Put up-workout therapeutic massage is related to a spread of advantages, like much less soreness, higher vary of movement, and speedier restoration, says bodily therapist Megan McLain, PT, DPT. However in the event you don’t have the funds to splurge on an expert therapeutic massage after each class, utilizing a therapeutic massage chair can have related results. To search out the perfect therapeutic massage chairs, we spoke with 4 physiotherapy specialists who agree that the highest choices in the marketplace don’t simply vibrate—they’ve key options like a spread of therapeutic massage strategies and customizable settings.
Utilizing this recommendation, we evaluated dozens of top-rated therapeutic massage chairs in the marketplace. We’ve additionally examined six expert-approved chairs within the Verywell Testing Lab, sitting in them for 20 minutes every and attempting every setting. When testing, we be aware how comfy every chair is to take a seat in, how simple it’s to make use of, and the way a lot aid we really feel after utilizing it. Our high picks have acquired excessive scores for consolation, strain, ease of use, effectiveness, design, and total worth. Another excuse to belief our suggestions? We had a board-certified scientific specialist in orthopedic bodily remedy and an athletic coach from our Assessment Board evaluation this text for accuracy and find out how to use a therapeutic massage chair successfully and safely.
What to Know Earlier than You Get Began
Whereas therapeutic massage chairs could be useful for relieving rigidity and stress, you shouldn’t use them in case you have any critical accidents. It is a good suggestion to communicate along with your healthcare supplier first earlier than utilizing or buying a therapeutic massage chair to keep away from any potential discomfort, accidents, or different problems.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: L-track | Dimensions: 30.5 x 57.1 x 44.1 inches | Weight Capability: 260 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for taller individuals who have devoted house for a therapeutic massage chair, since this one is on the bigger aspect.
Why We Love It
After hours spent researching and testing the highest choices, Osaki’s OS-Champ is our favourite therapeutic massage chair as a result of it affords critical aid at an awesome value. This L-track therapeutic massage chair doesn’t simply goal the again muscular tissues after a tricky exercise—its kneading rollers labored their manner from our necks to our hamstrings, whereas 18 compressive airbags massaged our legs and arms.
We love that this chair is extremely comfy to take a seat and recline in, even earlier than it’s turned on. Utilizing the included distant, it’s simple to decide on your required settings or go for one among 5 auto-massage modes. The minute we began utilizing the OS-Champ, we have been stunned by how a lot the zero-gravity reclining place made a distinction in how intense the therapeutic massage felt. After only one brief session, we skilled rapid, full-body aid.
We additionally like that the OS-Champ is designed to accommodate a wide range of customers. There’s an adjustable headrest and an optionally available prolonged footrest with acupressure therapeutic massage rollers for taller folks. Different handy options, like a distant holder that additionally suits a smartphone and a built-in lumbar heater, make this chair stand out as an awesome worth for the worth, in comparison with others we examined.
Potential Flaws
- This chair has a 260-pound weight capability, which is low in comparison with others on our checklist.
- We discovered that the chair affords a reasonably intense therapeutic massage that bordered on an excessive amount of after we tried sure settings.
Most Precious Perception
“I actually by no means as soon as thought a therapeutic massage chair could be this efficient, however I would like this for my home. However I additionally don’t—as a result of if I had it, I’d by no means get out of it.”—Donna Freydkin, affiliate director of product testing and Verywell Match product tester
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: L-track | Dimensions: 61 x 29.5 x 45.1 inches | Weight Capability: 330 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who get pleasure from mild strain, particularly in the event you’re in search of a completely immersive expertise.
Why We Love It
iRest’s A306 Therapeutic massage Chair has three zero-gravity modes—essentially the most of any chair on our checklist. It’s additionally distinctive in that it affords 5 therapeutic massage varieties: shiatsu, kneading, knocking, tapping, and kneading and tapping. Every one targets completely different muscle teams, and we discovered that all the settings have been comfy—not too mild or too intense. Adjustable velocity and depth settings, 12 therapeutic massage modes, and a built-in lumbar heater present focused aid proper the place you want it, whether or not that’s in your again after a scorching yoga class or in your calves after a marathon.
