{"id":37103,"date":"2026-08-27T15:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T13:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/?p=37103"},"modified":"2026-08-31T09:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T07:25:42","slug":"massage-chairs-in-recovery-sports-physiotherapist-olaf-golabeks-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/blog\/knowledge\/massage-chairs-in-recovery-sports-physiotherapist-olaf-golabeks-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Massage chairs in recovery. Sports physiotherapist Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek\u2019s opinion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tight muscles, discomfort, and back pain after long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, after a full day on your feet, and after an intense workout are now part of everyday life for many people. That is why we are paying more attention to recovery and conscious rest<\/strong>, which help reduce tension and better cope with everyday strain. Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek, MSc, sports physiotherapist for the Polish men\u2019s national volleyball team<\/strong>, knows this well and shared with us his experience of using the iRest Supearl+ massage chair<\/a>.

What does a physiotherapist value most in a massage chair?<\/strong> The ability to relax the whole body, use massage regularly, and access it exactly when it is needed \u2013 after training, after work or in the evening, when it is time to rest and unwind.<\/p>

Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek\u2019s perspective shows how regular massage can become a natural part of recovery<\/strong>, particularly when you are looking for a solution that is available without leaving home. As a specialist who works with athletes, he focuses primarily on the practical aspects of using a massage chair and the possibilities it offers for relaxing tense and overworked muscles.<\/p>

Recovery as part of a healthy lifestyle<\/h2>

\u201cWorking as a sports physiotherapist, I see how important recovery<\/strong> is. Training is only one part of the puzzle, just as important as sleep, rest and properly relaxing overworked tissues,\u201d Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek begins his opinion.<\/p>

A massage chair can be one way to introduce regular recovery into your daily routine. It requires no additional preparation or searching for a free hour in your calendar. Just a dozen or so minutes<\/strong> is enough to sit down, relax and allow yourself a moment of respite.<\/p>

As the physiotherapist admits: \u201cIt feels great to sit down after a tiring day at work, relax and simply \u2018switch off\u2019 for a while.\u201d<\/p>

The potential benefits of using massage chairs are also indicated by a scientific review by Bo-Young Youn and co-authors, published in the journal \u201cExplore\u201d. The researchers analysed 18 studies, whose results indicate, among other things, reduced stress and mental fatigue, decreased muscle stiffness and lower perceived pain<\/strong>.1<\/a><\/sup><\/p>

After training, after work or whenever you need to rest<\/h2>

From a physiotherapist\u2019s perspective, Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek pays particular attention to the neck, back, especially the lumbar region, and legs<\/strong>. \u201cThis is where tension most often builds up after training, many hours of sitting or simply an intense day. Being able to use massage without leaving home is a huge advantage,\u201d he says.<\/p>

Research on post-exercise recovery also indicates that massage may help reduce muscle soreness <\/strong>2<\/a><\/sup> 3<\/a><\/sup> and improve flexibility <\/strong>4<\/a><\/sup>.<\/p>

Depending on the model, a massage chair covers different areas of the body<\/strong>. The massage arms may work from the neck, through the back, down to the buttocks or thighs<\/strong>, while airbags compress areas including the upper arms, forearms, calves and feet. Selected models also feature mechanical calf massage<\/strong> and roller foot massage<\/strong>. The massage range and solutions used always depend on the specific chair.<\/p>

For Go\u0142\u0105bek, however, the most important thing remains the sensation after the session: \u201cWhat I appreciate most about using a massage chair is the feeling of relaxation throughout the entire body.\u201d<\/strong> This is why he believes that a massage chair can also work well as part of recovery for active people: \u201cIt works very well as a tool to use between training sessions or after a hard day at work.\u201d<\/p>

A dozen or so minutes whenever you have the time<\/h2>

One major advantage of a massage chair is its accessibility. There is no need to make an appointment<\/strong> or plan a journey<\/strong>. Massage is always within reach in your own home.<\/p>

For the physiotherapist, what matters is the ability to use massage regularly<\/strong> whenever there is a moment for it during the day. \u201cWe do not always have the time or opportunity to visit a therapist. In such cases, spending a dozen or so minutes in a massage chair can be an excellent help,\u201d he says.<\/p>

A massage chair can easily become part of your daily routine without requiring you to reorganise your plans. Usually 15\u201320 minutes is enough<\/strong> to relax and release tension.<\/p>

A good way to end the day calmly<\/h2>

Go\u0142\u0105bek also points to using the chair in the evening. A calm automatic programme can be a pleasant way to wind down after the day and prepare for rest<\/strong>.<\/p>

\u201c[\u2026] the sleep-aid mode is an ideal way to end the day and helps you fall asleep faster, which supports recovery,\u201d he emphasises.<\/p>

Used this way, a massage chair can become a place you return to whenever you want to slow down and find a moment just for yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>

