Just as with any type of technology, there are plenty of myths surrounding massage chairs.
However, massage chairs have come a long way since they first hit the market in the 1950s. Today, those myths are no longer true.
Here, we’ll be busting four of the biggest myths about massage chairs:
- They’re unnecessary and extravagant.
- They can’t compare to human massage.
- They’re outrageously expensive.
- They’re only effective if they hurt.
Myth 1: They’re Unnecessary and Extravagant
For the majority of massage chair owners, massage chairs are far from unnecessary. Unlike, say, a personal full-sized movie theater, they’re much more than just a fun luxury.
That’s because massage chairs serve a real purpose for many different types of people.
For example, massage chairs can help people with:
- Chronic pain.
- Work-related soreness and muscle injuries.
- Post-workout pain.
- High blood pressure.
- Poor circulation.
- Insomnia
With their massaging rollers, heating capabilities and other features like air bags, massage chairs serve to:
- Knead and relax tight muscles.
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Increase circulation.
- Improve sleep quality.
Want to know more about what massage chairs have to offer? Check out our article on massage chair benefits.
Myth 2: They Can’t Compare to Human Massage
Contrary to what some might say, massage chairs can absolutely provide many of the same benefits as a professional human massage.
After all, today’s massage chairs are available with a number of advanced features.
These can include:
- 2D, 3D and even 4D rollers to provide a comprehensive massage.
- Air bags, which provide gentle, comforting pressure and increase circulation.
- Heaters, which serve to further relax tight muscles.
- Adjustable positioning.
- Body scan technology.
- Zero gravity technology.
Together, these features create a fully-fledged massage experience that can truly rival that of a human massage.
Human massage only offers a few things that massage chairs can’t:
- Ultra-specific targeting.
- Human touch.
To learn more about how massage chairs differ from human massage, visit our article on the subject here.
Myth 3: They’re Outrageously Expensive
Although the price tag of home massage chairs might seem intimidating, they’re significantly less expensive than traditional massage therapy over time.
Consider the facts:
In another blog post , we cited an article from the University of Minnesota titled, “How Much Does Massage Therapy Cost.” According to that, the national average for a single massage session is $60.
Based on that price, a $900 massage chair will pay for itself after five weeks of usage at three sessions per week. Even a chair that costs $2,000 will pay for itself after just 11 weeks at three sessions per week.
Knowing that, it’s clear that people who regularly get human massage will actually save a great deal of money with a massage chair after a short period of time.
Myth 4: They’re Only Effective If They Hurt
This myth is unique in that it’s often applied to both massage chairs and professional massage.
You may have heard people say that in order to be effective, your massage needs to hurt. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.
Think of it this way: there’s a big difference between being uncomfortable and experiencing real pain.
This concept is explained in a 2018 article from Well+Good titled, “Wait a second: Should your massage actually hurt?”
There, professional masseuse Kathleen Mortimer says that:
<blockquote>If it’s hurting, and you’re holding your breath, it’s way too much pressure for you. It should be a ‘hurt so good’ feeling, rather than ‘please stop that.’</blockquote>
Fortunately, modern massage chairs offer a range of modes and settings that can be adjusted to provide a massage that’s as gentle (or intense) as you’d like.
Now that you know the truth, it’s time to stop believing massage chair myths. With the right massage chair, you can enjoy low-cost, frequent and truly effective massages right in your own home.