We like that the iRest has Bluetooth audio system for a greater sound expertise and AI voice controls, though it’s value noting that we had some issue setting voice instructions up throughout testing. After utilizing the chair, we observed that the mild strain felt soothing and stress-free. Considered one of our editors even discovered that she had higher circulation in her fingers and toes. We additionally recognize that it has the highest weight capability on our checklist.
Potential Flaws
- We expect the distant and management panel are fairly simple to make use of. Nonetheless, we don’t like that you must sit up mid-massage and take your arms out of the armrests to regulate the chair’s settings.
- We observed that the chair’s thick padding makes the seating, arm, and leg areas pretty slender.
Most Precious Perception
“The warmth function on the again is soothing and comfy: It looks like taking a scorching bathtub after being out within the chilly.”—Jennifer Montes, Verywell Match product tester
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Straightforward to make use of
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Smooth design
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Nice worth
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: S-track | Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 43 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Score: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for folks in search of an S-track chair who get pleasure from mild strain.
Why We Love It
If all you need to do if you get house from the fitness center is relax and calm down, we suggest Actual Loosen up’s Favor-03 ADV Therapeutic massage Chair. We recognize that the backrest is supportive and comfy at each angle, even whereas utilizing the chair’s zero-gravity settings. Six therapeutic massage packages—plus customizable velocity, depth, and goal space settings—make it simple to tailor the chair’s options to your wants.
We love how simple it’s to make use of, with a clear instruction handbook, an LED display screen that retains observe of which physique components are at present being massaged, and Bluetooth connectivity that took us lower than two minutes to arrange. Since that is an S-track therapeutic massage chair, its dual-core rollers cease on the decrease again. We discovered that it offered loads of aid, though the air compression function within the legs and arms wasn’t as intense as we might have preferred. Even so, we predict the chair’s spectacular capabilities, mid-range value, and modern design make it a strong funding.
Potential Flaws
- Like iRest’s A306, Actual Loosen up’s Favor-03 ADV supplies lighter strain that might not be for everybody. If you happen to want a deeper, extra intense therapeutic massage, we suggest Osaki’s OS-Champ.
- As a result of that is an S-track therapeutic massage chair, it doesn’t supply the identical protection as our L-track favorites. (In S-track chairs, the rollers cease on the base of your backbone, whereas rollers in L-track chairs lengthen to your glutes and hamstrings.)
Most Precious Perception
“This therapeutic massage chair is very easy to make use of. I like you can simply see which physique half it’s concentrating on on the LED display screen.”—Krisha Joshi, Verywell Match product tester
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No lumbar assist
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Complicated controls
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: Not listed | Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 40 inches | Weight Capability: 285 kilos | Zero-Gravity: No | Heated: Sure | Our Total Score: 4/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who need a therapeutic massage chair that gives intense strain, blends in with their present furnishings, and doesn’t take up an excessive amount of house.
Why We Love It
For intense strain that targets deep knots, stiff necks, and sore toes, we suggest Human Contact’s WholeBody 7.1 Therapeutic massage Chair. Every half focuses on kneading out aches and pains beneath the floor—and we reaped the advantages even on the bottom settings. The slim distant supplies loads of methods to customise your session (or select from 5 auto therapeutic massage modes), whereas the footrest massages your calves in a soothing, upward figure-eight movement.
In contrast to many of the different chairs on our checklist, this one has a basic design that’s paying homage to a standard reclining armchair. It additionally has a smaller footprint, making it one among our favourite choices for small areas. Select from black, brown, grey, or ivory leather-based to praise your house’s decor.
Potential Flaws
- We want this chair had extra lumbar assist, like others on our checklist. However we like that it has neck and toes massagers, for a full-body expertise.
