. People feel the tension in their skeletal muscles and in the connective muscle tissue of their body. This tension decreases fibromyalgia patients’ muscle elasticity and affects their arterial blood supply. This activates someone’s pain receptors and results in chronic pain that may not be caused by anything apparent. As a result, treating pain for fibromyalgia sufferers is difficult. The root cause of what leads to experiencing symptoms often is unknown.

The pain of fibromyalgia is only a start to the endless cycle of issues that affect a person’s central nervous system’s release of serotonin. Because of problems with releasing serotonin, patience has an increased likelihood of depression and/or mood swings. Suffering from fibromyalgia also affects the ability to achieve quality rest, which prevents the body from being able to repair itself and can further increase a patient’s depression and exhaust the body, mind and spirit.

Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia has no direct cure. However, several treatments are available to alleviate someone’s symptoms. One of the best treatments is for fibromyalgia sufferers to receive is massage therapy. Such therapy helps people get calf pain relief, decreases their stress hormones, and increases their serotonin level. With these benefits, it improves the overall sense of well-being. Special fibromyalgia massage therapy techniques also help to relax the body in order to achieve quality sleep, so the body can repair itself and start fresh for the following day. Once the body has reached homeostasis following a night of quality rest, someone can have both the mental and physical energy to address challenges throughout the next day.

Fibromyalgia and Massage Types

The best massage techniques for fibromyalgia patients combine kneading, pressure, stretching and heat. These techniques will loosen up the parts of the body that are tight and will increase someone’s mobility, allowing them to take on more physical tasks. Good techniques for fibromyalgia also increase circulation and help the body to clear out toxins within the muscles. Recommended forms of massage for fibromyalgia include: 

Massage Chair Benefits for Fibromyalgia Patients

Massage chairs make an excellent option for those suffering from fibromyalgia as they are the most cost-effective method for people who require regular, long-term therapy. They also make a great choice because of the convenience and availability for the user to take advantage of professional-grade therapy at any time of day, for as long as they like, and without having to leave the comfort of their home.

Some of the best massage chairs for fibromyalgia patients include: 

• Super Novo massage chair
• Novo XT2 massage chair
• ZeroG 5.0 massage chair
• WholeBody^® 7.1 massage chair
• iJOY^® Total Massage

Massage Constraints  for Fibromyalgia Patients

Those with fibromyalgia should consult their physician prior to receiving any massage therapy. They also should receive only gentle-pressure massages because their muscles can be sensitive. Once you’ve consulted a therapist and picked a necessary therapy option, make sure to avoid deep-tissue work due to its pressure intensity and muscle overstretching through the treatment process. 

Patients also should stick to short sessions. Otherwise, they take a risk to feel unwanted pain after the treatment. The goal is to make your muscles relax and make them more pliable, not to make you hurt.  

Massage Benefits for Fibromyalgia Patients

Here are the advantages of fibromyalgia massage therapy techniques:

1) Relaxation to improve sleep. Evening sessions help patients improve their sleep quality at night, thereby allowing the body to recover faster.

2) Improving muscle tone. Massage therapy helps to strengthen the lax muscles and restore the strength and vitality of the client’s body.

3) Improving mental clarity. Relaxation sessions help raise health awareness and reduce mental stress for patients.

4) Elimination of headaches. Improving blood flow to the brain helps alleviate the physical source of headaches for patients. In addition, having such pain relief helps to keep the patient’s mind in a healthier space.

Safety is critical in any home, but even more so when there are children present. Thankfully, all it takes these days is an internet search to determine whether a product poses any risks to you or your family. In order to help you in your quest for optimal home safety, here are a few things to know when investigating any furniture options, including a massage chair.

As a precursor, please be aware that no product can possibly guarantee it will be 100% safe under ALL circumstances. Objects like plastic bags, household cleaners, and even paperclips can become harmful if ingested or used improperly, so it’s important to monitor children closely in order to prevent injuries. Massage chairs are clearly no different, and children should never be left to play near one without adult supervision.

Critical Safety Precautions to Look For.

Massage chairs are heavy, and they have a lot of moving parts. These are the two primary concerns that most people have when deciding whether to have one around their families. Make sure that the chair you choose has a wide, sturdy base, which will give it a lower center of gravity and make it difficult to tip over. You’ll also want to look at how enclosed that base is, and make sure that there are no exposed areas with gears or wires. Human Touch performs a comprehensive design hazard analysis on its products to minimize any potential hazards.

As many massage chairs include a one-touch or programmed (automatic) backrest recline feature, be sure to keep kids and pets away from the chair at all times when in use. With a motorized retracting (lowering) footrest, make sure to purchase a chair that either has sensors (which can detect foreign objects beneath it), or one that raises the footrest away from the floor as the back of the chair moves forward into the upright position, or one that enables the calf massager to raise on its own if it encounters an object on the floor as it retracts. This will allow you to visually confirm floor clearance before you lower the footrest. Other safety precautions to look for are recline and incline buttons that must be pressed down and held, versus a one-touch “push and forget” method. If a foreign object is accidentally bumped by a moving part of the chair, you can quickly release the button before there is any damage to the person or pet.  

Home Furnishing Regulation & Safety Standards.

There are also a number of additional safety standards with which home furnishing companies should comply with. Some people may not be aware of these standards, especially as they apply to chemicals that are invisible to the human eye. But these regulations will protect your family against health risks that extend beyond pinched fingers.

