If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you know how difficult it can be to get through the morning or day. Pain medication can help, but you may be looking for a more natural way to manage the pain and discomfort. There are many natural solutions, but massage is a popular choice. Does massage help with plantar fasciitis?

We're going to explore how massage can help with this condition and share some tips for effective at-home massages.

What is Plantar Fasciitis? How Does it Cause Foot Pain?

Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain. It’s caused by inflammation of the band of tissue (known as the fascia) that runs from the heel to the toes.

The fascia does a few things. It absorbs shock when you’re walking, and it also supports the arch of your foot. Over time, stress and tension on this band of tissue can cause small tears. Stretching and tearing eventually lead to inflammation and irritation.

Signs and Symptoms

A telltale sign of this condition is a stabbing pain when you take your first steps in the morning. Once you get up and start moving around, the pain subsides, but it may return after standing for long periods of time.

Doctors are still unsure of what causes plantar fasciitis. However, it is more common among runners and those who are overweight.

Is Massage Good for Plantar Fasciitis?

Treating plantar fasciitis can be difficult, but massage therapy can help. In fact, massage has been shown to help break down scar tissue, improve lymphatic circulation and increase blood flow.

In 85% of trials that used massage therapy to treat plantar fasciitis, pain was reduced and mobility was improved. Another case study found that getting a massage twice a week significantly decreased pain and improved mobility in those with plantar fasciitis. Massage was so effective that even physically taxing activities caused very little or no pain.

The Benefits of a Plantar Fasciitis Massage

There are many benefits to plantar fasciitis massages:

• Helps Ease Tension: A deep massage can help ease tension and promote relaxation.
• Can Help Improve Blood Flow: Regular massages can help improve circulation in the feet. The squeezing, twisting and pulling action eliminates lactic acid and increases lymph fluid circulation.
• Helps Ease Stress: Massages can help lower cortisol levels, allowing your body to relax and start healing.

Many people find that plantar fasciitis massage treatment is all they need to find relief.

Risks and Precautions

The great thing about massage therapy is that there are very few risks and precautions. Here are a few things to consider:

• Avoid deep tissue massages if you have open wounds on your feet, osteoporosis or known blood clots.
• Avoid cross fiber massages if you have inflamed tissue, hematomas, vascular issues or trauma in the area.
• Avoid hot stone massages if you have open wounds, recently had surgery or have an acute injury.

In general, it’s best to err on the side of caution and perform gentle massages.

How To Do A Plantar Fasciitis Relief Massage At Home

You don’t have to spend a fortune on professional massage therapy to get relief from plantar fasciitis. We’re going to share some tips and techniques for foot pain massages that anyone can do at home.

Push Massage

A push massage is a simple technique that you can use to alleviate tension in your feet.

• Find a comfortable place to sit down.
• Cross one leg over the other.
• Gently use your thumbs to push along the sole of your foot. Push forward from your heel to your toes, and then move back down again.
• Repeat this movement for about 2-5 minutes.
• Repeat on the other foot.

If you want a more intense massage, apply more pressure with your thumbs. Don’t overdo it, especially if the tissue is inflamed.

Pull Massage

A pull massage is similar to a push massage, but you’re moving outward instead of up and down.

• Sit down on the edge of the bed or on a chair.
• Cross one leg over the other.
• Place both thumbs at the center of your foot.
• Pull one thumb towards the left side of your foot and at the same time, use your other thumb to pull towards the right side of your foot.
• Repeat for 2-5 minutes, moving along the entire surface of the foot.

Start out with gentle pressure and increase the intensity gradually if you need greater relief.

Ball Massager

Use a ball massager, dryer ball or a tennis ball for this technique. It’s a simple practice, but it’s surprisingly effective.

• Sit down on a chair or the edge of a bed.
• Place a ball under the arch of your foot.
• Use your bodyweight to put some pressure on the ball.
• Slowly, roll the ball down and up the foot, and then side to side.
• Continue rolling for as long as you like, and repeat on the other foot.

Start with gentle pressure and increase the intensity gradually. Stop if the massage becomes painful.

Human Touch Massage Chairs

At-home massages are simple enough, but what if you want a hands-off, immersive experience? A Human Touch massage chair will deliver a professional-level massage right from the comfort of home. Here are some of our top options for foot massages.

