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.

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 purchasing a massage chair, they ask themselves whether the purchase is worth the price. Should I buy a massage chair? Do massage chairs really help? 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.

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 adverse 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.

Is a Massage Chair Worth the Money?

When purchasing 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.

There are many advantages to buying a massage chair, but there are some drawbacks that should also be considered.

Why Massage Chairs are Worth It

Is a massage chair worth the money? If you ask anyone who owns and uses a massage chair regularly, the answer is probably “yes.” There are many advantages to having your own massage chair.

An Investment in Your Health

A massage chair is an investment in your mental and physical health. Regular massages can help alleviate stress and tension that can take a toll on your quality of life.

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.

More Cost Effective Than Massage Therapy

How much is a massage chair worth, really? Apart from the investment in your health, a massage chair can offer tangible savings over the long-term that make them well worth the cost.

Inconvenience aside, the cost for a 1-hour massage is generally $100-$175, which can cost up to $210 when you include a 20% tip. Let’s be lenient and say that an injury requires you to have weekly massages for two months. Your total cost is then $1,680 for that period of massage therapy. That’s more expensive than the cost to own a WholeBody® 5.1 massage chair, forever.

Is a massage chair worth buying? When you consider the costs of buying a massage, yes.

Available 24/7

When you purchase a massage chair, it’s yours forever, and it’s available whenever you are – 24/7. If you work until late in the evening, you can still come home and enjoy a relaxing massage after a long and stressful day.

When you own a massage chair, there is no need to worry about booking appointments and working your day around the therapist's schedule.

A Consistent Experience

Even if you visit the same massage therapist every session, the experience will be different every time. The massage technique, the amount of pressure applied and even the music and overall ambiance may be different with each appointment. These inconsistencies can also mean that some massages will be less effective or enjoyable than others.

One advantage of owning a massage chair is that the experience will be consistent. You may have different programs to choose from, but each session of the same program should provide the same overall experience.

Private, Contactless Massage Therapy

Some people are uncomfortable with the idea of working with a massage therapist. After all, massages can be a personal thing, and it may not be easy to relax completely when another person is in the room.

Having your own massage chair affords you privacy and a contactless way to enjoy massage therapy.

Different Massage Options

Massage chairs may have a variety of programs that can help you address different issues. For example, you can choose a deep tissue massage to alleviate tension in overworked or injured muscles. The next day, you may use the foot massage function to help soothe your aching feet.

Massage chairs offer the ability to adjust your settings and programs based on what you’re feeling in the moment.

Some Drawbacks to Consider

While there are many advantages to buying a massage chair, they may not be the right choice for everyone.

Higher Upfront Cost

A quality massage chair is an investment. While you will save money over the long term, the upfront cost can be significantly higher compared to sessions with massage therapists.

Why are massage chairs so expensive? Because they use sophisticated mechanical parts and systems to deliver an authentic full body massage. These chairs are built with high-quality materials and engineered to provide a luxurious experience with each session. They also have features like faux leather upholstery and Bluetooth speakers that allow you to relax with an audiobook or listen to calming music during your massage.

While the features and construction of the chair make it worth every penny, the high cost may put a massage chair out of reach for some individuals.

A Different Experience

When considering the question “are massage chairs worth it?” it’s important to remember that the experience will be different from a session with a massage therapist.

Quality massage chairs are designed to mimic the hand movements of a masseuse. However, while the experience comes close, it can’t completely replicate the true feeling of a massage therapist’s hands.

So, when asking the question “are chairs worth the money?” consider whether the experience of an in-person massage is important to you.

Massage Chair Effectiveness

Along with the benefits and drawbacks of a massage chair, it’s important to consider its effectiveness. Do massage chairs work? Are massage chairs good for you? If so, how good are massage chairs, really?

To answer these questions, let’s explore what research has to say about massage chairs and the overall health benefits of massage.

Massage chairs have been shown to help:

• Reduce pain. One study found that massage chairs were just as effective as physiotherapy at reducing pain and improving quality of life in participants. That study also found that a massage chair was more cost effective than physiotherapy.
• Improve blood flow. One study found that regular massages may improve blood flow in localized areas.
• Reduce stress and anxiety. Research has found that just 15 minutes in a massage chair can help reduce stress and anxiety while improving alertness. Participants also had fewer symptoms of depression after five weeks. Reducing stress and anxiety can also help lower your heart rate and help you slip into a state of total relaxation.

