Do massage chairs really work? A recent study found that massage chairs are as effective as physical therapy in reducing pain and improving the quality of life of participants. The study also showed that massage chairs are more cost-effective than physical therapy. While there is some scientific evidence that massage chairs can reduce low back fatigue, they are not a reference tool for triathletes. More than 80% of Americans suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.
Massage chairs can help soothe muscles and provide relief, but they can only reach certain muscles along the dorsal part of the body. With a massage gun, you have more control and can focus on specific areas, known as “hot spots”, to give them special attention. For those with chronic pain, using a massage chair can be an effective way to manage it. Gentle vibrations and massaging movements relax tense muscles and reduce pain.
However, there is no added benefit to using the chair for longer periods of time in a day. As your body gets used to using a massage chair, you can increase the number of times, but it will never be as if you were spending an hour in your chair. The maximum amount of benefits that can be achieved by using a massage chair occurs in short intervals of time, rather than in long hours. If you use the chair primarily to relax or relieve stress, one to three times a week should be sufficient.Before using a massage chair, it is important to talk to your doctor about any pre-existing conditions such as heart problems, low blood pressure or blood clotting issues, as a massage can affect these conditions and more.
While there is no scientific proof that manual massages can help “release toxins”, they can be beneficial to health in other ways. You can often find massage chairs in offices, but they take the form of non-slip pads rather than reclining chairs. Overuse of massage chairs is known to cause muscle damage, inflammation and tissue bruises, in addition to damaging the internal motor of the chair.Using a massage gun before (or during) physical activity is also encouraged as it helps with cellular transmission of nutrients throughout the body. If you are struggling to sleep well at night, using a massage chair may be a good solution for you.
Massage chairs won't significantly affect your energy bill either. While there is little scientific evidence to support this statement, manual massage tables can help improve the body's natural detoxification process.