Certus Massage Chair

The Certus massage chair delivers a full-body massage – and that includes the calves and feet. For plantar fasciitis pain and discomfort, the Certus uses:

• Outer orbital massage to target tension in the calves and feet
• Underfoot rollers for reflexology
• Heating to soothe pain

To optimize your massage, the footrest automatically adjusts to your height.

Of course, the Certus massages more than just your calves and feet.

• S- and L-track massage extends your massage from your shoulders to the back of the thighs.
• Lumbar heat to help ease tension
• Zero Gravity seating to take the pressure off your spine
• 11 built-in wellness programs for quick and easy relief

Get the Certus Massage Chair at Human Touch.

Super Novo Massage Chair

The Super Novo massage chair delivers a 3D massage and a truly immersive experience. The extended calf and foot massager can help bring relief from plantar fasciitis through:

• Foot rollers with adjustable intensity
• Heat to melt away tension
• Automatic height adjustment to target the right areas

While you’re enjoying your foot massage, you’ll also experience:

• S- and L-track massage that extends from the shoulders to the thighs
• 3D and 4D massage programs (38 in total)
• Built-in premium sound system

The Super Novo will put your entire body in a truly relaxed state.

Get the Super Novo Massage Chair at Human Touch.

Reflex5s Foot and Calf Massager

The Reflex5s is an excellent foot massager for plantar fasciitis and is designed to mimic the motions of a professional massage. As an added benefit, it also targets the calves and feet to alleviate tension and pain.

CirQlation® and Figure-Eight technology massages the calves in an upward, rolling motion to help improve circulation. We use 3D robotic technology to deliver a massage experience that’s as close to a massage therapist as you can get.

Our Reflex5s also incorporates reflexology into the mix to help alleviate stress and further help with plantar fasciitis pain.

If you’re looking for a massager that only targets the calves and feet, the Reflex5s is an excellent choice.

Get the Reflex5s at Human Touch.

Final Thoughts

Plantar fasciitis can be painful, but massage can help. Use the tips above and consider investing in a quality massage chair to not only help with pain but to support your overall wellness.

Do you pamper yourself? You should. But do you really want to drive 20- or 30-minutes home from a spa or massage parlor? We don't know about you, but traffic is a quick way to make people feel stressed. Instead, why not take a few pointers from our home spa ideas to make your own oasis to enjoy in your home?

We're going to explain how to make a spa at home that you love.

Of course, everyone has a budget and needs to go slow with adding to their in-home spa.

Let's dive into decorating your room first before discussing a few must-have (in our opinion) items for your luxury home spa.

5 Home Spa Ideas and Steps to Create Your Own Home Oasis

1. Decorate Your Space

Want to know the first step in how to make your own spa at home? Start with the walls and floor first. While you're not expected to revamp your entire room, it's worth considering the following:

• Adding organic elements, such as natural woods or rocks
• Mixing in natural textures
• Bringing live plants into the space

Ideally, you'll bring many natural elements into your space. You can take this a step further by hanging nature photos on the wall, turning on nature screensavers on your monitor or television and even opening up a window if you live in a quiet, serene space.

2. Work on Lighting

If your space is too bright, it will impact your ability to relax. Ideally, you'll want to install soft lighting and even a dimming switch to gain more control over the lighting in your space. You want to stay away from bright lights or fluorescent lighting, which tend to be on the harsher side.

Another popular option is to:

• Light candles
• Put on the fireplace

However, if a massage or spa session puts you to sleep, be sure to position your candles on a secure base to avoid a potential fire hazard. Better yet, use LED candles. They look just like the real thing, but without the risk of fire.

3. Add in Relaxing Sounds

Sounds evoke emotions. If you listen to waterfalls, nature sounds or even white noise, it may help you relax and get into a state of bliss. In fact, many spas have water fountains because the sound of rushing water causes a person to relax and de-stress.

You want to create a playlist or choose music that does a few things:

• Doesn't cause you to think
• Relaxes you

Many people put on classical music or instrumental music because it ticks all of these boxes off. Another option is to simply listen to nature sounds without music to create a serene environment without distractions.

4. Don't Forget About Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is one of the easiest ways to make your space relaxing and inviting. Scent connects deeply with your emotions and memory. When you use aromatherapy in your spa, it will:

• Relieve stress
• Balance blood pressure
• Relax you

And if you choose the right aromas, they may even promote antiseptic and anti-inflammatory responses in the body.

