Best Therapeutic Massage Chairs for Older Adults

Massage therapy offers a wealth of health and wellness benefits for older adults. However, booking regular massages with a professional masseuse can be costly and difficult to coordinate. A massage chair allows older adults to enjoy the benefits of a massage anytime they want from the comfort of home.

But how do you find the right chair? We’re going to share the best therapeutic chairs for elderly users and uncover the benefits of having a massage chair at home.

Health Benefits of Massage Chairs for Seniors

Massage is a natural, simple and drug-free way to help reduce pain, alleviate tension, improve circulation and more. A massage chair is an investment in your wellness and can help improve your quality of life.

Let’s look at some of the many health benefits of massage chairs for seniors.

Better Circulation

Massage can help improve circulation, which is crucial for overall health and well-being. Proper circulation ensures that blood and oxygen reach every organ for optimal functioning.

Good circulation keeps your heart healthy, speeds up healing and keeps your brain sharp. But as we age, it becomes more challenging to maintain proper blood flow. Having a massage chair at home means that seniors can reap the circulation-improving benefits of a massage anytime they wish.

Less Pain

One great benefit of massage is that it can help with pain. Many older adults suffer from pain, particularly arthritic pain. While massage won’t cure this pain, it can certainly help reduce it. Increased blood flow to affected areas can help reduce the inflammation and burning that lead to discomfort and pain.

A back massager for elderly users can also help with lower back pain.

Seniors who suffer from osteoarthritis will find that regular sessions in a massage chair can help reduce stiffness and pain. In addition, some experience improved mobility over time.

Less Stress

Many older adults suffer from stress. Over time, chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, chronic illness, gastrointestinal issues, muscle tension, migraines, high blood pressure and more.

Massage chairs help ease muscle tension and help the body relax to alleviate stress. At the same time, it also helps the body release endorphins, neurotransmitters and hormones that uplift your mood and make you feel good.

Improved Sleep

Up to half of older adults have difficulty getting to sleep and staying asleep. Poor quality sleep can lead to weight gain, depression, a higher risk of diabetes and other chronic health issues.

A therapeutic massage can help you get into a deep state of relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

4 Best Massage Chairs for Seniors

Massage chairs offer many benefits for seniors, but which one should you buy? If you’re looking for the best massager for elderly users, these four models are great options.

1. WholeBody® 7.1

The WholeBody 7.1 offers a relaxing, therapeutic massage thanks to FlexGlide and 3D orbital massage technology. Using warm air technology, the WholeBody 7.1 mimics the feel of a warm oil massage to melt away tension and stress. Plus, the BodyMap PRO feature allows you to target specific areas to get relief where you need it most.

Other additional features include:

• Five massage programs, including sleep and relax
• Retractable ottoman with calf and foot massager

Why It’s Great for Older Adults

The FlexGlide feature allows you to adjust the massage intensity for the shoulders and back, which is ideal for older adults who may need a gentler massage. The WholeBody 7.1 also allows you to adjust the leg rest and back independently for maximum comfort.

The calf and foot massager use CirQlation Figure-Eight technology to massage your calves in a gentle upward motion to improve blood flow toward the heart.

With a compact, swiveling design, the WholeBody 7.1 is an excellent option for older adults and can easily fit into any home.

Click here to learn more about the WholeBody 7.1.

2. Gravis ZG Chair

The Gravis ZG Chair offers a gentle massage for a truly relaxing experience. Air massage technology, multi-zone heating and zero gravity seating work together to alleviate muscle tension, improve blood flow and help reduce back pain.

Every part of the Gravis is adjustable (even the headrest), allowing for the perfect fit for your body. Control the position using the included remote, or download the app and make adjustments using your phone.

Why It’s Great for Older Adults

The Gravis is great for older adults because it delivers a gentler massage compared to other massage chairs. In addition, adjustability allows for the utmost of comfort, and multi-zone heating delivers a soothing experience.

When you’re not using the Gravis for a massage or to enjoy the zero gravity position, it blends in easily with any home decor.

Click here to learn more about the Gravis ZG Chair.

ZeroG® 5.0

The ZeroG 5.0 delivers a full-body massage to ease tired, aching muscles and stress. Kick back and relax in the zero gravity position with the One-Step Go To Zero function.

Featuring 3D FlexGlide technology, this chair delivers a realistic massage. Extra-wide seating offers additional comfort, and the BodyMap PRO function allows you to focus on key areas that are causing discomfort. The ZeroG 5.0 also comes equipped with a full calf and foot massager for a true full-body experience.

Why It’s Great for Older Adults

The ZeroG 5.0 delivers a relaxing massage and allows you to easily slip into the zero gravity position with the touch of a button. Extra-wide seating gives you a little more room for a more comfortable experience. Plus, the BodyMap PRO feature allows you to really target areas that need your attention.

