Are massage chairs useful? Massage chair – benefit or harm? Types of massage in chairs

Every day, more and more people prefer massage chairs. Many organizers of wellness clubs and fitness centers purchase similar inventions for their clients. In addition, massage chairs can increasingly be found in hotels and sanatoriums, and those teams that pay special attention to their health are not averse to installing this device in their office.
Absolutely anyone can use massage chairs, since the program that the device offers not only has a positive effect on the body, but on top of that, it is completely safe. You can purchase such a chair for personal use without special recommendations from a specialist.
However, even the massage itself has limitations that are also typical for regular massage. These are contraindications of a general medical nature, which relate to those moments when it is necessary to remain calm.

Contraindications associated with the use of massage chairs

Doctors warn that using massage chairs is strictly prohibited in several cases:
1. If you are pregnant, the first and last trimester are especially dangerous. In the second semester, light massage is allowed, but just in case, you should consult with your doctor and perform a massage session only if absolutely necessary.
2. With elevated body temperature or inflammatory processes.
3. In the presence of a chronic form of severe illness.
4. For acute varicose veins, thrombosis, as well as in the presence of various cardiac problems.
5. If there are various types of electronic devices in the body, for example, this could be an electronic pacemaker.
6. If there are open wounds in the area that will be massaged.
7. If the skin has various types of diseases, including subcutaneous ones.
8. If the patient has cancer.
9. In the presence of diseases of the spinal cord, or other damage to the spinal column.

Consultation with a specialist is also necessary for cases of the menstrual period in women, since the question of whether a massage session is allowed at this time remains open.
However, regarding the condition alcohol intoxication, here experts unanimously declare that under the influence of alcohol, narcotic or toxic drugs, using the services of a massage chair is strictly prohibited.
Many parents wonder whether it is possible to purchase a children's massage chair, but much to their disappointment, such devices are not yet available. And standard massage chairs have an age limit; they are not recommended for use by persons under 18 years of age.
But there are exceptions; sometimes doctors allow teenagers and even children to carry out the massage procedure on a special chair. younger age. However, in this case, it is necessary to choose the massage program with care and carry out each procedure in the presence of parents.

Kirill Sysoev

Calloused hands never get bored!

Content

Reviews from doctors about a massage chair used at home are positive, and experts note the high benefits of such an effect on the body. Professional massage can improve blood circulation, tone and strengthen muscles, but if you do not have the opportunity to regularly visit a massage therapist, then you simply need to purchase massage equipment. Find out what these devices are, how they work, for whom they are useful, and for whom they are contraindicated.

What is a massage chair

A massage chair looks like a regular one, but in addition to the upholstery, internal filling and frame, such a product also has a microprocessor and special rollers or air cushions. Complex mechanisms are controlled using a remote control. The high-tech device is capable of performing several massage techniques at once:

• exotic shiatsu technique;
• vibration;
• Swedish massage;
• roller impact.

Device

Most products consist of three main components:

1. The motor is one of important elements, which, in accordance with the software settings, sets the massage heads and rollers in motion. In many devices, the speed of movement is adjusted using the control panel.
2. Rollers and massage heads are parts that affect the areas being massaged. Rollers and heads differing in size and shape imitate the hands of a master: small ones contribute to detailed point work, large ones - to the overall effect. The user himself can determine which area will be subjected to massage, for example, first it may be the upper back, then lumbar region. Kneading is replaced by tapping movements, after which the rollers begin to work.
3. The computer is the most important component. Due to the built-in computer, the device can automatically adjust to the user’s height, volume and weight, for example, the length of the protrusion of the rollers and heads is adjusted depending on the person’s weight. The computer can make other necessary adjustments by calculating the anatomical features of the new user’s back.

Effect

With a sedentary or sedentary lifestyle, atrophy of the spinal muscles occurs, intervertebral hernias appear, characterized by pain in the lumbar region. Not only sports activities, but also a high-quality massage performed will help prevent the development of such diseases. special device, which is called a massage chair. Using this type of technique has a positive effect on the entire body:

• work is returning to normal cardiovascular system;
• the lack of physical activity is compensated;
• muscle tissue becomes toned;
• sleep quality improves;
• skin elasticity improves;
• blood circulation increases;
• is being restored mental state;
• blood pressure comes back to normal.

Contraindications and restrictions

Massage sessions on a chair are contraindicated for people suffering from thrombosis, acute varicose veins, as well as those who have a severe aneurysm or suffer from dermatitis. In addition, it is not recommended to sit in a massage chair for those who have:

• cardiac diseases (or if you have a pacemaker);
• malignant diseases;
• scoliosis, osteoporosis;
• anemia;
• diabetic angiopathy;
• sprained ligaments, muscles;
• postpartum period, pregnancy;
• general malaise, chills, hyperthermia;
• inflammatory processes;
• exacerbation of chronic diseases;
• menstruation.

