Heated massage chair therapy combines the highly choreographed movements of rollers and air cells with heat to maximize the benefits of a massage session. In other words, heated massage chairs enable your muscles to warm and loosen so your body gets the maximum benefits from the massage rollers and air cells.
The lumbar heating technique, for example, dramatically reduces tightness of the joints and muscles in the lower back so the massage rollers and air cells can better mobilize this sensitive area of the body.
An Overview of Massage Chair Movements
Massage chairs employ mechanical rollers that move up and down the body along a vertical track. The rollers move in various ways to mimic the motions of a massage therapist. Some massage chairs, of course, are more advanced than others and might have massage mechanisms with 3D capability (in-out motion to change the depth of massage) or 4D capability (ability to change the speed at which the rollers are moving).
Most massage chairs also use air cells that inflate to provide compression and to stabilize certain parts of the body as they are massaged by rollers.
Heated massage chairs build upon the massage provided by rollers and air cells by placing heating elements throughout the chair, or even on the massage rollers themselves. People who have experienced this type of session say nothing beats a reclining massage chair with heat!
The Science Behind Heated Massage Chair Therapy
Heat therapy massage combines thermal therapy and massage therapy.
Thermal therapy.
Thermal therapy (or heat therapy) consists of the application of heat to manipulate the cutaneous and intra-articular areas, increasing the temperature of soft tissues. A primary goal of thermal therapy in a heated massage chair is to improve the symptoms of certain conditions associated with poor blood circulation. Thermal therapy creates higher tissue temperatures to dilate blood vessels in the muscles, increasing the supply of nutrient-rich blood to the target area. Individuals who suffer from fibromyalgia, bursitis, and muscle spasms may benefit from thermal therapy.Massage therapy.
Peer-reviewed research has shown that a massage can help relieve pain, reduce depression, and even lower blood pressure. A heated massage can also enhance the performance and recovery rate of muscles. In addition, massage can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with the production of serotonin and endorphins that relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve mood.
In layman’s terms, heated massage chair therapy can improve blood circulation in major muscle groups, relax overly tight muscles, and improve overall wellness. Time in a heated chair massager will likely also help you sleep better. See below for more details about how a heated massage chair can improve your health and wellness.
The Benefits of Heated Massage Chair Therapy
An advanced massage chair with heat can enhance your physical health in several ways, while also positively impacting your mental and emotional health. Here are several of the benefits using a heated massage chair regularly can provide to you:
Improve your emotional state
Approximately 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety or depression. Heated massage chair therapy has been known to calm and comfort users, especially when it is done regularly. Massage chairs that utilize heated rollers and air cells for compression effectively alleviate the feelings associated with anxiety, in particular. People who own heated massage chairs find them to be an oasis of calm in a hectic world.
Loosen your muscles
There is a reason heated massage chair therapy is so popular among people who lead active lifestyles, from professional athletes to “weekend warriors.” Our muscles are interconnected and, over time, pain that develops in one area can affect others, decreasing range of motion and making it difficult to move efficiently. A heated massage chair breaks down this rigidity, including by releasing the buildup of lactic acid, which is the byproduct of an overused muscle. The movements of a heated chair help free muscle fibers and improve blood circulation in affected areas.
Improve your flexibility
Loosening rigid muscles improves flexibility, and greater flexibility helps the body in several ways. These benefits include reducing the chance of injury, improving posture, and enhancing the physical performance of major muscle groups. Many heated massage chairs have programs designed with input from physical therapists and chiropractors specifically to improve flexibility and mobility. And, of course, being more flexible and mobile can greatly improve your quality of life.
Enhance your blood circulation
You may not often think about how blood is circulating in your body, but like other measures of physical performance, circulation varies—and adequate circulation is essential to good health. According to a University of Illinois at Chicago study, regular massage improves vascular function, even in individuals who do not exercise. This suggests that regular massages have benefits for people regardless of their physical condition or activity level.
Improve your lymphatic drainage
The lymphatic system carries waste products away from tissues. It is a complex system that leverages contractions of the smooth muscles in the lymph vessels and movement of skeletal muscles to excrete waste. Study results have been mixed, but some suggest that regular sessions in a heated massage chair can aid in the manual drainage of lymph nodes.
Improve your digestion
One of the benefits of regular heated massage therapy that people may not know about is better digestion. The entire body experiences relaxation from sessions in a heated massage chair, and that includes the stomach and intestines. The combination of that relaxation with better blood circulation helps your stomach and other organs perform at an optimal level. Improved functioning of the digestive tract means your body processes food and obtains nutrients more effectively, and that can positively impact your whole body.
What To Look For in Heated Massage Chairs
There are many heated massage chairs on the market, each with a unique set of features. However, it is important to focus less on individual functions and more on the overall experience and benefits you get from using a particular chair.
For example, some people want a heated massage chair to help with occasional body aches while others are looking to improve exercise recovery or address a specific therapeutic need. How a heated chair massager achieves the goal is less important than the fact that it does achieve it.
So, an inexpensive heated massage chair with a basic massage mechanism may be adequate for your needs. However, higher-end models offer a variety of features that you may find useful and enjoyable. This might include a broader array of motions like kneading, rolling, tapping, and reflexology.
It is also important to consider what particular body parts you need your reclining massage chair with heat to address. For instance, will the chair massage your limbs? Can it reach your neck and shoulders effectively? These are important considerations.
You will also want to look into how a heat therapy massage chair manipulates your muscles. Rollers are more precise but are mainly used on the back, feet, and occasionally the calves and forearms. Air cells are less precise, but are commonly used for arms and legs where rollers are not practical. Here again, your needs and objectives will determine the relative importance of different massage chair technologies and features.
Where To Purchase Your Heated Massage Chair
A final factor to keep in mind as you shop for a heated massage chair is who you purchase it from. Your chair represents a significant investment. Consequently, you want to buy from a trusted industry leader.
It should be an organization that offers a carefully curated collection of highly rated massage chairs so you can experience many different models as you research your purchase. The company should also have helpful, knowledgeable sales representatives to guide you through your decision-making process. In addition, attentive after-sales service and outstanding warranties are crucial. Furniture For Life meets these criteria and more.
Once you have purchased your heated massage chair, started using it, and recognize what a game-changer it is for your health and happiness, you will not want to experience any disruption in its availability. Advanced massage chairs are extremely durable, but if a problem arises, our team springs into action to help you get the in-home service you need promptly.