You can purchase a diffuser for your aromatherapy or opt for sprays and other options. If you want to explore a few aromas, start with:

• Peppermint
• Lemon
• Frankincense
• Ylang-ylang

Experiment with different scents to find the ones that help you relax.

5. Kick Back in a Luxury Massage Chair

Are you ready to complete your space? If so, a luxury massage chair is in order. You'll love the following chairs. But if you can't fit a full chair into your budget, we have something special for you below.

What chairs do we recommend?

Super Novo

Super Novo is pure luxury and comes equipped with some of the best technology in the massage chair world. A few of the features that we're confident you'll love are:

• 3D and 4D massages
• Fingertip controls build into the chair
• 38 wellness programs
• Cloud Touch acupressure
• Dual lumbar heat
• Unibody track
• Zero gravity function
• Much more

If you want to know how to have a spa day at home with a single product, the Super Novo is it.

Click here to learn more about the Super Novo.

Certus Massage Chair

Certus is another excellent option for a vigorous, in-home massage that will leave you stress- and ache-free. Reliable and durable, this chair offers:

• 11 auto-wellness programs
• Dual lumbar heat
• Heated feet
• Foot and calf massager
• Zero gravity option
• Premium sound system
• So much more

The Certus is one of the best chairs in our lineup, and you'll be shocked by just how little room this chair demands to recline fully.

Click here to learn more about the Certus massage chair.

Gravis ZG Chair

Gravis is smaller than our other models, and it's a more affordable option for anyone on a tight budget. We love this chair because it offers a gentle massage and key features, such as:

• Multiple heat zones
• Targeted massage
• Air massage technology
• Robust, adjustability options
• Much more

You'll also love this chair's innovative app!

Click here to learn more about the Gravis ZG Chair.

Wait! Why Not a Reflex Foot and Calf Massager Instead?

Want to know how to make a spa room at home on a budget? The Reflex SOL is a calf and foot massager that fits in nearly every spa budget. This foot and calf massager offers state-of-the-art features, including:

• Adjustable tilt option
• Intensity settings
• Under-foot massage rollers
• Warm air technology
• Much more

If you have a smaller space or just don't have the budget for a full chair, these foot and calf massagers are a great choice.

Click here to learn more about the Reflex SOL.

Of course, you can add in your own home spa ideas, such as adding in a fountain or some of the best at-home spa products that appeal to you the most.

Finally, now that you know how to make your home like a spa, there's one thing left to do: have a spa night at home. Grab your drink of choice, put on something comfortable and make your way into your own oasis.

Hello, my name is Maurice Allen and I am a professional long drive competitor as well as a professional golfer. I have teamed up with Human Touch over the next 12 months to document my recovery methods in hopes that it will give you some ideas that you can use to help you gain a greater quality of life. 

How to Use Massage Chairs for Recovery in the Right Way

In this first month I started with baseline, it’s important to know where you are to start and also to help you see improvements of any kind which will give you the motivation to continue the process. The assessment and documentation is a lot of work to be honest with you but I feel that it is a necessity and one of the first steps to truly get better. In my baseline assessment I would take 5-7 minutes every morning when I first wake up and again right before I got to bed to see how my body is responding to movement.

The key parts I check are the following:

• Feet
• Knees
• Hips
• Lower back
• Shoulders
• Neck

These are the major places that are the site of discomfort for most individuals.

The assessment is a simple series of movements that help me look at range of motion and strength. You are looking to see what feels tight, is there any sharp pain, is muscle atrophy present, inability to move, and is the movement smooth and fluid. The purpose in doing it twice a day is to see how well my body recovers as I sleep. 

From my assessment I’ve learned that I need to work on:

• Ankle mobility
• Knee stability with strengthening the supporting muscles
• Loosen up my hips
• Shoulder range of motion
• Strengthening the muscles in my neck

Do I Need a Massage for Muscle Recovery?

I know that many of you reading this will say “I’m not a professional athlete so how does this relate to me?”

Recovery and wellness is something important for everyone because you can’t perform at top level without it. If you are consistently in pain or discomfort you can’t be the best parent you want to be, the best spouse you want to be or be the best worker you want be. This is a long ongoing process but it hopefully gives you all some great information that you will be able to use as well.

Each month I will tackle one issue at a time in detail using a series of methods, I will also use my Super Novo massage chair as one of my daily maintenance tools to help me recover better and enjoy life more. We'll also explore how massage helps with muscle recovery and overall recovery in general.