Buy a massage chair

The cost of a massage chair is influenced by its technical specifications and variety of functions. The device may be intended for home use or it can be placed in the office, but before purchasing such equipment in an online store, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rating of the most popular models, find out their characteristics, and evaluate all the pros and cons.

Casada

Products from the German brand Casada combine functionality, reliability and convenience. Each product is a well-designed design with adjustable tilt angle and built-in deep muscle massage, which allows a person to relax and relieve stress. The manufacturer cares about user comfort, so the equipment also has a built-in MP3 player, and control is carried out using a remote control. A well-proven model is, for example, this one:

• Model name: Hilton 2.
• Price: 199,000 -209,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum load 120 kg, shoulder width up to 95 cm, user height up to 195 cm, covering material SolidTex (cotton based).
• Pros: 3D body scanning available different types massage: shiatsu, roller, compression, kneading, effleurage, 3D massage and zero-gravity function are provided.
• Cons: there are contraindications - you need to consult a doctor before use.

Choosing among modern models equipped with unique functions, it is worth highlighting another product from the German manufacturer Casada:

• Model name: SkyLiner A300.
• Price: 269,000-299,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum weight 120 kg, power 240 Watt, dimensions without packaging 142x86x123 cm, columns, ionization, 8 automatic views massage, number of air cushions 74 pieces, remote control with LCD display.
• Pros: the product has a distinctive feature - a three-dimensional body scanning function - due to which it can be adjusted individually to each person, thanks to swing technology, tension in the lumbar region is perfectly relieved, the pleasant sensations will be enhanced if you turn on the weightlessness function.
• Cons: expensive.

Inada

Thanks to the engineers of the Japanese company Inada Family, the best inventions and developments in the field of production of massage chairs have appeared. The DreamWave model deserves special attention, created to prevent spinal diseases and provide comprehensive body massage for people who do not like physical activity or lead a sedentary lifestyle.

• Model name: DreamWave.
• Price: 470,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum load 120 kg, chair weight 115 kg, dimensions when unfolded 97x210x76 cm, power 165 W, types of massage: vibration, warming, air compression, acupuncture, number of rollers 4 pieces, air cushions 76 pieces, operating time from 8 up to 30 minutes (may differ for automatic programs), controlled using the remote control.
• Pros: adjustable position of the footrest, backrest tilt, infrared heating of the seat and backrest, shiatsu points are automatically detected, there is a 3D body scanning function.
• Cons: high price, you need to consult a doctor before use.

If you want your technology to have many additional options, such as zero gravity, then pay attention to this product from a Japanese company:

• Model name: Yumerobo.
• Price: 175,000-300,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: weight 80 kg, dimensions when unfolded 74x121x109 cm, power 140 W, adjustable distance between rollers, colors: light, dark, height scanning function.
• Pros: the massage mechanism imitates the rotation of a specialist’s hands, carrying out translational and rotational movements, there is zero gravity, biologically active shiatsu points are automatically calculated. Thanks to the rotary mechanism, kneading the calf muscle is performed simultaneously with air compression massage. The model is designed for home use and is easy to use - after unpacking, you just need to connect it to the power supply.
• Cons: cannot be placed close to the wall.

Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi products are designed for both home and office use. The company's products have gained particular popularity due to their range of functions: all models have 6 automatic programs and more than 500 options, configured using a remote control with an LED display. Even inexpensive products have built-in headphones and music. The best example office massage equipment is the following invention:

• Model name: Prestige.
• Price: 45,000-50,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: user weight 130 kg, seat height adjustment (40-51 cm), seat depth 47 cm, minimum distance between rollers 7 cm, maximum 23 cm, voltage 220-240 V, power 30 W, product weight 21.8 kg, upholstery material eco-leather.
• Pros: office chair easily turns into a massage, there are two massage techniques - shiatsu and vibration, and infrared heating of the lumbar area is provided. You can select the appropriate mode using the remote control (Russianized), the base and handles are made of chromed metal.
• Cons: no foot massage provided.

If you don't need to be in a sitting position all the time and just want to relax after working day, then it’s better to buy this unit:

• Model name: Axiom YA-6000.
• Price: 396,000-440,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: weight 142.5 kg, maximum load 120 kg, dimensions when unfolded 200x85x99 cm, voltage 220-240 V, power 260 W.
• Pros: controlled remotely from a tablet or mobile phone on Android OS, 6 impact programs, more than 500 different combinations and techniques, control is carried out on a color LCD display, infrared heating of the back, built-in speakers, 38 air pillows, all parts of the body are exposed to massage - from head to toes.
• Cons: expensive.

