Massage chairs can be big ticket purchases, but definitely worth every penny! They provide myriad benefits for the young, elderly and everyone in between, one can be used by all members in your household.
Not only do massage chairs help you relax, but they do also help in getting relief from a wide range of health issues including anxiety, muscle pains, and sports injuries among others.
One of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to massage chairs is: How long should you use a massage chair for? What’s the time limit if there’s any.
With such a vast range of models available on the market, and a plethora of different features, also considering individual needs, there’s really no one size fits all answer.
But in general, 15 to 20 minute sessions are recommended. We’ll talk about this in more detail later.
How Does a Massage Chair Work?
Before getting into the massage chair time limit, it is a good idea to understand their underlying functionality, so that you use them effectively and safely. All massage chairs aren’t built the same, owing to the different types of massage chairs available.
Some massage chairs focus on vibrations to ear muscles, while others are equipped with rollers that provide a massage similar to one you would expect at a professional masseuse parlor.
- Vibrating massage chairs are fitted with motors that are designed to generate the vibrating motion. This vibration motion reaches most parts of your body including shoulders, neck, back and legs, hence provide relief and relaxation in these areas.
- Roller massage chairs are fitted with rollers behind the lining, which basically put light pressure on certain parts of your body. The kneading and rolling actions are similar to a masseuse’s hands, so you save big on costs and time spent compared to visiting a salon.
- Airbag massage chairs work a bit different differently than the aforementioned two massagers. The biggest difference is that their cushions are fitted with expandable airbags. These airbags provide continuous motion, resulting in relaxed muscle strain, and improved blood circulation.
Human Touch Novo XT Massage Chair
How Effective are Massage Chairs?
As mentioned earlier, some of the best massage chairs carry expensive price tags. Hence, many consumers wonder if they’re worth the investment. In short, the answer is Yes, and here’s why!
Many public areas such as malls and even gyms have massage chairs, and there’s good reason for this. Stress is a significant reason that contributes to tightening muscles and knots, which can lead to a host of other issues.
Massage chairs are designed to alleviate this pain, and provide relief. They also work well for those who work 9 – 5, and not necessarily limited to those suffering from certain ailments.
In terms of effectiveness, massage chairs may not mimic the precise touch of a massage therapist, but some of them do come close to the real deal. Using a massage chair regularly can also accelerate the production of serotonin, which is a monoamine neurotransmitter that helps the body manage pain and stress better.
There are many ways improper alignment can affect your back. Improper alignment can be caused by several regular habits, including sleeping the wrong way. Reclining or zero gravity massage chairs can help considerably towards decompressing and aligning the spine, resulting in a well maintained posture.
How long should you use a massage chair for?
Getting to the main question of how often should you use a massage chair for, the answer depends on individual needs. The recommended time however by leading medical professionals is roughly between 15 – 20 minutes.
Of course, if anything provides a relaxing experience, it is tempting to relax in the massage chair for much longer, especially if you’re experiencing a lot of pain. But if you’re just getting your feet wet with massage chairs, it is a good idea to gradually increase the time limit.
Most best massage chairs come with a timer function to ensure that you don’t go overboard on the time limit. Some models even come with a pre-programmed timer, which basically shuts the unit off automatically after a certain period of use.
This pre-configured timer alarm or alert is a nice feature to have, because a massage can be so relaxing that some people may fall asleep. After you’ve enjoyed your massage, you should get up and move around, or explore some type of mild physical activity.
Massage chairs can be used for 3 -4 times a week for optimal effectiveness for neck or shoulder pain or lower back pain. You should use a massage chair for 1 – 3 times per week, if you’re using the chair for stress relief or relaxation, or whenever you’re experiencing discomfort.
Final Thoughts:
Massage chairs can provide you ultimate relief and relaxation for your ailments and even from a tiring day. But if you’re suffering from medical conditions, it is important that you consult with your doctor, especially if you’re pregnant. Discuss any pre-existing conditions with your doctor such as low blood pressure or heart problems to get the best advice.
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