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 for those who don’t have the funds to splurge on an expert therapeutic massage after each class, utilizing a therapeutic massage chair can have comparable results. To seek out the perfect therapeutic massage chairs, we spoke with 4 physiotherapy consultants 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 word 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, stress, ease of use, effectiveness, design, and general worth. One more reason to belief our suggestions? We had a board-certified scientific specialist in orthopedic bodily remedy and an athletic coach from our Overview Board evaluate this text for accuracy and how you can use a therapeutic massage chair successfully and safely.
What to Know Earlier than You Get Began
Whereas therapeutic massage chairs will be helpful for relieving pressure and stress, you shouldn’t use them if in case you have any critical accidents. It is a good suggestion to converse 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 Monitor: L-track | Dimensions: 30.5 x 57.1 x 44.1 inches | Weight Capability: 260 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 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 a fantastic worth. This L-track therapeutic massage chair doesn’t simply goal the again muscle tissue after a troublesome exercise—its kneading rollers labored their means 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 in all 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 quick session, we skilled quick, 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 non-compulsory prolonged footrest with acupressure therapeutic massage rollers for taller folks. Different handy options, like a distant holder that additionally matches a smartphone and a built-in lumbar heater, make this chair stand out as a fantastic 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 listing.
- We discovered that the chair affords a reasonably intense therapeutic massage that bordered on an excessive amount of once we tried sure settings.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I actually by no means as soon as thought a therapeutic massage chair could be this efficient, however I need 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 Monitor: L-track | Dimensions: 61 x 29.5 x 45.1 inches | Weight Capability: 330 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who take pleasure in mild stress, particularly for those who’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 listing. 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 the entire settings have been comfy—not too mild or too intense. Adjustable pace 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 problem setting voice instructions up throughout testing. After utilizing the chair, we seen that the mild stress felt soothing and stress-free. Certainly one of our editors even discovered that she had higher circulation in her fingers and ft. We additionally recognize that it has the highest weight capability on our listing.
Potential Flaws
- We predict the distant and management panel are fairly simple to make use of. Nevertheless, we don’t like that you need to sit up mid-massage and take your arms out of the armrests to regulate the chair’s settings.
- We seen that the chair’s thick padding makes the seating, arm, and leg areas pretty slender.
Most Beneficial Perception
“The warmth characteristic on the again is soothing and comfy: It seems like taking a scorching tub after being out within the chilly.”—Jennifer Montes, Verywell Match product tester
-
Simple to make use of
-
Modern design
-
Nice worth
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: S-track | Dimensions: 52 x 27 x 43 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4.7/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for folks in search of an S-track chair who take pleasure in mild stress.
Why We Love It
If all you wish to do whenever you get house from the gymnasium is sit back and loosen up, we advocate 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 applications—plus customizable pace, 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 monitor of which physique elements are presently 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 supplied loads of aid, though the air compression characteristic within the legs and arms wasn’t as intense as we’d have favored. Even so, we predict the chair’s spectacular capabilities, mid-range worth, and glossy design make it a strong funding.
Potential Flaws
- Like iRest’s A306, Actual Loosen up’s Favor-03 ADV offers lighter stress that will not be for everybody. If you happen to favor a deeper, extra intense therapeutic massage, we advocate Osaki’s OS-Champ.
- As a result of that is an S-track therapeutic massage chair, it doesn’t provide 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 Beneficial Perception
“This therapeutic massage chair is very easy to make use of. I like that you may simply see which physique half it’s focusing on on the LED display screen.”—Krisha Joshi, Verywell Match product tester
-
No lumbar help
-
Complicated controls
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: Not listed | Dimensions: 44 x 28 x 40 inches | Weight Capability: 285 kilos | Zero-Gravity: No | Heated: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 4/5
Who It’s For
Greatest for individuals who need a therapeutic massage chair that gives intense stress, blends in with their present furnishings, and doesn’t take up an excessive amount of house.
Why We Love It
For intense stress that targets deep knots, stiff necks, and sore ft, we advocate Human Contact’s WholeBody 7.1 Therapeutic massage Chair. Every half focuses on kneading out aches and pains under the floor—and we reaped the advantages even on the bottom settings. The slim distant offers loads of methods to customise your session (or select from 5 auto therapeutic massage modes), whereas the footrest massages your calves in a calming, upward figure-eight movement.
Not like a lot of the different chairs on our listing, this one has a traditional design that’s paying homage to a standard reclining armchair. It additionally has a smaller footprint, making it one in all 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 help, like others on our listing. However we like that it has neck and ft massagers, for a full-body expertise.
- The distant is small however has many buttons, which we discovered barely overwhelming. You might have to seek the advice of the chair’s instruction information till you get the grasp of the controls.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: Mounted | Dimensions: 30 x 7.8 x 19.6 inches | Weight Capability: Not listed | Zero-Gravity: No | Heated: Sure | Our Total Ranking: 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’ll be able to’t go flawed with Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager With Soothing Warmth. This transportable cushion has nice lumbar help and heated therapeutic massage components that present kneading, rolling, or particular spot therapies for sore muscle tissue. Once we tried it, we have been stunned by how properly it labored—actually, it scored increased than some therapeutic massage chairs we examined.