Us Medica

The American company Us Medica is a leader in the production of specialized medical equipment, so even the massage equipment of this brand is aimed primarily at improving the health of the body. When choosing a chair, make sure that it has a heart rate monitoring system (HRI) and a zero gravity function. For example, these modes and many others are included in the Us Medica cardio health complex:

• Model name: Cardio.
• Price: 200,000-250,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: massage synchronization with music, control panel with LCD display, heartbeat control, 5 automatic programs, the ability to remember the parameters of one user, IR heating of the lower back, 29 air cushions, unfolded dimensions 202x85x89 cm, weight 100 kg, power 220 Tue
• Pros: body position is selected automatically – the zero-g system tilts the entire structure, evenly distributing the user’s weight. The microcomputer remembers different massage modes and their combinations specified by the user. The technique can do stress-relieving, relaxing, invigorating, restorative, air cushion massage.
• Cons: no 3D scanning, no control via smartphone.

Those who are looking for only exclusive products for sale should pay attention to Us Medica infinity:

• Model name: Infinity 3D Touch.
• Price: 272,000-340,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum load 120 kg, 6 automatic modes, number of air bags 39 pieces, automatic control.
• Pros: it is possible to remember individual programs, 3D scanning function, zero gravity, individual areas of the body can be massaged: from the back of the head to the soles of the feet. The device recognizes the contours of the body and the height of the individual user, scans changes in heart rate, and the duration of the session can be set independently by setting the time on the timer.
• Cons: high price.

Anatomico

The Italian company Anatomico offers budget but high-quality massage equipment that not only kneads muscles and helps reduce spasms, but also strengthens the spine and improves blood circulation in tissues. If you want to completely relax, replenish vitality, consider, for example, this model:

• Model name: Marco.
• Price: 12,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: dimensions 136x70x115 cm, 4 types of automatic massaging, maximum load 120 kg, voltage 220-240 V, power 250 W, automatic and semi-automatic control.
• Pros: there are air cushions in the seat and leg part, which provide more effective relaxation for the user; regular use of the technique helps get rid of toxins and overcome cellulite. For lovers of intense massage, a special mode is provided - manual.
• Cons: no 3D scanning, no back heating.

Those who are interested in more functional economy class equipment should pay attention to the model with nine types of massage and a zero-gravity function:

• Model name: Perfetto.
• Price: 250,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: dimensions without packaging 96x62x37 cm, maximum load 120 kg, voltage 220-240 V, automatic adjustment for height, power 220 W.
• Pros: air cushions have a massage effect on the back, arms, thighs, calves, feet, automatic and semi-automatic control is provided, and there is a weightlessness function.
• Cons: No body scanning.

Beurer

The German company Beurer produces inexpensive massage equipment of unsurpassed quality. Thanks to its functionality and durability, equipment from this manufacturer has become one of the most popular not only in Europe, but also in Russia. This inexpensive, compact product, suitable for office or home use, has received many positive customer reviews:

• Model name: MC 3000 Home.
• Price: 26000-28600 rubles.
• Characteristics: dimensions when unfolded 83x76x112.5 cm, weight 30 kg, upholstery material: artificial leather, deep 3D massage, 2-year warranty, control panel built into the armrest.
• Pros: deep back massage in three dimensions, you can adjust the intensity of the vibration massage, you can select the speed level, the design is foldable.
• Cons: The backrest and footrest are manually adjustable.

If you don’t have free space in your apartment where you could put a large unit, but you really want to feel the effect of hardware massage, buy a massage cape:

• Model name: MG254.
• Price: 10900 rubles.
• Characteristics: surface material neoprene and “breathable” mesh fabric, diffused infrared light (300 W), power supply 220 V, backrest dimensions 82x43 cm, seat 38x39 cm, cape weight 5.5 kg.
• Pros: a relaxing back massage is performed using 4 special heads, you can independently select the area for massage, individual adjustment of the intensity of the effect is provided, there is a backlight and heating function, 2 rotating massage fingers provide a shiatsu massage of varying intensity. The set includes 4 self-adhesive electrodes.
• Cons: none found.

