One of the most common questions before buying a massage chair is: who should not use a massage? While massage chairs are generally safe and provide effective relaxation, there are situations in which their use may not be recommended. It’s worth knowing the most common contraindications for using a massage chair and whether massage can be harmful.
In the video below, Paweł explains the most common contraindications for massage, as well as what is not a barrier to enjoying this form of relaxation.
Massage chair and health: can everyone use it?
According to doctors and physiotherapists, using massage chairs as intended, while taking into account contraindications and the user’s health condition, can bring many benefits.
A study conducted by a team of specialists at Himchan Hospital in Busan, South Korea, between 2017 and 2018 found that both standard physiotherapy and massage chairs were effective in pain management and improving satisfaction with quality of life. While standard therapy proved more effective, the massage chair’s big advantage was its cost-effectiveness. The cost of a massage chair amounted to only 60.17% of physiotherapy costs. It’s important to remember that using a massage chair does not replace visiting a professional physiotherapist, as emphasized by Dr. Leia Rispoli, a specialist in interventional pain management and physiatry at California’s DISC Sports & Spine Center. If you have any doubts, it’s best to consult a specialist before starting regular massage chair sessions.
Below, we discuss situations where caution is advised when using a massage chair or where it should be avoided altogether.
Massage chairs – contraindications worth knowing
While massage chairs undergo rigorous safety testing and have required certifications, there are certain cases where their use may not be advisable. The main contraindications include:
- high fever
- bone fractures
- osteoporosis
- Open wounds or cuts in the massage area
- Varicose veins in the leg
- Fresh postoperative wounds
- Implanted pacemakers, bypasses, or other electrical devices
- Spinal injuries
- Scoliosis of more than a few degrees
- Cancer
- Pregnancy and menstruation
But…
Can massage be harmful?
Let’s take a closer look at some of these contraindications.
Varicose veins and massage chairs
One of the main contraindications for leg massage is varicose veins. However, people with varicose veins can still use massage chairs that do not have a leg massager or those where the leg massage function can be turned off. Our range includes the iRest QL (A185) massage chair with a comfortable footrest, focusing on back massage, making it suitable for those with contraindications to leg massage.
Pacemakers and massage chairs
Among the most common questions from our customers is whether a massage chair can be used with an implanted pacemaker. Older massage chairs with vibration massage could interfere with pacemakers or other electrical devices. Vibration massage is now rare in massage chairs, and none of our models use it. Today’s massage chairs may still affect such devices due to electromagnetic fields. Modern pacemakers are less sensitive to electromagnetic interference or vibrations from massage, but the decision should always be made in consultation with a doctor.
Massage chairs during pregnancy
Pregnancy often appears on contraindication lists. A growing belly can strain the spine and cause other discomfort, so a massage chair can help ease pain and tension. Usually, if the pregnancy is progressing normally and the woman feels well, there’s no reason to avoid massage. The most common concerns for pregnant women are vibrations, acupressure, and heating. We explain that:
- Vibrations in massage chairs are not strong enough to harm the baby.
- Acupressure from a massage chair is variable and not intense enough to induce premature labor.
- The warmth from heated mats is noticeable but unlikely to overheat the mother’s body.
Of course, every pregnancy is different, so it’s always wise to consult your doctor before using a massage chair. We’ve covered more about massage during and after pregnancy in our article Massage chair and pregnancy.
Menstruation
Menstruation is also often listed among contraindications. This is because massage stimulates blood circulation, which for some women can increase bleeding and related discomfort. Additionally, during menstruation, the body may be more sensitive, and intense massage can cause discomfort or worsen symptoms such as cramps or dizziness.
How to use a massage chair safely
To ensure your massage is comfortable and free from unpleasant effects, follow these guidelines:
- Start with gentle programs – especially if you’re new to using a massage chair. Your body needs time to adjust.
- Avoid overly frequent massages – typically, up to three sessions a day (morning, afternoon, and evening) is optimal. The right frequency depends on individual needs, as explained in our article How Often Can You Use a Massage Chair?
- Monitor how you feel – if you experience pain or discomfort after a massage, reduce intensity or shorten sessions.
- Adjust massage intensity – overly intense sessions may cause muscle fatigue or pain, while too gentle sessions may not be effective. Fortunately, most massage chairs allow you to adjust intensity to suit your preferences.
Every model available in the European market has a CE certificate, meaning it meets EU safety and usage standards and has passed necessary technical checks.
Are massage chairs healthy?
Every body is different, so before starting to use a massage chair, pay attention to your needs and any limitations. If you have any contraindications or doubts about whether massage could be harmful, consult your doctor.
So, the answer to “Are massage chairs healthy?” depends on individual circumstances and proper use. With the right settings, moderation, and attention to your health, the answer is DEFINITELY YES. A massage chair can be an excellent aid for recovery, reducing tension, and improving overall well-being. You can read more about the benefits of massage in our blog post Is it worth it? Massage chair benefits.
If you want to choose a massage chair that fits your needs, check out our selection and consult an expert. Thanks to modern technology, you can enjoy professional massage in the comfort of your home while taking care of both safety and health.
Sources:
- Kim S. Min A, Jeon C, Kim T. Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients. PLoS One. 2020;15(5):e0229682. Dostęp online: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220115/
- Andersson GB. Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain. Lancet. 1999;354(9178):581–5.
- Demmink JH, Helders PJ, Hobaek H. The variation of heating depth with therapeutic ultrasound frequency in physiotherapy. Phys Ther. 2006;86(9):1201–10.
- Balagué F, Mannion AF, Pellisé F. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2012;379(9814):482–91.
- Bradley S. Are Massage Chairs Safe to Use While Pregnant? Healthline. Online: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/are-massage-chairs-safe-to-use-while-pregnant#massage-chair-safety
- Kim S. Impact of massage therapy on prenatal outcomes and labor progress. Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2019;45(3):678–85.
- Orozco T. Effect of blood circulation changes due to mechanical massage on menstrual cycles. Women’s Health. 2018;27(4):512–20.
- Hazelden, B. Can Massage Chairs for Back Pain Help? HealthCentral 2022. Online: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/back-pain/massage-chairs-back-pain
Transcription
Paul, are there any contraindications for using a massage chair?
That’s a common question and a wise one, that requires careful consideration.
We’ve discussed the advantages of using massage chairs and you have to remember that all the machinery is tested and certified, approved for the European market, so they are safe to use at home without the need for an expert or instructor. However, with all equipment there are some contraindications and in our experience, sometimes it’s simply common sense.
What do you mean?
Many contraindications are self-evident and most people would know that it’s not sensible to use a massage chair if you have specific wounds, broken bones or spinal injuries for example. However, the list can be longer and sometimes you do need to check with a doctor to see if it’s advisable to use a massage chair or not.
Can you give me some examples of what else might be on the list?
Of course, for instance, If you have a high fever or for example ladies who are pregnant or having a menstrual cycle may not feel comfortable in a massage chair. Other contraindications can include varicose veins, pacemakers, by-passes; kidney stones and cancer.
Please remember that it depends on individual circumstances, these can all be complicated issues and sometimes debatable reasons for being cautious. You should take your health and well-being into account before deciding to use a massage chair. As always, if in doubt, consult your doctor.
So if you’re sensible and fully informed there should be no problem?
Basically yes – if used responsibly, massage chairs are safe. More importantly, they leave the factory with special attestations and the CE certificate, which is required by the European Union. It states that it meets the requirements of all EU directives, is approved for use and is 100% safe. You will always find them on our massage chairs.
