One of the most common questions before buying a massage chair is: who should not use it? Massage chairs are safe, but there are contraindications to their use. Valuable advice when making a purchase decision could include knowledge about how massage chairs are viewed by doctors. In this episode, Paweł explains the most common contraindications for using a massage chair, and discusses what does not prevent the use of this form of relaxation.
Doctors are generally optimistic about the effectiveness of massage chairs. In one study, researchers proved that both standard physical therapy and massage chairs are effective in controlling pain and improving satisfaction with life quality – with an advantage for standard therapy. However, using a massage chair does not replace visiting a professional physical therapist.
Massage chairs are very safe and can be used by most of us. Before being approved for use, they undergo thorough checks and testing, with special certificates and certifications issued as a result. The most important document required by the European Union is the CE certificate, which every massage chair must have. This means that it meets the requirements of all EU directives, is allowed for use, and is 100% safe!
MASSAGE CHAIRS AND HEALTH
Massage chairs are reliable devices, and each model comes with the necessary certifications that confirm compliance with current safety standards.
However, there are contraindications for using massage chairs. These include, among others:
- high fever
- bone fractures
- osteoporosis
- injuries in the areas where the massage is conducted
- varicose veins
- pregnancy or menstruation
- fresh postoperative wounds
- implanted pacemakers, bypasses, or other electrical devices
- spinal injury
- scoliosis of several degrees
- cancer
Can massage be harmful? Yes, if it is used inappropriately. Before undergoing a massage, it’s essential to consider your health and overall well-being. In cases of fractures or skin injuries, it’s quite obvious that massage should be avoided, as it may hinder bone healing or cause further tissue damage. It’s important to remember that excessive and intense massages can negatively impact your well-being, potentially causing muscle pain as a reaction. It’s best to start your massage experience with shorter, less gentler sessions to allow your body to adjust. You can read more about this in the article: How Often Can You Use a Massage Chair?
Below, we take a closer look at the most common contraindications for massage, which often arise in our conversations with clients.
Massage chair and pacemaker
One frequent question from customers is whether it’s safe to use a massage chair with a pacemaker. Older models of massage chairs, which had vibration massage, might have interfered with the operation of a pacemaker or other electrical devices. Vibration massage is now very rarely found in massage chairs available on the market, and our offer does not include chairs with this type of massage. At present, massage chairs may affect such devices because of the electromagnetic field they produce. Modern pacemakers are less susceptible to the effects of electromagnetic fields or any vibrations caused during a massage, but the decision to use a massage chair should always be made after consulting a doctor.
Can you use massage if you have varicose veins?
Varicose veins are one of the main contraindications for leg massage. People with this condition can use massage chairs without a leg massager or ones where leg massage cushions can be turned off. For example, our product range includes the iRest QL (A185) relaxation massage chair, which features a comfortable footrest and focuses on back massage, making it suitable for those with contraindications to leg massage. As shown, some contraindications only limit the use of massage temporarily, while others may restrict it for a longer period or prevent its use altogether.
As with anything, it’s important to consider contraindications thoughtfully and with caution. The same is true of treatments relating to the circulatory system. Pacemakers are always included in contraindications, but implanted devices are continuously being improved and now come with a wide range of parameters. Therefore, it is advisable to make a decision about using a massage chair based on your health and well-being, or, as always, consult your doctor if you have any doubts about the suitability of massage.
Is pregnancy a contraidication for massage?
Pregnancy is always listed in contraindications. As the baby develops, the added weight can strain a woman’s spine and cause other discomforts, making massage in a chair helpful for relieving aches, pains, and tension. In most cases, if everything is going well and the woman feels fine, there are no contraindications to using a massage chair. Common concerns among expectant women are vibrations, acupressure, and heating. We explain that the vibrations in massage chairs are not strong enough to harm the baby. The pressure applied to acupressure points is variable and not intense enough to induce premature labour. The heat from the chair’s heating pads is noticeable, but unlikely to cause overheating.
Of course, every mum-to-be experiences pregnancy differently, so it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor before using a massage chair. For more information, we’ve discussed this in our article Massage chairs during pregnancy.
If you already know that the massage chair is right for you, we invite you to take a look at our offer or contact us. However, if you’re still unsure, as we’ve repeatedly emphasized, it’s always worth seeking the advice of your doctor to ensure complete peace of mind and fully enjoy the massage.
Bibliography:
- 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, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7220115/
- Andersson GB. Epidemiological features of chronic low-back pain.
- Balagué F, Mannion AF, Pellisé Fl., Non-specific low back pain.
- Orozco T, Feldman DE, Mazer Bl. Low back pain: current patterns of Canadian physiotherapy service delivery.
- Demmink JH, Helders PJ, Hobaek H., The variation of heating depth with therapeutic ultrasound frequency in physiotherapy.
- Kubsik A, Klimkiewicz P, Woldańska-Okońska M., Application of laser therapy in the physiotherapy of patients with multiple sclerosis.
- Bradley S. Are Massage Chairs Safe to Use While Pregnant?, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/are-massage-chairs-safe-to-use-while-pregnant#massage-chair-safety
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.
