In most cases, massage chairs are safe for people to use. However, yes, massage chairs can cause injury, although this is rare. Injury from a massage chair may happen if you set the roller and kneading mechanism at excessive pressure settings that are unbearable for muscles.
Or if your body already has certain pre-existing medical conditions and/or injuries, such as osteoporosis or arthritis, that worsen due to using a massage chair. In addition, if you use a massage chair for too long, it can overheat your body, dehydrate, and more.
Does it mean you shouldn’t ever use your massage chair? Well, no—there is no need to regret buying a massage chair yet. Although a massage chair can harm your body, it won’t if used properly. Be with me as I’ll teach you the potential risks and how to avoid them easily.
Can Massage Chair Cause Injury? – Key Takeaways
[su_note note_color=”#fff3ad”]
- Massage chairs can cause injury if used improperly or with excessive pressure.
- Potential risks include bruising, pinched nerves, strained muscles, and residual pain.
- Users should consult with healthcare professionals if they have pre-existing health issues, adjust the intensity, limit session duration, and maintain proper positioning.
- Covering sensitive areas and avoiding prolonged use can also help prevent injuries.[/su_note]
What Are Massage Chairs? How Do They Work?
Massage chairs are drafted to mimic the movements and pressure of a massage therapy session. They utilize features like rollers, airbags, heating pads, and vibration motors to provide a massaging experience.
Depending on what setting you set and activate on the massage chairs, they offer various types of massages and therapeutic benefits such as muscle relaxation, improved blood circulation, and reduced muscle tension.
What Are The Potential Dangers of Massage Chairs?
Massage chairs are normally safe to use, with minimal potential risks. However, some people may experience any of the following negative side effects of massage chairs, especially if they have underlying medical conditions or use them incorrectly.
1. Bruising
Bruising is one of the most common injuries caused by massage chairs. It usually occurs in areas where the rollers are concentrated, like the back, neck, and shoulders. To prevent bruising, adjust the intensity of the massage and avoid using the chair for too long.
2. Pinched Nerves
A massage chair can pinch nerves and cause lower back pain or discomfort if it is not adjusted properly. This is more likely to occur in the neck and upper back, where the rollers are most concentrated.
Then, how to avoid the issue of pinched nerves? Calibrate the chair to properly fit your body and avoid using it for too long to prevent pinched nerves.
3. Strained Muscles
Overusing a massage chair can lead to strained muscles, particularly in the neck and shoulders. This can be prevented by beginning off with smaller sessions and slowly extending the length and potency of your massages.
4. Pain
Some users may experience residual pain after a massage session. This pain is generally little and tends to last for a short duration. The pain typically begins due to the pressure employed during deep tissue massage.
To avoid pain after taking a massage, users should inspect the settings to ensure they choose the suitable vibrations and pressure to prevent impairing their muscles.
In addition, using a massage chair that cannot accommodate the user’s weight range can lead to back and muscle injuries. Users should use a chair that can support their weight to avoid sustaining injuries.
5. Circulatory Issues
Massage therapy sometimes stimulates the lymph nodes to facilitate muscle tension. So, if a user has a history of circulatory problems, vein thrombosis, or blood clots, they should seek their doctor’s suggestion prior to using a massage chair.
[su_note note_color=”#f8d3d2″]NOTE: Effective massage therapies minimize overall blood pressure due to their calming end result. Therefore, users with a history of low blood pressure should discuss this with their physician before using a massage chair.[/su_note]
7. Bone Fracture
Although rare, there is a slight risk of fracturing bones if high-pressure settings are used on the massage chair. Users with cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other diseases diluting the bones have a higher chance of sustaining injuries.
8. Overstimulation
Overindulging in a massage chair can cause fatigue and muscle soreness once you are done with the massage. Users should avoid extending their session and should use low-pressure settings to prevent overstimulation of their muscles.
How To Use Massage Chairs Safely?
While massage chairs are designed to provide relaxation and alleviate muscle tension, taking certain precautions to prevent injury is important. Consider these tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience.
1. Consult With a Healthcare Professional.
If you have any hidden health conditions or concerns, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional prior to getting massaged by a massage chair. They can guide the suitable settings and duration of use according to your individual needs.
2. Read The User Manual.
Go through the user manual provided by the manufacturer properly. This will give you important information on proper usage, including weight and height restrictions and any specific precautions to be aware of.
3. Adjust The Intensity.
Massage chairs usually come with adjustable intensity settings. Begin with a lower potency and slowly increase it as your body becomes accustomed to the massage. Avoid using excessive pressure, as this can potentially cause bruising or discomfort.
4. Avoid Using The Chair For Extended Periods.
Limiting your sessions to 15-30 minutes is recommended to prevent overexertion. Prolonged use can lead to muscle strain and discomfort.
Therefore, begin off with little sessions and moderately increase the intensity and length of your massages. This will help you avoid bruising, pinched nerves, and strained muscles.
5. Position Your Body Correctly.
Sit upright in the chair, ensuring your back is properly aligned with the chair’s backrest. Avoid leaning or slouching too far forward, as this can strain your muscles and spine.
6. Keep Sensitive Areas Protected.
If you have any recent injuries, surgical sites, or sensitive areas, it is advisable to cover them with a towel or cushion to prevent direct pressure or irritation.
FAQs
Can Massage Chairs Cause Damage?
Massage chairs, when utilized properly, are generally safe. However, improper use or excessive pressure can potentially cause bruising or muscle strains. Follow instructions and adjust settings appropriately for a safe experience.
What Happens If You Use a Massage Chair Too Much?
Overusing massage chairs can hurt and lead to muscle soreness or fatigue. Begin with small sessions, 15-30 minutes, and slowly increase duration and intensity to avoid discomfort or overstimulation.
Why Does My Body Hurt After Sitting In a Massage Chair?
Feeling body pain or soreness after using a massage chair may indicate that the pressure or intensity was too high. Adjust settings to your comfort level and listen to your body. Consult a healthcare professional if pain persists.
Can Massage Chairs Injure Your Back?
Using a massage chair incorrectly or with excessive pressure can strain your back. Therefore, always adjust the chair properly, maintain good posture, and avoid excessive pressure to prevent back injuries.
Conclusion
Even though massage chairs have much to offer, using them safely and being aware of any concerns is crucial. Possible adverse effects include bruising, pinched nerves, strained muscles, and lingering soreness.
Additionally, certain medical issues, weight restrictions, and overstimulation must be considered. Keep moderation and self-care at the forefront of your mind to reduce the likelihood of harm or discomfort.
You can use massage chairs safely and get its benefits by reading the user manual, starting gently, setting the chair appropriately, paying attention to your body, and getting expert help when necessary.
