Are Massage Chairs Good for You? What the Experts Say

Are you looking for self-care activities that relax you while relieving aches and pains? Massage chairs are one of the easiest ways to enjoy the relaxing benefits of a massage without the hassle of a traditional massage.

But are massage chairs good for you? How do they even compare to a human massage therapist?

Massage chairs can certainly be good for you! It just depends on your body's current needs, your medical history, and personal preferences. According to Georgiy Brusovanik, M.D. Orthopedist and Spine and Bone Specialist at Miami Spine Doctor, “If you want to live with less pain, then a massage chair may be very good for you.” Not only can massage chairs alleviate pain, but they can also help you relax and improve your circulation.

If you haven't tried a massage chair before, don't worry. We'll explain how these massage chairs work, why they can be beneficial, and what you can expect from a Zero Gravity Massage Chair at Oakwell.

What Are Massage Chairs?

Massage chairs use technology to offer massage therapy without human touch. They knead, roll, and tap different areas of the body to provide physical relief and relaxation. Some chairs, including Zero Gravity Massage chairs, can be customized to your body's specific needs to provide an intensity, level, and comfort that suits your preferences.

There are different types of massage chairs to choose from, but Oakwell uses Zero Gravity chairs. These are high-tech massage chairs pioneered in Japan and South Korea using the latest NASA research. The entire experience happens in a chair that tilts back and uses the latest robotics technology for a hands-off, therapeutic massage. 

Our chairs use a 4D mechanism to scan your body and identify your shape, size, and the locations of your acupressure points. That means you get to enjoy a totally customized massage without booking an appointment with a massage therapist. Once the chair adjusts for your personalized experience, it tilts back into a neutral, zero-gravity position, with your legs elevated above your heart and your weight evenly distributed across your spine.

Before long, you’ll drift off as the rollers and air compression provide a traditional Chinese-inspired massage. Your chair will target various areas of the body by kneading, tapping, rolling, and squeezing for the ultimate full-body massage.

Are Massage Chairs Good for You?

They can be! According to David Koivuranta, a Doctor of Chiropractic at Toronto Neck and Pain Clinic, massage chairs can help you relax, relieve muscle tightness, and improve circulation. “There’s no scientific evidence that a massage chair changes the duration of lower back pain symptoms or episodes,” says Dr. Brusovanik. “However, as a spine specialist and surgeon, I can confirm that a reclining massage chair may improve your back pain or sciatica.”

Massage Chair Benefits

According to the experts, massage chair benefits include:

• Pain relief: Dr. Brusovanik explains that a massage chair allows you to lie in a restful, weightless position. This allows you to fully rest your body, which can help reduce pain, discomfort, and stress.
• Improved circulation: Massage chair therapy can help improve circulation, says Koivuranta. The pressure of the massage can gently stimulate circulation, which is essential for proper health.
• Improved flexibility: Massage therapy reduces muscle tension and stiffness, allowing for a better range of motion in the neck and shoulders.
• Relaxation and stress relief: Using massage chairs is associated with lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Some adults report less depression after six months of regularly using a massage chair.
• Better sleep: A relaxed body has an easier time drifting off to sleep. According to Drs. Brusovanik and Koivuranta, you may find it easier to hit the hay with consistent use of a massage chair.

Massage Chairs vs. Massage Therapists

So, what's the difference between a massage chair and in-person massage therapy?

According to Calum Fraser, Physiotherapist, CEO, and Owner of Advantage Physiotherapy, massage chairs are carefully designed to mimic the techniques of a massage therapist. These can range from soothing Swedish massages to more targeted deep-tissue massages. 

Fraser explains that the methods a massage chair and therapist use can both help alleviate common body aches, reduce stress, enhance blood circulation, and even improve sleep.

While hands-on and mechanical massage work similarly, Koivuranta says massage chairs aren't a replacement for hands-on therapy. Although massage chairs are generally safe and effective for temporary relief in many situations, Koivuranta suggests watching for aggravations to sore areas and overdoing the duration of the massage.

Are There Disadvantages to Massage Chairs?

While massage chairs are generally safe for most people, they aren't for everyone. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you should avoid massage chairs if you:

• Are pregnant
• Recently had surgery
• Have a muscular, skeletal, or heart condition

If any of these scenarios apply to you or if massage therapy doesn’t alleviate pain, you may need a more specialized therapeutic approach. Koivuranta also says to be cautious about using a massage chair, because it could mask the symptoms of a condition you should seek treatment for. For example, if you only feel relief from an injury during a massage, you should consult your doctor.

Aside from some health concerns, the biggest disadvantage of a massage chair is the cost. Buying a high-quality model for your home can easily cost thousands of dollars. Plus, a massage chair is a complicated machine that needs maintenance. It's no wonder that more people visit spas like Oakwell to enjoy massage chairs without the hassle.

Zero Gravity Massage Chairs at Oakwell Beer Spa

Whether you’re on vacation in Denver, just finished a long day at work, or need last-minute self-care, Oakwell Beer Spa welcomes you to enjoy a full-body massage on a first-come, first-served basis. Massage walk-ins are welcome from 8 AM to 8:30 PM daily. Oakwell Beer Spa closes at 10:30, so you can stick around for drinks in the cozy self-serve taproom afterward. Enjoy beer, wine, cider, or non-alcoholic drinks to unwind after your massage.

The Zero Gravity Massage offers a head-to-toe, deep-tissue massage in our peaceful Relaxation Lounge. This is a relaxing, space-themed room with four chairs divided by privacy curtains. The room is dimly lit with calming music to keep the vibe nice and relaxing. You can choose a 15 or 30-minute massage. The 15-minute session offers a full-body chair massage, while the 30-minute session gives the full-body treatment followed by a stretching massage to re-energize your body. Simply sit back, relax, and feel great. It's also the perfect experience for a couples massage date or solo self-care.

After every massage, our team thoroughly wipes and disinfects each chair. We promise that when you relax in your Zero Gravity Massage Chair, it feels like you’re the first one to ever use it.

Your Reset Is A Seat Away

The best self-care isn’t complicated. At the end of the day, it’s just showing up and letting your body relax. Whether you’re easing sore muscles, de-stressing after a long day, or simply curious about the benefits of massage chairs, Oakwell’s Zero Gravity experience combines the best of social hour with relaxing relief. Drop in, lean back, and let the chair do the work. De-stress in a space built for you: See how the Oakwell experience works.