Final Thoughts

A massage chair gives you access to massage therapy anytime and from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Massage chairs are worth the cost, all things considered. The convenience and health benefits of regular massages far outweigh the upfront cost of purchasing a chair.

With the COVID-19 crisis putting most countries on lockdown, more people are working from home than ever before. Setting up a home office has been a tricky process for many of us. Along with finding a designated place to work, you also have to consider the ergonomics of the space. The goal is to create a home office that's comfortable to work in without causing back pain or strain.

A zero gravity workstation is a great option, especially if you suffer from constant pain when sitting.

Investing in an ergonomic office chair is a great place to start. The Human Touch Perfect Chair® is ideal for any home office setting. Our Perfect Chairs may not look like the conventional office chair, but they offer the comfort and ergonomic design needed to work safely and comfortably from home.

Experience the Benefits of Zero Gravity

The legs are elevated above the heart in the zero gravity position, while the shoulders and head are also slightly elevated. It may sound like a strange way to sit or sleep in, but NASA designed the position as a way to take pressure off the spine when astronauts are launched into space.

You may find it interesting to know that this is also the position your body naturally takes when in a zero gravity environment, such as floating in a pool of water.

Back Pain Relief

Many of us suffer from lower back pain because we sit at a desk all day or perform repetitive motions that strain our backs.

The zero gravity position takes the pressure off the spine, specifically the lower back. Once that pressure is removed, blood can flow freely to the back to alleviate pain and discomfort.

If you suffer from pinched nerves or muscle tension in your back, a zero gravity office chair can also help decompress your spine to alleviate these problems.

A few of the ways that an ergonomic office chair helps alleviate back pain are:

• Tilt tension
• Sturdy yet comfortable seat cushion to promote better posture
• Height adjustable settings to ensure proper foot placement
• Adjustable armrests to further promote good posture

When you're sitting for long hours, adjustable features help take the strain off of your back. It's better to invest in zero gravity computer chair that may cost more than other models but doesn't leave you with an aching back day and night.

Plus, the right zero gravity chair will last a long time and can be written off if you own a business.

Less Stress on the Heart

Along with taking pressure off the spine, zero gravity also takes pressure off the heart, allowing it to work more efficiently and improving circulation. In this position, your heart doesn't have to work so hard to pump against the power of gravity, so blood can flow more freely.

If you have fibromyalgia, lower stress on the heart is crucial to your long-term health.

The best office chairs for fibromyalgia are zero gravity chairs. You'll reduce pain, lower your risk of heart complications and do it all while being more productive.

Better Circulation, Recovery and Pain Relief

Improved circulation will help with recovery from injuries and even muscle growth. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and muscles. Muscles that receive more blood get more nutrients and oxygen, helping them grow. Injuries also recover more quickly because they receive the oxygen and nutrients they need to heal.

Zero gravity is also an effective way to alleviate pain. Along with taking pressure off painful areas, improved circulation reduces or even eliminates pain.

In fact, a 2014 study from Portland Research Group highlighted the effectiveness of zero gravity and Human Touch's Perfect Chairs on pain.

• * 41% of people taking pain medication before their chair purchase took less pain medication after purchasing a Perfect Chair.
• * 17% stopped taking pain medication entirely.
• * 74% of owners said they would recommend Perfect Chair to other people.

Do zero gravity chairs help back pain? Yes, but they also help relieve general pain, too. There are chairs for back pain specifically, yet a zero gravity desk or chair will reduce pain in the entire spine and other joints.

Relaxed Muscles

Working from home can be stressful, even if your home office is in your living room.

The zero gravity position helps take pressure off muscles, allowing them to relax and alleviating tension. When the body is in a total state of relaxation, you also enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep.

A reclining desk or reclining computer workstation helps take strain off of your muscles, joints and back. When you sit in a reclining desk chair workstation, you're actively promoting less stress and tension on the muscles.

If any of the following hurt or are sore after long work hours, a zero gravity reclining office chair can help:

• Neck
• Back
• Shoulders

Plus, the mesh fabric is comfortable to sit in for long periods of time and very durable.