Gess

The products of the German company Gess are becoming increasingly popular. The brand produces premium quality chairs and inexpensive office and vending models. A distinctive feature of Gess products is the exclusive design of each product in combination with the latest technologies massage. Those who prefer to pay for quality rather than for a well-known “name” should pay attention to the following model:

• Model name: Symphony.
• Price: 190,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: dimensions without packaging 140x82x135 cm, power 200 W, MP3 player, headphones, 3D scanning, vibration massage, heating of the lower back, back, automatic adjustment for height.
• Pros: using air cushions, you can massage your arms, back, thighs, calf muscles, and feet. There is an option to remember the program installed by the user, complete relaxation provides a zero-gravity function, the height of the rollers is adjustable, control is carried out using a special remote control.
• Cons: takes up a lot of space.

Those who are considering inexpensive, convenient products for the office should pay special attention to this product from a German brand:

• Model name: König.
• Price: 25,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: seat width 48 cm, seat height from the floor 45-55 cm, backrest dimensions 58x66 cm, product height including headrest 103 cm.
• Pros: the body is affected by air compression, not a roller mechanism, the armrests are adjustable, so the product is suitable for users of any height.
• Cons: no 3D or vibration massage functions, no heating.

iRest

Those who are planning to buy an iRest massage chair should take into account that products of this brand are produced primarily for vending. The advantages of massage equipment are modern design, high-quality materials, reinforced design, large selection of programs, ease of operation and low cost. In addition, iRest equipment has a long service life. When choosing an option for the office, it is worth highlighting the following product:

• Model name: Power Chair GJ-B2B-1.
• Price: 25,000-30,900 rubles.
• Characteristics: artificial leather material, weight 24 kg, working dimensions (LxWxH) 155x55x45-54.5 cm, seat adjustment 45-54.5 cm, motor power 20 W, power supply 100-240 V.
• Pros: thanks to its unique design, the equipment provides several types of massage: neck, shoulder girdle, buttocks. With prolonged use, air cushions break up salt deposits formed between the spinal discs.
• Cons: no foot massage.

For those who are looking for a massage chair that can massage even their arms and feet, this product is suitable:

• Model name: SL-A 92 Classic Exclusive Plus.
• Price: 149,000 rubles.
• Characteristics: maximum user weight 120 kg, voltage 220 V, 2-year warranty, automatic height adjustment function.
• Pros: distinctive feature is a hand massage in a vertical position, there is an individual scanning function, infrared back heating, zero space, zero-g and memory functions are provided (remembers the data of three users).
• Cons: no 3D or vibration massage functions, no heating, no MP3 player.

How to choose a massage chair

Only at first glance, massage chairs are simple. In fact, they differ from each other in almost all respects, so before purchasing such expensive equipment, you need to decide exactly which characteristics are your priority. The following tips will help you make your choice as simple as possible:

1. Decide what you need the product for: for installation at home or in the office break room. After this, evaluate the dimensions of the selected equipment - it should not be squeezed into a narrow space, especially if there are still moving elements.
2. Find out how many motors the model is equipped with - the intensity of its impact and durability depend on this.
3. Please note whether a massaging speed controller is provided. It’s good if the equipment provides a multifunctional massage function, for example, a vibrating massage with a roller.
4. Consider equipment equipped with detectors - they will scan your parameters in a few minutes and develop an individual program.
5. Find out if the chair has built-in acoustic equipment - it doubles the healing results of the massage.
6. Remember that when purchasing even an inexpensive model, you must be provided with a warranty and service for the product (for 3-5 years).

Many people think that massage is a completely harmless medical procedure. However, it is important to consider that there are contraindications to massage, which are extremely important to take into account. In order to avoid problems, it is worth considering in which cases the massage procedure should be postponed for a while or not done at all. Massage is a rather aggressive effect on the whole human body, therefore certain diseases or conditions may become contraindications:

• general (applies to all clients);
• absolute (prohibited completely);
• temporary (prohibited for a certain time);
• local (massage of only certain areas of the body is prohibited);
• special (for children, pregnant women).

Among the general contraindications to massage, including those performed by massage chairs, one can highlight the presence high temperature, impaired intestinal function, various skin diseases, acute inflammatory diseases, including blood and lymphatic vessels, varicose veins veins, tendency to bleeding, heart disease, etc.

Of course, any tumors, both benign and malignant, will be absolute contraindications for massage. Gangrene, trophic ulcers, some blood diseases, circulatory failure, heart defects at the stage of decompensation, active form of tuberculosis, liver or kidney failure, any sexually transmitted diseases are quite a serious reason for refusing a massage.

It is important to consider that some contraindications to massage may sometimes be temporary. The restriction on this procedure can be lifted after the existing acute inflammatory or purulent processes have ended and other conditions that were also the reason for the ban have passed.

Also, general massage is not recommended in the postoperative period if the patient experiences blood loss, acute cardiovascular failure, decreased blood supply, pulmonary edema, liver or kidney failure, or acute allergic skin reactions.