- The distant is small however has many buttons, which we discovered barely overwhelming. You could must seek the advice of the chair’s instruction information till you get the hold of the controls.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: Fastened | Dimensions: 30 x 7.8 x 19.6 inches | Weight Capability: Not listed | Zero-Gravity: No | Heated: Sure | Our Total Score: 4.8/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who want aid, however who don’t have the funds or house to splurge on a full-sized therapeutic massage chair.
Why We Love It
For small areas and budgets, you may’t go incorrect with Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager With Soothing Warmth. This moveable cushion has nice lumbar assist and heated therapeutic massage components that present kneading, rolling, or particular spot therapies for sore muscular tissues. After we tried it, we have been stunned by how effectively it labored—the truth is, it scored greater than some therapeutic massage chairs we examined.
We recognize that this cushion works for most physique varieties and could be connected to most chairs. The strain is stronger than we anticipated, successfully concentrating on deep knots and basic rigidity. Whether or not you’re wanting so as to add consolation to lodge armchairs, workplace desk chairs, or your sofa at house, Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager may help.
Potential Flaws
- Since this cushion is on the thicker aspect, we suggest utilizing it in deep chairs or armchairs.
Most Precious Perception
“I used to be genuinely impressed by how efficient this therapeutic massage cushion is, for a conveyable one! The strain of the shiatsu was intense in a extremely good way.”—Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Though we didn’t attempt these therapeutic massage chairs within the Verywell Testing Lab for ourselves, we nonetheless assume they’re value contemplating. They’ve options, settings, and costs which might be akin to many fashions we examined:
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Constructed-in lumbar heater
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Expandable footrest
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: Fastened | Dimensions: 57 X 30 X 46 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest in the event you’re on a funds, however don’t need to sacrifice on options.
Why We Love It
For a feature-packed, budget-friendly possibility, we like Latitude Run’s Vegan Leather-based Heated Therapeutic massage Chair. It has six automated therapeutic massage modes, an expandable footrest, and a zero-gravity setting. Just like Actual Loosen up’s Favor-03 ADV Therapeutic massage Chair, this chair additionally makes use of air compression to use mild strain to your legs and arms.
A built-in lumbar heater and Bluetooth audio system add a high-end really feel. We additionally recognize you can customise the energy, velocity, and goal space of your therapeutic massage. And at lower than half the worth of our high total decide, you could be assured you’re getting a nice worth.
Potential Flaws
- Some customers be aware that the chair is not as adjustable, which means it could’t accommodate as many heights and physique varieties as a few of our different high picks.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: L-track | Dimensions: 60.3 x 29.5 x 44 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who need to splurge a bit on a compact L-track chair with high-tech options.
Why We Love It
A lot of our high picks are full-body therapeutic massage chairs—however Interior Steadiness Wellness’ Jin 2.0 Deluxe Heated Therapeutic massage Chair has further options that make it stand out from the remaining. For one factor, it scans your physique to supply a customized therapeutic massage based mostly on the size of your backbone and the width of your shoulders.
We additionally love that it has two far infrared heaters: One lumber heater (like many different chairs on our checklist) and one other in your calves. There’s additionally a footrest that extends so as to add one other 6 inches if wanted. Even higher? You solely want two inches of clearance between the chair and the wall, so it could simply slot in smaller areas.
Potential Flaws
- This chair’s 300-pound weight capability and 6-foot top capability are decrease than some others on our checklist.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: L-track | Dimensions: 71 x 29 x 45 inches | Weight Capability: 285 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest for tall individuals who need a bigger chair that doesn’t skimp on high-tech options.
Why We Love It
Human Contact’s Quies Therapeutic massage Chair comfortably accommodates folks as much as 6 toes, 9 inches tall. We love that it has an extendable footrest, plus a variety of automated and customizable therapeutic massage settings.