A Versatile Home Office Asset

Perfect Chairs are just as versatile as they are comfortable.

If you want a zero gravity chair for lower back pain that's high-tech and can help improve your workflow in the office, we have the perfect option for you.

With our Laptop Desk accessory, you can instantly transform your chair into the perfect home office chair. Our Supreme Upholstery Packages offered with any of our Perfect Chair models include 3D EasePoint Technology™, which is designed to distribute your weight evenly across the entire seat to eliminate uncomfortable and painful pressure points. This makes it easier to comfortably work from your chair, even for extended periods of time.

With zero gravity, maximum adjustability and the finest craftsmanship, Perfect Chairs make it easy and comfortable to work from home.

Even after you return to your office, your Perfect Chair will be there to greet you after work and help you relax after a long day. If you're going to have a home office, you want it to be as comfortable as possible. A zero gravity chair is the best option for comfort, back pain reduction and versatility.

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. 

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.

Long Beach, CA – June 17, 2020 – Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® zero gravity recliners, and other wellness solutions, has been honored with eight 2020 Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX).

Attendees Can Experience Human Touch’s Premium Massage Chairs and Zero Gravity Recliners at the SRJT Core Six Weeks of Events

Long Beach, CA – JUNE 16, 2020 – Human Touch^®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, zero gravity recliners, and other wellness solutions is pleased to be the official wellness partner of the Split Rock Jumping Tour (SRJT).

“We’re honored and excited to be named the official wellness partner to the SRJT,” said David Wood, CEO of Human Touch. “Equestrian athletes put their bodies through a lot for their passion and for their sport, and our wellness solutions are built to help them to recover and to perform at their absolute best. The partnership between SRJT and Human Touch is a natural fit and we’re pleased to aide in their unrivaled hospitality and be part of their revolutionary show jumping tour.”

Human Touch will be onsite, providing their premium massage chairs and zero gravity recliners for attendees to benefit from at the SRJT core six weeks of events starting in June 2020 and through the final Fort Worth International CSI 4*-W event from December 16-20, 2020.

“We are so thrilled to welcome Human Touch as part of our 2020 Split Rock Jumping Tour,” said SRJT founder and CEO, Derek Braun. “Human Touch massage chairs are incredible and many of our exhibitors have been helped by them. I have used them myself and they are clearly the best there is!”

About the Split Rock Jumping Tour

The 2020 Split Rock Jumping Tour is presenting six world-class FEI shows at six outstanding venues.

• 1 *New Location* – June 17-21 - Lexington International CSI2* - Kentucky Horse Park - Lexington, KY
• 2 August 12-16 - Santa Fe International CSI2*- HIPICO Santa Fe – Santa Fe, NM
• 3 September 2-6 - Sonoma International CSI2* - Sonoma Horse Park – Sonoma, CA
• 4 September 30-October 4 - Columbus International CSI2* - Brave Horse Show Park – Johnstown, OH
• 5 *New* November 4-8 – Aiken International CSI2* - Aiken Horse Park – Aiken, SC
• 6 *New* December 16-20 - Fort Worth International CSI4*-W (Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ft. Worth) – Will Rogers Coliseum – Ft. Worth, TX

In 2020, SRJT has adopted Green is the New Blue operating standards to prioritize green practices at all Split Rock Jumping Tour events.

Additional information is available at the Split Rock Jumping Tour’s website at www.SplitRockJumpingTour.com.

About Human Touch

For over 40 years, Human Touch proudly serves as the country’s leading provider and innovator of high-performance massage chairs, zero gravity recliners and other wellness solutions. Committed to creating the most immersive and personalized independent wellness experiences, Human Touch introduces patented massage systems that replicate the touch and techniques used by leading massage professionals. Each product is strategically engineered and designed to address the pains and stresses caused by today's hectic lifestyle using the latest technologies and intelligent ergonomics. Products are available at fine furniture stores, back care specialty stores, and mass-market retailers across the U.S., through international retailers and distributors in more than 40 countries.

Media Contact:
Emily Wong
Direct Ph: 562-733-7358
Corp. Ph: 562-426-8700
ewong@humantouch.com
www.humantouch.com