With the added calf and foot massager, this chair is excellent for older adults who may have issues with swelling in the ankles and feet.

 Click here to learn more about the ZeroG 5.0 chair.

4. Reflex SOL Foot and Calf Massager

If you have limited space or just don’t want to invest in a full massage chair, you can still enjoy a therapeutic calf and foot massage with the Reflex SOL. This is the best leg massager for elderly users. It’s easy to use, doesn’t take up a lot of space and helps you relax tired, aching feet.

The Reflex SOL uses CirQlation and Figure-Eight technology to mimic the movements of a professional massage therapist. The unit massages in an upward fashion to help improve blood flow back to the core.

Warm Air technology alleviates tension and stress, and the underfoot vibration soothe tired feet.

Why It’s Great for Older Adults

The Reflex SOL is great for older adults who have issues with circulation in the legs. The upward massage motion helps push blood flow back towards the heart to improve overall circulation in the legs.

The gentle heat and underfoot vibrations also help ease tension and soothe aching feet and calves.

Click here to learn more about the Reflex SOL.

Choosing the Perfect Massage Chair for a Senior

Now that you understand the benefits of massage chairs and know some of the top chairs for seniors, you may be wondering: How do I choose one?

Finding the right relaxing chair for old person doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some points to consider.

Massage Intensity

When choosing a massage chair for an older adult, one of the first things to consider is the massage intensity. Some chairs deliver a more rigorous massage than others. Those with more sensitive muscles and joints may prefer chairs that offer a gentler experience.

On the other hand, some older adults prefer a more intense massage to help with pain and severe muscle tension.

Choose a suitable intensity level to match the senior’s comfort level and preference.

Chair Size

The size of the chair is another important consideration. Consider where the chair will be placed and the size of the space. Massage chairs come in a wide range of sizes, including compact models that are ideal for smaller rooms.

Built-in Programs

Many massage chairs have built-in programs, like Sleep or Relax. These programs offer targeted benefits and make it easier for older adults to enjoy the experience they want. While automatic programs aren’t necessary, they may be preferred by seniors who want a simple, one-touch massage experience.

Leg and Calf Massager

For seniors with circulation issues and swelling in the feet and legs, a chair with a leg and calf massager may be a great investment. These chairs offer a full-body massage experience while bringing some much-needed relief from pain and swelling.

Zero Gravity

When choosing a massage chair for a senior, another important thing to consider is whether the chair can move into the zero gravity position.

Zero gravity can be beneficial for older adults. The position minimizes the impact of gravity on the body and helps decompress the spine. In addition, seniors who have issues with herniated discs or back pain may find that zero gravity brings some relief.

Heat

Many massage chairs also have lumbar heating to help ease muscle tension and stress. For older adults with stiff and aching muscles and joints, heat can bring relief from discomfort and pain.

When choosing a massage chair for an older adult, these are some of the most important features to consider. Of course, your budget will also be a consideration. However, it’s important to remember that a massage chair is an investment in your health and wellness. For older adults dealing with pain, tension and stress, it’s worth the cost of choosing a quality chair that offers all of the features they desire.

Dangers of Using Massage Chairs for Seniors

It’s easy to assume that massage chairs are safe for all seniors. While most can benefit from having their own massage chair, there are some older adults who should avoid them or only choose chairs with gentle settings.

• Seniors with muscle sprains, bruises and fractures should avoid using massage chairs. The massage rollers and vibrations can cause pain, additional bruising and inflammation.
• Older adults with osteoarthritis should be cautious when using massage chairs. High intensity settings may damage the spine.
• Seniors with a history of blood clots should talk to their doctors before using massage chairs.
• Those who are on blood thinners should stick to gentle massage settings. Intense massages can cause bleeding and bruising.

Can Insurance Cover a Massage Chair?

If massage chairs offer therapeutic benefits, can they be covered by insurance? Many older adults ask this question. Most are purchasing a massage chair to help alleviate pain or to support treatment for a medical condition. Can insurance help cover the cost of this investment?

Unfortunately, insurance companies typically do not cover the cost of a massage chair. Massage chairs do not have a DME or insurance medical code, so they aren’t covered by most policies.

That being said, it doesn’t hurt to contact your insurance company for clarification. Every policy and insurance company is different. While it’s not common for massage chairs to be covered, your policy may be the exception.

Final Thoughts

A massage chair can be a great investment for older adults. Along with relaxation and stress relief, the right chair may also help with pain, circulation and sleep quality. Review the chairs listed above to find one that’s ideal for the older adult in your life.

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.