The Quies Chair has S- and L-track rollers that run out of your neck to your hamstrings and apply mild strain to your total physique. It additionally boasts a zero-gravity mode, two built-in lumbar heaters, a USB charging port, and Bluetooth audio system. These spectacular options add as much as a thoughtfully designed therapeutic massage chair that we predict is unquestionably well worth the greater price ticket.
Potential Flaws
- This is among the priciest chairs on our checklist, though we predict you get what you pay for.
- The 285-pound weight capability isn’t the bottom on our checklist, however we want it have been greater, contemplating this chair’s height-inclusive design.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: L-track | Dimensions: 63 x 34 x 46 inches | Weight Capability: 285 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest for folks with the funds to splurge on a high-quality, high-end therapeutic massage chair with distinctive options.
Why We Love It
A mild, heated therapeutic massage can go a great distance if you’re recovering from an harm. Human Contact’s Tremendous Novo Therapeutic massage Chair affords deep tissue, full-body immersion, and different modes which might be focused towards rest and restoration. We like that it has 38 packages—essentially the most of any chair on our checklist—plus different extremely customizable options that work in tandem to supply efficient, total-body aid.
The chair’s extra-long L-track is lined with rollers that may swap up their velocity and cadence to imitate the texture of human fingers. There’s additionally a lumbar heater, heated leg and foot massagers, and compressive airbags that assist soothe every thing from the neck down. Plus, we love the chair’s Digital Therapist setting, which creates a customized therapeutic massage expertise based mostly in your particular person wants and preferences.
Potential Flaws
- This chair is the costliest on our checklist. Nonetheless, we really feel it’s well worth the funding, contemplating what number of customizable settings it has.
- For the worth, this chair’s 285-pound weight capability might be greater.
Therapeutic massage Chairs We Additionally Examined
We examined six chairs, however solely 5 made it onto our closing checklist of suggestions. This one simply didn’t evaluate to our favorites:
- CONHOMA’s Recliner Chair Therapeutic massage Rocker is budget-friendly, and the included distant is simple to make use of. However its fundamental vibration doesn’t present any form of therapeutic massage. We additionally want it was bigger and extra comfy to take a seat in.
What to Search for When Looking for Therapeutic massage Chairs
- Worth: For a therapeutic massage that checks all of our specialists’ packing containers, you’ll seemingly must spend between $700 and $5,000. Much less-expensive chairs could not have as many fancy options, however they are often simply as efficient as higher-priced fashions.
- Therapeutic massage Tracks: Most therapeutic massage chairs have rollers inside to assist knead stiff muscular tissues. These rollers are positioned alongside both an S-track or an L-track. S-tracks begin at your neck and cease at your decrease again, creating an S form. L-tracks begin at your neck and lengthen to your hamstrings, creating an L form. Many individuals want therapeutic massage chairs with L-tracks as a result of they provide extra protection, however remember that they are often tough to seek out at lower cost factors.
- Therapeutic massage Settings: The specialists we spoke with agree—your therapeutic massage chair shouldn’t simply vibrate. As an alternative, it ought to use a spread of therapeutic massage strategies and have a number of adjustable settings so that you can select from. When evaluating chairs, think about their options: What number of therapeutic massage modes have they got? Which therapeutic massage strategies are used (kneading, rolling, and many others.)? Are you able to regulate the velocity, depth, and site of your therapeutic massage?
- Consolation: Your therapeutic massage chair ought to really feel comfy and supportive, McLain says. Make sure that it’s giant and durable sufficient to accommodate your full top and weight. Ideally, it also needs to have a height-adjustable footrest.
- Extra Options: Each therapeutic massage chair on our checklist has some further options that add to your therapeutic massage expertise. These embrace Bluetooth audio system, voice controls, and heaters that concentrate on your again, legs, or arms—a favourite of Tom Walters’, PT, DPT, CSCS, a board-certified orthopedic bodily therapist. If you happen to can’t resolve between a number of chairs, contemplating their further options may help you select the correct one in your wants.