A massage chair instead of a physiotherapist?<\/h2>

Here, the physiotherapist draws a very clear line: \u201cOf course, a massage chair cannot be treated as a substitute for professional physiotherapy<\/strong>. In the case of an injury, trauma or pain, nothing can replace an individual assessment, diagnosis and therapy.\u201d<\/p>

A massage chair does not diagnose injuries and does not replace physiotherapeutic massage<\/strong> performed by a specialist. This is also confirmed by a study comparing the use of a massage chair with physiotherapy in people with lower back pain. Improvements were recorded in both groups, but physiotherapy produced better results in terms of pain reduction and improved physical function<\/strong>.4<\/a><\/sup> The study authors emphasised that a massage chair should not be regarded as a substitute for physiotherapy.<\/p>

Its role is different.<\/strong> A massage chair can complement everyday rest and recovery<\/strong>, helping you relax and take care of your well-being whenever you need it. If, however, an injury, trauma or concerning pain occurs, consulting a specialist remains the appropriate course of action.<\/p>

Massage chair \u2013 a physiotherapist\u2019s assessment<\/h2>

Physiotherapists\u2019 opinions on massage chairs<\/strong> make it possible to look at their capabilities without exaggerated promises and assess them from a practical, professional perspective. Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek summarises his opinion very simply: \u201cIf you want to rest, relax your muscles and create a small relaxation zone at home, a chair like this can be a really good solution<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>

This is exactly the role in which a massage chair works best. Not as a substitute for physiotherapy, but as an easily accessible way to enjoy regular relaxation and recovery<\/strong>, whether after training, after a demanding day or in the evening.<\/p>

Recovery does not always require an elaborate plan. Sometimes all you need is a dozen or so minutes, a comfortable massage chair and a moment set aside just for yourself.<\/p>

The comments for this article were provided by Olaf Go\u0142\u0105bek<\/strong>, sports physiotherapist working for the Polish men\u2019s national volleyball team, holder of a Master\u2019s degree in physiotherapy and graduate of Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University. We would like to thank him for sharing his experience and observations.<\/p>

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Scientific sources<\/p>

  1. Youn B.Y., Cho H., Joo S. et al., Utilisation of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review<\/em>, Explore, 2024; 20(3): 285\u2013297. DOI: 10.1016\/j.explore.2023.10.002. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  2. Davis H.L., Alabed S., Chico T.J.A., Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/em>, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2020; 6:e000614. DOI: 10.1136\/bmjsem-2019-000614. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  3. Wiecha S., Cie\u015bli\u0144ski I., Wi\u015bniowski P. et al., Physical Therapies for Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness: An Umbrella and Mapping Systematic Review with Meta-meta-analysis<\/em>, Sports Medicine, 2025; 55:1183\u20131212. DOI: 10.1007\/s40279-025-02187-5. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li>
  4. Kim S.K., Min A., Jeon C. et al., Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomised controlled trial<\/em>, Medicine, 2020; 99(12):e19514. DOI: 10.1097\/MD.0000000000019514. \u21a9\ufe0e<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Tight muscles, discomfort, and back pain after long hours at a desk or behind the wheel, after a full day on your feet, and after an intense workout are now part of everyday life for many people. That is why we are paying more attention to recovery and conscious rest, which help reduce tension and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52,"featured_media":37119,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"[{\"content\":\"Youn B.Y., Cho H., Joo S. et al., Utilisation of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review<\/em>, Explore, 2024; 20(3): 285\u2013297. DOI: 10.1016\/j.explore.2023.10.002.\",\"id\":\"5d33f990-c75f-4422-8308-7e19594c42d4\"},{\"content\":\"Davis H.L., Alabed S., Chico T.J.A., Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis<\/em>, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine, 2020; 6:e000614. DOI: 10.1136\/bmjsem-2019-000614.\",\"id\":\"a7760c02-bb58-4f0e-b86f-ad3b831a683c\"},{\"content\":\"Wiecha S., Cie\u015bli\u0144ski I., Wi\u015bniowski P. et al., Physical Therapies for Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness: An Umbrella and Mapping Systematic Review with Meta-meta-analysis<\/em>, Sports Medicine, 2025; 55:1183\u20131212. DOI: 10.1007\/s40279-025-02187-5.\",\"id\":\"b3f9a193-53ac-4c55-a118-f27c59e2d1c6\"},{\"content\":\"Kim S.K., Min A., Jeon C. et al., Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomised controlled trial<\/em>, Medicine, 2020; 99(12):e19514. DOI: 10.1097\/MD.0000000000019514.\",\"id\":\"2cf2d57c-7a60-4de0-8e1f-a89eef4b28d6\"}]"},"categories":[80],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/52"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37103\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37119"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/restlords.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}