Human Touch massage chairs comply with 14 of these safety standards in the U.S. & Canada, as well as 8 International standards. This list includes (but is not limited to):

cETLus/cTUVus Certification of Compliance, including UL 1647, UL 962, UL-1431, CSA 68 and CSA 60335-1 as applicable. This demonstrates compliance to the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards, which includes regulated enclosures and guards for moving parts, stability against product overturn, and emergency stop switch regulation.
CA TB-117-2013 Standard. This is a flammability standard for upholstered furniture. This code is mandatory for all furniture manufacturers selling product in California.
CA SB1019 – This bill mandates labelling to indicate whether the product contains flame retardants, which are of concern to many consumers because of the harmful effects of many flame retardants.
Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM) commonly known as CARB. This establishes formaldehyde emission standards for panels of layered wood with wood-binding adhesives.
CPSIA Regulation. Regulates/enforces the use of lead in surface coatings such as paint and lacquer.
FCC/EMC (electromagnetic compatibility). Ensures that electrical products do not generate electromagnetic disturbances that may influence other products.
CE certification. This states that the product complies with the essential requirements of the relevant European health, safety, and environmental protection legislation.

Consumer Precautions

As an additional precaution for massage chair use in the home, we also suggest that you use parental discretion to decide if your child should be allowed to use massage chairs as a form of therapy. Children whose bodies are not yet fully developed should not engage in mechanical massage, as it may result in injury.

Additional safety tips and precautions can also be found in individual massage chair user manuals. If you have any questions about using your massage chair, please feel free to call the Human Touch Customer Experience team at (800) 355-2762.

We work hard to improve the lives of ourselves and our loved ones, so it’s important to consider the rewards of any investment we make, whether it be of our time, our money, or our energy.

As many people look into the purchase of a massage chair, they ask themselves whether the purchase is worth the price.  The value of a solution is relative to the individual problem it solves, so let’s examine a few different cases.

Massage for Injury Recovery

Whether you’re an athlete or a “Regular Joe,” physical injuries can lessen both your quality of life and the amount of money in your bank account. Missed work and multiple doctor visits come as an unexpected cost, and you’ll find yourself taking your vacation days for errands that are anything but relaxing. Even with health insurance, missed time from work can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If your injury requires massage therapy, this also means taking a few hours per week to visit a therapist that is likely to only be available during your standard business hours.

Inconvenience aside, the cost for a 1-hour massage is generally $75-$125, which can cost up to $150 when you include a 20% tip. Let’s be lenient and say that your injury requires you to have weekly massages for three months. Your total cost is then $600 for one month of massage therapy. That’s more expensive than the cost to own a Human Touch iJOY Active 2.0 massage chair, forever. Even the most luxury massage chair will have paid for its $8,000 price tag in less than two months of daily use.      

Massage for Stress Relief

Our stress responses are actually a primitive survival tool, commonly known as our “Fight or Flight response.” When we sense any type of potentially harmful situation, our bodies produce a chemical reaction that increases our heart rate and tightens our muscles. We are physically preparing ourselves to respond to a threat to our well-being. Small doses of stress can allow us to enhance our focus and performance, but long-term stress puts a strain on our bodies that can actually be harmful. Think about tension headaches, body aches, skin rashes, hair loss, and insomnia. Our modern way of life supplies us with plenty of stress, but we aren’t USING that physical response to run, fight, or otherwise exert that energy. Our bodies pump the adrenaline through our systems and it manifests itself as physical strain.

Aside from the same inconveniences of missed work that we mentioned in the previous example, bear in mind the effects that these ailments have on quality of life. Yes, you’re missing work. But, more importantly, you’re missing life. You’re missing play time with your kids, enjoying your weekend bike rides, and waking up refreshed and energized each day.

Some stressors can be avoided, but others can only be managed after they happen. That’s where meditation, exercise, and massage can make all the difference. Calming your mind will help you to manage stress, and easing the tension in your muscles through exercise and massage can save you from emotional, physical, and mental anguish.   

Massage for Health Problems

We’ve discussed massage for injuries, but what about long-term illnesses or health problems that can’t be repaired in a few months? Those suffering from ailments such as Fibromyalgia or chronic anxiety may require medication that has a multitude of negative side effects. Stress-related skin problems may require topical medications that heighten sensitivity to the sun, making sunburns even more likely (and dangerous) than they already are. Loss of appetite related to depression can mean nutritional deficiencies with long-reaching and hugely impactful consequences.

Massage can help to stimulate blood flow and relax your muscles, allowing your body to better care for itself. Better blood flow means that you can move more easily, with less stiffness or pain. That means that less pain-management medication is required, which means that your mind can perform without medication-associated brain fog. Stress-relieving massage means flare-ups of eczema or acne are less frequent, which means less inconvenience and discomfort. The sleep-enhancing effects of massage mean that your body is better rested, more able to repair itself, and better charged to handle the small stresses that can develop into physical ailments. Your appetite improves, which means your body can be given the nutrients that fight illness and general lethargy.

Self-Care: Is It Worth The Cost?

When making a purchase of any kind, you should always consider whether the product/service is worth the price. But you should also consider the long-term effect of your investment. Some people find it challenging to motivate themselves to drive to work each day, but we do it because we know that it will allow us to create something worthwhile, engage in personal development, and provide for our families. Words like “investment” can make us feel like we’re in a business meeting, but an investment in our health can mean avoiding a hospital room and enjoying the outdoors instead. And a better, longer, more fulfilling life doesn’t come with a price tag.