Massage chairs have long been favoured by those looking for a way to relax and de-stress, but it may surprise you to know that massage chairs also offer significant and tangible health benefits.
A medical study conducted by Medicine (Baltimore) in 2020 found that massage chair therapy was 49.7% more cost-effective than physiotherapy in offering similar benefits for pain relief and overall improvement in quality of life.
So, what exactly are these health benefits that come with massage chair use? We’re here to highlight 7 of the most important ones for you in this article.
1. Improve blood flow
Normally, improved blood flow in your body results from an increase in heart rate, such as when we exercise. However, massage chairs can do so without making your heart pump quicker.
The rhythmic and circular motions of a massage chair against your body can help in stimulating the flow of blood through a process known as vasodilation, where your blood vessels are expanded for easier blood flow.
Massage chair models that recline also help to change the orientation of your body with respect to gravity, allowing your blood to circulate better.
With improved blood flow, you may feel more energetic and less fatigued and potentially experience better sleep quality.
2. Boost immune system function
Medical research has found that massage chair therapy can also enhance the body’s immune system — studies found that individuals who use massage chairs regularly had an increased level of white blood cells, which are a key part of how the body combats viruses and illnesses.
So, enjoying a massage chair experience can help your body stay healthy and free from illness!
3. Pain Relief When You Need It
Ah, the life of an Australian worker. You wake up early to beat traffic, work for 6 to 12 hours straight, then brave the evening commute. No wonder so many people come home with body aches and stress.
However, there’s no need to suffer in silence. A massage chair can provide relief when you need it. Massage chairs are designed to target specific areas of the body, delivering a deep tissue massage that can help loosen knots and relieve tension headaches.
So if you’re looking for a way to unwind after a long day at work, a massage chair may be just what you need.
4. Easy access, unlimited use
There’s no denying that in-person massages have their own set of benefits, but when comparing their ease of access to massage chairs, there’s a clear winner.
With a massage chair at home, you’ll never need to worry about booking appointments in advance or the cost of a massage session.
Having a massage chair of your own gives you instant access to quality massages anytime you need it, without needing to even think about it.
5. Improved recovery and reduced muscle soreness
Sore muscles tend to be one of the main reasons that people may use a massage chair, and it’s because of the effective relief that it can provide.
By soothing targeted areas around the body, a massage chair can help tense muscles relax and reduce swelling.
This naturally leads to faster recovery times for sore muscles which is ideal for situations such as after an intense workout, or when you have a muscle cramp or injury.
6. Alleviate persistent pain and headaches
Massage chairs can help to provide effective relief from chronic pain in the body, such as knee pain or back pain. Most of the time, pain from these areas is a result of injury or undue stress being placed on the joints, muscles, or ligaments around the area.
A massage chair can apply specialised massage techniques such as kneading, rolling, or tapping, to release tension and provide instant relief from pain.
Headaches from stress or neck strain can also be treated with massage chair therapy — rollers and air cushions around the head and shoulders can help to soothe tense muscles and stop headaches.
7. Reduced Stress Levels
Stress is a normal reaction in today’s fast-paced world. However, chronic stress can lead to a host of physical and mental health problems, including headaches, anxiety, and depression. It can also make it difficult to concentrate and make decisions.
The good news is, massage chairs can help reduce stress levels by stimulating the release of serotonin, endorphins, and dopamine, some of the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals.
8. Better Sleep
Stress, anxiety, and pain make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Massage chairs can help alleviate these issues, leading to a better night’s sleep.
9. Takes You Away From Tech Stress
We live in a world that is increasingly reliant on technology, and this can lead to a host of problems. For example, infinite scrolling can lead to information overload, and the constant stream of notifications can leave us feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, working from home can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. In short, we’re constantly bombarded with stimuli that can affect our mental and emotional health.
Massage chairs provide a much-needed break from the constant barrage of incoming information. They allow us to unplug and unwind, if only for a few minutes.
10. Improved Posture
Poor posture isn't just a matter of how you look — it can lead to back pain, headaches, and other physical problems.
Regular use of a massage chair can help to improve your posture by correcting the position and alignment of your spine. And because you’ll be lying down, you won’t need to actively adjust your back posture; the chair will assist you with it.
This also applies to postural issues that are a result of muscle tension. As mentioned earlier, massage chairs can help to relax muscles, like those on your back.
11. Promote Quicker Recovery After Sports or Workout
A massage chair can promote quicker and more complete recovery after sports or workouts by helping reduce muscle soreness and improve circulation.
12. Promote flexibility
Last, but certainly not least, massage chairs can promote better flexibility throughout your whole body. With regular massage sessions, you’ll be able to have a better range of motion, especially in areas that you may have previously been stiff or had limited mobility.
Final Thoughts
These essential health benefits, coupled with the value of massage chairs for everyday relaxation, make them an ideal purchase for those who want a quality massage on demand that promotes physical and mental wellness.
At Relax for Life, we offer a diverse selection of luxury massage chairs that can provide relaxation and support for your health. Explore our collection online and try them out for yourself at our massage chair showrooms in Sydney, Melbourne and on the Gold Coast!