While manual massage, for which massage tables are usually used, is not possible for serious skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis, for minor skin lesions or local allergic rashes, massage can be performed in areas that are at a distance from the affected area.

It is also important to consider contraindications for self-massage. You should not rub or massage the abdomen, lumbar region, or thigh muscles during the entire period of pregnancy, after childbirth, or after an abortion for two months. You cannot perform self-massage of the abdomen with a hernia, during menstruation, if kidney stones are detected or gallbladder. Also, self-massage of the lumbar region and hip area is not recommended in the presence of fibroids, as well as in cases of exacerbation of kidney disease. But at the same time, massage of all other parts of the body is possible.

For children of preschool and school age, massage is subject to almost the same contraindications as for adults. Massage for infants has a number of specific features, and is integral part physical education, therefore it is used, as a rule, together with gymnastics and hardening.

Relax in a massage chair after a hard day at work - what could be better? Vigor, health and good mood are guaranteed. But can everyone use this device? Are there any contraindications for massage in such chairs?

Indications for using a massage chair

The main purpose of a massage chair is to quickly relieve a person of tension, both physical and nervous. In addition, it is recommended to use the chair when:

Taking into account all the indications, a massage chair will be a real salvation for:

Contraindications when using a massage chair

There is nothing universal, and, unfortunately, even such a wonderful thing as massage has its contraindications.

Firstly, a massage session should last no more than 30 minutes a day.

Secondly, you cannot use massage chairs:

If you fall into one of the above categories, you should definitely consult a doctor before getting a massage. You may find a compromise in the form of limiting techniques or attending a traditional massage course.

How does this work?

Each massage chair model is individual, but the work can be roughly divided into three stages:

Diagnosis is carried out on the basis of the main anthropological indicators: height, weight, shoulder height and spine.

Depending on the diagnostic results and the massage program, the chair adjusts the angle of inclination, leg support, massage mechanisms and program to the user.

Types of massage in chairs

Programs in such chairs are created by analogy with real techniques of massage therapists. As a rule, the standard set of any model includes:

Some chair models allow you to save programs, eliminating the need for the user to adjust the settings each time.

If you have no contraindications to massage, then a massage chair will become a wonderful friend for you and your family members, who will help you with daily relaxation, improve your well-being and maintain your health.
Take care of your health and the health of those you care about!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

You might think that a massage chair is the best way out of a situation when there is simply not enough time to visit a massage therapist. But is there any real reason to call such a home gadget useful, safe and convenient?

For diseases of the spine, the chair cannot be recommended: the individual characteristics of the body require a careful and careful approach. But in the absence of serious pathologies, it will be an excellent assistant for muscle tension and problems with blood circulation.

Reviews from doctors are positive character, although doctors remind that hardware massage has contraindications. We should not forget about the price of the chair: such a purchase is a serious blow to the wallet, so the choice of a massage device must be approached with special care.

Indications

This interesting chair is not much different from the usual one. The secret lies in his internal structure. In addition to the soft internal filler, it has a massage mechanism that different models varies. To appreciate the significance of this installation, let’s try to understand the principles of its operation.

Installations equipped with massage rollers are considered simple. Often the roller and vibration modes are combined, which allows you to achieve the greatest relaxation during the massage. More complex models include vacuum and air mechanisms that provide a better, full-body massage.

The chair may have the following functions:

• acupuncture massage,
• muscle massage,
• preventive and restorative massage,
• relaxing massage,
• anti-cellulite massage.

Massage systems have a beneficial effect on the spine, improve blood circulation, and provide complete relaxation of the spinal and calf muscles. Operation is determined by a program that provides several operating modes. The main task of the installation is to relieve a person of any kind of tension, including nervous tension. Indications for its use include:

• little physical activity,
• stress,
• problems with blood circulation,
• sports loads,
• swelling.

Getting a chair for home massage is worth it for those who have problems with excess weight. Regular massage will improve metabolism and lead to faster breakdown of fats. In addition, installations of this kind can improve blood circulation and get rid of cellulite.

The high popularity of chairs is explained by the fact that the number of professions associated with mental work and excluding physical activity is growing every day. Stimulation of various zones avoids their atrophy. Massage systems can improve brain activity by increasing blood flow.

Contraindications

There are few contraindications. Among them:

• oncological diseases,
• serious gynecological problems in women,
• pregnancy,
• circulatory disorders,
• infectious diseases,
• childhood,
• chronic ulcer.

It should be remembered that the time of one session should not exceed 30 minutes. Otherwise, headaches, muscle fatigue, and poor circulation may occur.