How Long Should I Stay In My Massage Chair?

If you’ve ever experienced chronic back pain, or any kind of chronic muscle pain, you’re all too familiar with the stiffness, the aching and overall misery it can bring. Thankfully, technology has come a long way in pain relief devices, an excellent one being, of course, the massage chair.

At first experience, most folks would say they could spend all day relaxing in this kind of chair, getting an amazing massage. But, in reality, that would not be practical or safe to do. There is also no added benefit to using the chair for longer lengths of time.

A massage chair’s benefits are best achieved in shorter increments for several reasons. The recommended time to spend in a massage chair at any one time is fifteen minutes. It’s tempting to go for much longer periods of time, especially if you are experiencing a lot of pain. But the saying, “If some is good, more is better” does not apply here. Too much time spent in deep massage can cause bruising of the muscles, especially if you have just started. It can possibly cause damage and inflammation of body tissues, as well. Too much of a good thing could actually become a bad thing.

Most models have an automatic timer on them to ensure that you do not go over this time limit. Some will have pre-programmed massages, which will also shut off after a certain period of time. If not, a simple timer or alarm will do. It’s important to have this timer or alarm because reclining in a massage chair is often so relaxing that people have fallen asleep in them.

Once you have completed your fifteen minutes, it is recommended to get up and move around, take a walk or do some kind of mild physical activity. The movement helps to remove the toxins released during the massage. It is a good idea to drink plenty of water after a massage as well, to further facilitate toxin removal.

A massage chair can be used 3-4 times per week for maximum effectiveness for lower back pain, neck or shoulder pain. If you are using the chair for stress relief or relaxation, 1-3 times per week should do the trick, or whenever you feel your stress level rising to the point that it begins affecting your behavior.

It’s also perfectly fine to use your massage chair as often as you want with the massage off. Newer models are designed to provide proper support for the entire back, making them a super comfortable choice for reading, watching TV or any other seated activity. Designed for superior comfort, your massage chair may be your go-to chair choice, whether on or off.

If you are considering a massage chair for back pain, other muscle pain or just general relaxation, always consult with your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant. Discuss any pre-existing conditions you have, such as heart problems, low blood pressure or blood clotting issues, as this may affect your ability to safely use a massage chair. Your doctor can then recommend specific massage treatment options based on your medical history.

If you’re tired of stress and muscle pain interrupting your life and want to make a change, consider a massage chair to help ease the pain and tension away. More than a luxury, it is an investment in yourself to help increase and maintain your health and quality of life.