Thank you for following my journey, and starting your own as well!

Mother's Day is all about her, but it's really hard to find the perfect gift that doesn't include a night out to eat or some kind of candy. Mom deserves a little luxury and a lot of relaxation, and that's the main focus of our Mother's Day gift guide.

While we can focus on many other items, we're going to focus on massage because it promotes optimal health and well-being.

3 Massage Gift Ideas for Mother's Day

1. Gravis ZG Chair

The Gravis ZG kicks off our Mother's Day relaxation gifts, and it's a beautiful chair that's perfect after a long day. ZG offers a nice, gentle massage that will slowly ease pain and aches, with multiple heat zones, adjustable positions, targeted massage and even an app.

Some of the key benefits of this chair are:

Features and Benefits

• Air massage technology that gently targets key pain points and tension areas
• Multiple heat zones to melt stress and tension away
• Easy adjustments of the back, feet and head
• Recline and include options to take the weight off of the joints and allow you to relax

Where to Buy?

Click here to purchase the Gravis ZG Chair.

2. Perfect Chair PC-610 Supreme Upholstery Package

The PC-610 is an amazing chair that's hand-crafted and painted. Our Supreme Package brings the chair to a whole other level of comfort with luxury materials (Pssst! We're running a sale on this package right now).

The PC-610 offers:

Features and Benefits

• Zero gravity function to offer maximum comfort and relief from achy joints
• 3D EasePoint technology to alleviate aches and pains
• Jade heat stones on the back to relieve pain and tension
• Easy adjustments for the head, armrests and lumbar system

And the Supreme Upholstery package doesn't have to be an expensive Mother's Day gift. For the entire month of May 2022, we're offering $500 off this Supreme upholstery package for moms who deserve to be spoiled.

Where to Buy?

Click here to purchase the Perfect Chair PC-610 Chair.

3. WholeBody® 5.1

Our WholeBody 5.1 is a beautiful massage chair that's also affordable. The compact design allows it to fit in most spaces with ease. The massage intensity is moderate, so it will provide a nice, relaxing massage without being too intense.

As one of our best sellers, this chair offers a feature-rich design that includes top-tier benefits.

Features and Benefits

• 55-degree swivel base to make moving in the chair easy
• Ottoman with foot and calf massager that is fully retractable
• Dual motor on the leg rest and back
• Three massage programs
• FlexGlide massage technology

Mom can sit back, kick up her feet and enjoy our CirQlation® technology, which provides a figure-eight calf massage. With the addition of auto massage programs, the WholeBody is a great gift on Mother's Day.

Where to Buy?

Click here to purchase the WholeBody 5.1 Chair.

Why a Massage Chair is Perfect to Give on Mother's Day

Mother's Day gifts and luxury go together. If you're wondering why massage chairs are the perfect gift for moms, there are numerous reasons:

• Stress: Life is stressful. A mom who has been doing everything for her kids and maintaining a household has a mountain of stress. Massage has been shown to reduce stress and help people relax.
• Reduce pain. Massaging sore and painful muscles is well-known for reducing pain. Today's massage chairs work nearly as efficiently as a professional masseuse to help alleviate aches and pains.
• Immune function. There's some evidence that massage may help boost immune system function. For any mom, a strong immune system means that she can continue through her day feeling her best.
• Energy. Massages are known for being relaxing, but they also provide a boost of energy and can help improve alertness.

Additionally, if you decide to purchase her a massage at a local massage parlor, it's a one-off massage that will be relaxing but short-lived. Massage chairs allow her to have a massage in the comfort of her own home whenever she wants.

It's the gift that keeps on giving, and it's something that she'll surely love.

Plus, moms work hard to ensure that their families are well cared for. She deserves to have some time to herself. And a massage chair is one way to splurge on mom and say "thank you" for all that she's done.

Final Thoughts

We focused on massage chairs in our Mother's Day gift guide because mom deserves to enjoy a daily massage. You'll find that these chairs are relaxing Mother's Day gifts that keep on giving. She'll enjoy lower stress, aches, pains and trips to a massage therapist thanks to her massage chair.

It's the perfect Mother's Day gift massage that she can enjoy any time and any day.

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.

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. 

Choose the best luxury massage chair from the market using this buyer's guide by Human Touch.

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.