Massage chairs offer a convenient way to relax and relieve stress, especially for those who are always on the go. But are these devices suitable for everyone?
People with certain health conditions should use massage chairs with caution. They may aggravate pain, especially if the vibration settings are too strong.
Age
Typically, the majority of massage chair consumers are adults. That’s largely because most of the products are designed for people with that demographic in mind. However, that doesn’t mean kids and the elderly can’t benefit from using these devices.
Generally, it’s safe for children to use body massage chairs as long as they are not too young or small. This is because these chairs rely on the users to fit correctly in designated areas. If a child is too short for the chair’s rollers to reach certain parts of the body, it can cause discomfort or injury.
Additionally, most fine chairs sold include timers that allow the user to set the length of time they want to spend in the chair. This allows the user to control their usage and avoid overdoing it, which is important for a lot of older individuals.
Many seniors also find that massage chairs can help ease the aches and pains of aging. This is because the rubbing motions of the chair can increase the flow of blood in the affected area, which can reduce muscle fatigue. It can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. Moreover, the relaxation that a good massage provides can even improve sleep quality by stimulating melatonin production. This is why some seniors choose to enjoy a relaxing session in their massage chairs before they go to bed.
Height
When buying a massage chair it is important to check its height limit. If you are above or below it you may experience discomfort during the massage, and some features might not be available to you. For example, you will not be able to enjoy the foot rollers.
The same goes for the weight limit of the chair. If you are above it, the chair might not be able to handle your weight, and the internal mechanics might be damaged by too much stress on them.
However, it is also important to consider how much your body project forward when using the chair. Some people are above the chair’s limits, but it might be because of their broad shoulders or hips, while some are below the limit, but they just can’t fit in due to the size of their body.
Luckily, there are a few body massage chairs that can accommodate larger users. Most of these have elongated tracks to enable the rollers to reach more parts of the back. Additionally, some have convertible ottomans to allow the user’s legs to rest comfortably during the massage. This is a great feature for taller people, and it is especially helpful for those with long-lasting issues such as sciatic nerve pain. In addition, most of these chairs have built-in heat therapy that warms the lumbar area and reduces back pain.
Health
We all experience stress, and while it is normal to some extent, excessive stress can cause a lot of issues like poor sleep, high blood pressure, low energy levels, chronic anxiety, etc. A massage chair can help alleviate this by reducing the stress hormone cortisol and improving circulation and flexibility.
Aside from this, a massage chair can be beneficial for people with chronic illnesses, as it can provide relief from symptoms such as pain, nausea, depression, fatigue, and so on. It has also been shown that patients undergoing chemotherapy see significant improvements in their quality of life, thanks to the relaxation and emotional support provided by massage therapy.
However, it is important to keep in mind that using a massage chair regularly can increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you are sitting in it for long periods. Therefore, it is best to consult with your physician before purchasing one and use it on a regular basis.
Kids can also benefit from a massage chair, as it can help relieve their stress, improve sleep quality, and increase concentration. However, it is essential to choose a chair that has child safety features, and be sure to teach children how to operate the chair properly. It is also recommended to use a timer and set an alarm to prevent them from spending too much time in the chair.
Space
A massage chair can be used in a home or office and is ideal for people who don’t want to spend the money or time on frequent visits to a massage therapist. However, like anything that you use to treat yourself, it’s important to utilize a body massage chair in moderation. Excessive use can lead to muscle damage and inflammation, so it’s best to start out small and build up to a longer session over time.
In order to avoid overusing a massage chair, you should check the chair’s maximum weight limit as well as its dimensions and shoulder/seat width. The chair’s maximum load capacity can be found in its owner’s manual or in its product description. This will ensure that the user can comfortably fit into the chair without overstraining the muscles or damaging the tendons.
Massage chairs also help improve sleep quality by reducing stress levels and encouraging the production of serotonin and dopamine, which promote relaxation and a sense of wellbeing. If you are having trouble sleeping, consider enjoying a short massage before bedtime to help your body relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can make.