Should I buy a massage chair? That’s a huge question with many components to consider! From massage chair tracks and different types of massage rollers to bonus features and potential health benefits, there are lots of questions to ask about massage chairs. To help answer some of those questions and help you learn how to choose the right massage chair for your needs, we’re giving you a Q&A of some of the most common questions people have.
So are you asking yourself, "should I buy a massage chair?" Let’s talk about it!
Why Should I Buy a Massage Chair? Questions and Answers
Being able to experience the benefits of massage therapy at home is one of many reasons buying a massage chair is worth it. Today’s technology has enabled top-of-the-line models to eliminate the difference between using a massage chair vs human massage. From body scanning capability to ensure your massage begins in the right places to AI massage technology aimed at using biofeedback to deliver a personalized massage experience each time, these aren't your grandparents' massage chairs!
With all the different massage chair features available, it's understandable that you may feel overwhelmed at first while you’re thinking, "should I buy a massage chair?" To assuage your fears, we’re answering these common questions people have when learning what to consider when deciding the best massage chair to buy:
- Is a massage chair good for health or are they just for relaxing?
- Are some massage chairs better than others?
- Are massage chairs good for your back?
- Can you sleep in a massage chair?
- Are massage chairs and zero gravity chairs the same thing?
- Can you use a massage chair while pregnant?
- Is a massage chair worth buying?
- How often can you use a massage chair?
Is a Massage Chair Good for Health or Just for Relaxing?
While we’d argue that relaxing is a very important element to both your mental and physical health, there are lots of potential massage chair benefits for health anyone can experience. Massage is a great way to loosen muscles and enhance how the body heals itself.
Other potential health benefits of massage chairs that make them so much more than just a way to relax include:
- Lower blood pressure caused by improving circulation
- Neck and back pain relief
- Sciatica pain relief from lower back massage
- Faster recovery from sports injuries
- Better sleep quality
- Building a strong immune system
You may also find that regular use of a massage chair helps boost energy levels and has you ready to take on each day. In place of trying to fit massage therapist appointments into your busy schedule, having a massage chair at home lets you experience the potential health benefits of massage on your timeline and with more consistency.
Are Some Types of Massage Chairs Better Than Others?
Different types of massage chairs may meet different needs depending on your lifestyle. For example, when choosing a massage chair, you're likely to come across the choice between S-track vs L-track massage chairs. How are they different?
While an S-track massage chair moves rollers up and down your back from your neck to the lower back area, L-track massage chairs continue further to the glutes and top of the hamstrings. This can be an important distinction when looking at massage chair benefits for athletes or physically active individuals. The L-track massage chair may be beneficial for recovering from sports injuries, tennis recovery, lower back pain after golf outings, or as part of any post workout recovery routine.
Another set of options you’re likely to find yourself wondering about is 3D vs 4D massage chairs. What do those labels mean and how are they different? 3D massage chair rollers are part of the evolution of massage chairs that allows for more movement of massage rollers as they move along the track. Not only can they move up and down as well as side to side, but 3D massage rollers move in and out, too. This distinction means 3D massage chair rollers are able to adjust their intensity, massage pressure, and movements more adeptly. Expanding on the abilities of 3D massage chairs, 4D massage chairs allow the user to also adjust speed and depth in a single stroke. Regardless of which you choose, both options are sure to give you an incredible massage experience.
Luxury massage chairs also tend to offer a wider selection of different types of massage programs such as Thai massage, Swedish massage, and shiatsu massage. The expanded capabilities of these models also give the user more control over their experience. You may also find massage chairs with custom massage program capabilities to meet your specific needs and preferences at any time.
When it comes to determining which massage chair is best for you, think about how often you intend to use it, what you’ll be using it for, and the options your massage chair needs to provide to fit these needs.
Are Massage Chairs Good for Your Back?
In short—yes! Massage chairs are good for your back in a variety of ways. First, massage has been shown to be reliably effective at alleviating lower back pain and helping your body heal more efficiently. Different massage chair features may enhance their effectiveness for lower back pain, as well. For example, heated massage chair benefits for back pain may assist with increasing range of motion, reducing inflammation, healing a herniated disc more quickly, and providing even better pain relief than massage alone.
Can You Sleep in a Massage Chair?
While you’re asking yourself, "should I buy a massage chair?" you may find yourself curious about sleeping in one. While full body massages reduce stress, help you relax more deeply, and may improve sleep quality, we recommend against sleeping in your massage chair for any prolonged period of time. At most, you might doze off slightly for 20 minutes during a massage program, but any longer could be counterproductive to your massage chair’s effectiveness.
Not to worry, however, as massage chairs may help improve sleep quality noticeably, allowing you to get more restful sleep at night when used as part of a regular routine.
Is a Massage Chair the Same as a Zero Gravity Chair?
When wondering to yourself, "should I buy a massage chair?" you may also ask the question, “is a massage chair the same as a zero gravity chair?” The simple answer to this question is no, they are not. That said, however, you may find some luxury massage chairs have zero gravity reclining capabilities that give them the best of both worlds.
Bonus: Learn more about the difference between massage chairs and zero gravity recliners after this article!
Can You Use a Massage Chair When Pregnant?
The questions "should I buy a massage chair?" and "can you use a massage chair while pregnant?" are often asked together. Experts have stated that prenatal massage therapy is generally safe for women during any stage of pregnancy, which may help with getting better sleep while pregnant and alleviating lower back pain during pregnancy. While some massage chair models are perfectly for you to use as a pregnancy massage routine, other manufacturers may recommend against using theirs at that time. Check out each manufacturer individually to see their recommendations for their models.
Important Note: Before using a massage chair when pregnant, you should consult your OB/GYN to confirm that it’s safe for you to do so.
Is a Massage Chair Worth Buying?
Wondering "is a massage chair worth buying?" naturally goes hand-in-hand with the question, “should I buy a massage chair?” Of course you’re concerned about getting the most out of your investment. From the potential health benefits of massage chairs to their features, durability, and longevity, choosing a massage chair for your home is a choice we’re sure you won’t regret. The benefits of massage therapy at home at your convenience boosts their value even higher and helps them almost pay for themselves.
How Often Can You Use a Massage Chair?
During your journey to answer "should I buy a massage chair?" you’ll undoubtedly be wondering how often you can use it, as well. While you may be tempted to start using it each and every day, we recommend you use it no more than 3 to 4 times a week for maximum massage benefits. The ability to get a full body massage multiple times a week makes them more than worth the investment, but as you’re surely aware, there’s always the potential for too much of a good thing. Getting a massage every day isn’t ideal for your body, but regular use several times a week could have you feeling better than you ever imagined possible.
We hope this guide has helped you answer, "should I buy a massage chair?" along with any other questions you might’ve had! The potential health benefits of massage chairs make them a sound investment that more than pays for itself in a short period of time. Whether you live an active lifestyle or are simply looking for ways to alleviate pain, improve bodily healing, or relax more deeply, choosing a massage chair could help you achieve your goals.
For more information on the benefits of owning a massage chair, check out these additional resources:
