An ergonomic recliner gives you the freedom to relax in the comfort of your home.
But be aware that it’s not as easy as sitting down and flying off to la-la land. These are powerful technological devices that must be used correctly to avoid injury.
In this post, we’ll tell you how often you should use a massage chair for the most optimal experience!
The Health Benefits of Using a Massage Chair at Home
You’re here because you either have a massage chair and want to use it for therapeutic benefits, or you’re a hobbyist that just wants to relax…safely.
The good news is that when used for the proper length of time, a massage chair offers innumerable health benefits for the body and mind.
Low to mid-range massage chairs are perfect for hobbyists who want to relax and de-stress, especially after work or before bedtime if they have trouble falling asleep.
Mid to high-range chairs offer therapeutic benefits that can relieve pain, especially for those who have back and neck pain or are on their feet for long hours.
To get more technical, here are some other benefits of massage:
Is it Bad to Use a Massage Chair Too Much?
That feeling when your masseuse says “all done”…those are the words we never like to hear, right?
Ergonomic recliners give us the freedom to enjoy a massage for as long as we like, but experts warn that overuse may cause harm.
The massage technology found behind the leather upholstery is incredibly strong. A long deep tissue massage can quickly turn into bruising and soreness.
What’s more, too much deep kneading can cause tissue inflammation, so you might end up with more pain than you started with.
While many people believe that the longer the massage, the better the benefits, that’s actually not the case. There may be no added benefit to getting a massage for an extended period of time.
The best benefits are achieved with short sessions, especially if you’ve just bought your chair and will use it for the first time.
Starting Slow: Brief Sessions
So you’ve finished installing your beautiful luxury massage chair and are excited to work out those kinks. A couple-hour massage sounds good…or does it?
If you’ve never used a massage chair before, it’s best to start small. Think of it as beginning a new workout regime. If you’re not used to intense exercise, you’re going to ease into it so that your muscles adjust and then build up strength from there.
The same goes for how often to use shiatsu massager. It’s best to start with short durations and a lighter intensity/speed setting.
It is recommended to use a back massager for 15 minutes to reap the full benefits and avoid discomfort from overuse.
Yes, we know that doesn’t seem like much, but it is the safest starting point when using your chair for the first time.
Do you fall asleep during massages? Many massage chairs come with a built-in timer so you can set the massage duration directly from the remote controller.
These models will automatically shut off on their own at the desired time limit. If your chair doesn’t have this feature, simply use the timer on your phone or even a microwave if you’re out of options.
Why Short Massage Sessions Are More Beneficial
As mentioned, the mechanical rollers and programmed massage techniques are designed to get in there and work out the problem areas all along your body.
Shorter intervals are more beneficial when you target a specific area, and 2-15 minutes is all you need to loosen the tightness and soothe away the pain.
Massage rollers work quickly, and if you have the added benefits of air massage and heat for more therapeutic value, then there is no reason to sit in the chair for hours.
If you’re a seasoned massage hobbyist and your body is already acclimated to the chair, then you can work your way up from 15 minutes, although the relaxation benefits remain the same.
For rejuvenation and clarity, 15 minutes is all you need, like what is recommended for taking an afternoon nap. Too much sleep can make you feel even groggier with naps, and the same logic can be applied to a massage.
Oftentimes it is normal to experience fatigue or even dizziness after a 60-minute deep tissue massage. That’s your body’s response to having the toxins worked out of the muscles. This can be countered by staying hydrated and stretching to flush out the toxins.
Fortunately, many modern massage chairs offer pre-programmed massage sessions where you don’t have to think; you can press a button and get a massage that corresponds to your needs. For example, if you have trouble waking up in the morning, some chairs offer a massage specifically to help get you going for the day.
As you learn how your chair feels, you can start playing around with the customization options for more intensity.
Is it Ok to Use a Massage Chair Every Day?
The short answer is no; you shouldn’t use your massage chair every day. To determine how often you should use a massage chair, you’ll need to look at what you want to get out of it in the first place.
Are you using it for therapeutic value to treat lower back, shoulder, or neck pain? If so, you’ll get the most benefits by using your chair 3-4 times per week.
Are you using it for stress/anxiety relief? If so, 1-3 times per week should suffice to help you feel more relaxed and calm.
Sometimes stress or anxiety flares up and needs immediate attention. If that happens, you can use a gentle air compression massage or a shorter deep tissue session to keep the bad vibes at bay.
Remember that this is a general guide, and everyone has different health needs. You may have one area that you want to focus on, such as your lower back or feet/calves.
As you get used to your chair, you can adjust the massage techniques for that specific area and keep it at 15 minutes, or distribute the massage techniques throughout the body for smaller increments of time.
Talk to Your Doctor First
As always, it’s probably a smart idea to talk with your doctor about any health issues or massage recommendations they may have before diving into the world of massage chairs.
If you’ve had surgery or a prior injury, this can be especially helpful when choosing the recliner with the best technological features for your therapeutic needs.
This also goes for anyone with heart disease, blood clotting, low blood pressure, or pregnancy.
Conclusion: How Often Should You Use a Massage Chair?
Massage chairs open the doors to a multitude of health benefits that can be enjoyed at home. Although the concept is pretty simple- just sit down and relax- it’s not as cut and dry as that.
Massage technology is highly complex and powerful. If misused, you can aggravate old injuries or pre-existing conditions, or at least wake up incredibly sore the next day.
So how often should you use a massage chair? The key is to start slow with 15 minutes, 3-4 times per week. From there, you can adjust as needed. Don’t forget to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
References & Resources:
- How to Buy the Right Massage Chair, Chron
- Is it Okay to Sleep in a Massage Chair? Everything You Need to Know, Thrive Global
- Overusing a Massage Chair, EzineArticles
- 7 Office Massage Chair Benefits For Productivity & Relaxation, Impressive Interior Design
- 5 You-Should-Know Benefits of a Massage Chair, ArticleBiz