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. 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.

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.

After long periods of sitting, it’s normal to feel slight back pain. But if this feeling is intense and reaches up from your leg to your back, you may be dealing with sciatica. Does this sound familiar?

Read on to find all about this condition, including how to lessen the pain with techniques such as sciatic nerve massage.

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain along the sciatic nerve, all through the back, hips, backside, and legs. This pain will usually affect only one side of the body.

According to a recent study, sciatica has an annual incidence of 1% to 5% of the world population, which is quite high. The same research paper also suggests sciatica pain relief massage as a treatment option, and we’ll look more at this below.

The causes of sciatica are often associated with herniated disks, narrowing of the spinal canal, nerve root entrapment, and compression, leading to inflammation and pain. But don’t get too alarmed just yet! This pain isn’t usually severe enough to require surgery, and a simple fix like a sciatic nerve massage can help you get back to normal in no time.

Does Massage Help Sciatica Pain? What Are the Effects?

According to scientific research, massage is proven to help relieve general pain. A study done in 2014 even showed that massage therapy for sciatica pain could be as effective as anesthetic drugs, especially for the lower back.

During day-to-day life, your muscles are likely to tense up and put extra pressure on your nerves. One of these will usually be the sciatic nerve, which provides motor function from the calves all the way up to the back. A sciatica pain relief massage can help resolve this tension, reducing the pressure on your nerves.

The Benefits of Massage to Treat Sciatica Pain

A sciatica massage may target different areas of your body, including the nerves, joints, muscles, or skin tissue. Here are a few of the benefits you’ll enjoy from this treatment:

Loose and Relaxed Muscles

Tensed-up back and core muscles may put an immense amount of pressure on your nerves, especially the sciatic nerve. This is going to lead to consistent pain on one side of your body. Tense muscles may also lead to knots, so your pain will be in a few specific spots.

A deep massage can stretch you out and make your muscles looser, so they move more freely and are more functional. This will relieve some of that extra pressure on your nerve, also adding to pain relief.

Better Circulation of Necessary Nutrients

A soft tissue massage is going to stimulate your skin blood vessels. Your blood oxygen and necessary nutrients will be circulated more freely and will reach those painful regions. Once the sore parts of your body get these nutrients, they’ll feel better—and so will you.

Release of Endorphins

Endorphins are one of your body’s happy hormones. A massage will induce the release of these hormones, stimulating specific points in your brain. They act as a natural painkiller, as well as boosting feelings of pleasure.

Stress Reduction

Sometimes we don’t realize the extent of the stress we’re under until the consequences set in. Stress causes muscle tension, which leads to pain, which creates more stress—a vicious cycle. Elevated levels of cortisol, the “stress hormone”, flood your body, wreaking havoc on your health and mental state.” However, it’s been shown that stimulating pleasure receptors with a massage can decrease the amount of cortisol in your body.

With so many target spots, it’s difficult to say which type of massage is best for sciatica. It all depends on exactly where you feel the most pain.

Massage for Sciatica Pain: The Downsides and Precautions

Generally, there aren’t too many concerns regarding sciatica massage. Only the following groups of patients can be at risk:

• Those who have had recent cortisone injections;
• Patients with tumors;
• Patients with diabetes;
• Patients with nerve injuries;
• Patients with deep vein thrombosis.

Remember that good massage is a skill and should always be performed by a professional. Don’t let your friends or family just pummel your back; they don’t know where the nerves and blood vessels are.

If you don’t want to visit a professional, or there aren’t any in your area, you’re not out of luck. Keep reading to learn how you can reduce your pain from your own home.

How to Perform Sciatica Pain Relief Massage at Home

One of the easiest ways to treat, and even prevent, sciatica is by using a massage chair. You won’t have to worry about hiring a professional or going to a clinic—just lean back, relax, and let the chair do the work for you.

Most massage chairs have different settings for problematic areas. Before you sit down, familiarize yourself with the features you’ll want. There are countless types of massage chairs out there, so do a little research to find the seat that meets all your needs.

One of our favorite features is the zero gravity chair for sciatica, which is a guaranteed stress-reliever. You can check out all the massage chairs for sciatica we offer and pick your favorite. Start letting go of your pain today!

A little tip from us: add a few drops of an essential oil to your massage routine. These can have an aromatherapeutic effect, helping you release stress and enjoy the massage more. You can use this time to scroll on social media, read a book, listen to music, or just close your eyes and relax.

Wrapping Up

Living with sciatica can be a pain (literally), but you don’t have to put yourself through it. A massage is a simple fix that will help you let go of the discomfort and stress from a long work week. Why not treat yourself to a massage chair? Consider it an investment in your healthy future. A happy back means a happy life!