How We Chosen and Examined the Greatest Therapeutic massage Chairs
To search out the perfect therapeutic massage chairs, we’ve spoken with 4 physiotherapy specialists, together with a therapeutic massage therapist and three bodily therapists. We’ve additionally researched dozens of chairs in the marketplace and chosen six fashions to attempt for ourselves within the Verywell Testing Lab thus far. Our editors who take a look at therapeutic massage chairs usually have muscle stiffness after sleeping in sure positions and sitting at work all day. Throughout the analysis and testing course of, we consider every chair based mostly on the next key standards:
- Consolation: As we sit in every chair, we assess how comfy they’re earlier than we even flip them on. We’re checking to see how cushioned and padded every part of the chair is, from the headrest to the footrest (if there may be one). We additionally ensure that to check out the lumbar assist and any adjustable components, if the chair has them.
- Stress: As soon as we flip the chair on, we attempt all the settings to see how intense the therapeutic massage feels. We be aware how customizable every therapeutic massage setting is, in addition to whether or not the chair lets us select between completely different therapeutic massage strategies (like kneading and tapping).
- Ease of Use: All through the testing interval, we think about how simple the chair and its controls are to make use of. Is the distant intuitive, or can we continuously must confer with an instruction handbook to seek out the correct settings? Is every thing labeled clearly, and is the person information written effectively?
- Effectiveness: After we’re completed testing the chair, we assess how efficient it was at relieving rigidity, ache, and soreness. Will we really feel extra relaxed than earlier than? How do our muscular tissues really feel?
- Design: Since most therapeutic massage chairs are giant and can keep in your house for a very long time, we additionally think about how each is designed. Does it take up a variety of house? Does it look modern and trendy or cumbersome and clunky?
- Total Worth: After we’ve examined all the chairs and evaluated them in each different class, we verify the worth tag. If we predict the worth is honest, contemplating how the therapeutic massage chair carried out in our take a look at, we assign it a excessive total worth rating.
Our Specialists
- Megan McLain, PT, DPT, a bodily therapist and co-owner of Intuitive Alternative Bodily Remedy & Wellness in Peachtree Metropolis, Georgia
- Tom Walters, PT, DPT, CSCS, a board-certified orthopedic bodily therapist based mostly in Santa Barbara, California
- Madelaine Bates, a therapeutic massage therapist at Brentwood Physio in Calgary (in Alberta, Canada)
- Jordan Beall, PT, DPT, a bodily therapist at Tribeca Bodily Remedy in New York Metropolis
Often Requested Questions
Are therapeutic massage chairs value having?
Even the perfect therapeutic massage chairs can’t substitute a talented therapeutic massage therapist, Bate says. However they will supply a few of the identical advantages, like much less stress, muscle stiffness, and ache—so, sure, we predict it’s value investing in a single, particularly in case you have these signs usually.
Is it okay to take a seat in a therapeutic massage chair on daily basis?
Most likely, in accordance with Bate and Walters, however take heed to your physique. Sitting in a therapeutic massage chair for too lengthy might probably worsen your ache as an alternative of relieving it, Walters says—so in the event you begin to really feel any ache or discomfort, take a break.
What number of years does a therapeutic massage chair final?
It is dependent upon what sort of chair you purchase, how effectively it’s made, how usually you utilize it, and the way effectively you handle it. However usually talking, you may count on your therapeutic massage chair to final between 5 and 20 years.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Lindsey Lanquist is an skilled health and way of life author who cares about connecting folks with merchandise they’ll love. As an avid exerciser, Lindsey understands the worth of post-workout therapeutic massage—and each time she’s used high-tech therapeutic massage chairs, she’s discovered the expertise dreamy.
Extra reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a author and editor who’s all the time diving into the most recent well being and health analysis. With over 20 years of dance expertise, she is aware of how essential it’s to maintain your physique feeling rested and relaxed, so you may sort out your health objectives.