We recognize that this cushion works for most physique varieties and will be connected to most chairs. The stress is stronger than we anticipated, successfully focusing on deep knots and common pressure. Whether or not you’re wanting so as to add consolation to resort armchairs, workplace desk chairs, or your sofa at house, Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager will help.
Potential Flaws
- Since this cushion is on the thicker aspect, we advocate utilizing it in deep chairs or armchairs.
Most Beneficial Perception
“I used to be genuinely impressed by how efficient this therapeutic massage cushion is, for a conveyable one! The stress of the shiatsu was intense in a very good way.”—Abby Moore, Verywell Match product tester
Bonus Favorites
Though we didn’t strive 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 corresponding to many fashions we examined:
-
Constructed-in lumbar heater
-
Expandable footrest
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: Mounted | Dimensions: 57 X 30 X 46 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest for those who’re on a funds, however don’t wish 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. Much like Actual Loosen up’s Favor-03 ADV Therapeutic massage Chair, this chair additionally makes use of air compression to use mild stress to your legs and arms.
A built-in lumbar heater and Bluetooth audio system add a high-end really feel. We additionally recognize that you may customise the power, pace, and goal space of your therapeutic massage. And at lower than half the worth of our high general choose, you will be assured you’re getting a nice worth.
Potential Flaws
- Some customers word that the chair is not as adjustable, that means it could actually’t accommodate as many heights and physique varieties as a few of our different high picks.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: 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 wish to splurge a bit on a compact L-track chair with high-tech options.
Why We Love It
Lots 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 offer a personalised therapeutic massage primarily based 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 listing) and one other on 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 actually simply slot in smaller areas.
Potential Flaws
- This chair’s 300-pound weight capability and 6-foot peak capability are decrease than some others on our listing.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: 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 ft, 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 stress to your complete 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 certainly well worth the increased price ticket.
Potential Flaws
- This is likely one of the priciest chairs on our listing, though we predict you get what you pay for.
- The 285-pound weight capability isn’t the bottom on our listing, however we want it have been increased, contemplating this chair’s height-inclusive design.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Monitor: 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 delicate, heated therapeutic massage can go a good distance whenever you’re recovering from an damage. Human Contact’s Tremendous Novo Therapeutic massage Chair affords deep tissue, full-body immersion, and different modes which might be focused towards leisure and restoration. We like that it has 38 applications—essentially the most of any chair on our listing—plus different extremely customizable options that work in tandem to offer efficient, total-body aid.
The chair’s extra-long L-track is lined with rollers that may change up their pace 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 primarily based in your particular person wants and preferences.
Potential Flaws
- This chair is the costliest on our listing. Nevertheless, 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 may very well be increased.
Therapeutic massage Chairs We Additionally Examined
We examined six chairs, however solely 5 made it onto our ultimate listing of suggestions. This one simply didn’t examine 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 type 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 consultants’ bins, you’ll possible have to spend between $700 and $5,000. Much less-expensive chairs might 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 muscle tissue. 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 favor therapeutic massage chairs with L-tracks as a result of they provide extra protection, however remember the fact that they are often tough to search out at cheaper price factors.
- Therapeutic massage Settings: The consultants 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 numerous adjustable settings so that you can select from. When evaluating chairs, contemplate their options: What number of therapeutic massage modes have they got? Which therapeutic massage strategies are used (kneading, rolling, and so on.)? Are you able to modify the pace, depth, and site of your therapeutic massage?
- Consolation: Your therapeutic massage chair ought to really feel comfy and supportive, McLain says. Be certain that it’s massive and durable sufficient to accommodate your full peak and weight. Ideally, it also needs to have a height-adjustable footrest.
- Further Options: Each therapeutic massage chair on our listing has some further options that add to your therapeutic massage expertise. These embody Bluetooth audio system, voice controls, and heaters that focus 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 will help you select the fitting one on your wants.
How We Chosen and Examined the Greatest Therapeutic massage Chairs
To seek out the perfect therapeutic massage chairs, we’ve spoken with 4 physiotherapy consultants, 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 strive for ourselves within the Verywell Testing Lab thus far. Our editors who check therapeutic massage chairs typically have muscle stiffness after sleeping in sure positions and sitting at work all day. In the course of the analysis and testing course of, we consider every chair primarily based 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 to check out the lumbar help and any adjustable components, if the chair has them.
- Stress: As soon as we flip the chair on, we strive the entire settings to see how intense the therapeutic massage feels. We word 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 contemplate how simple the chair and its controls are to make use of. Is the distant intuitive, or can we continuously have to discuss with an instruction handbook to search out the fitting settings? Is every thing labeled clearly, and is the consumer information written properly?
- Effectiveness: Once we’re completed testing the chair, we assess how efficient it was at relieving pressure, ache, and soreness. Can we really feel extra relaxed than earlier than? How do our muscle tissue really feel?
- Design: Since most therapeutic massage chairs are massive and can keep in your house for a very long time, we additionally contemplate how each is designed. Does it take up quite a lot of house? Does it look glossy and trendy or cumbersome and clunky?
- Total Worth: After we’ve examined the entire chairs and evaluated them in each different class, we verify the worth tag. If we predict the worth is truthful, contemplating how the therapeutic massage chair carried out in our check, we assign it a excessive general worth rating.
Our Specialists
- Megan McLain, PT, DPT, a bodily therapist and co-owner of Intuitive Selection Bodily Remedy & Wellness in Peachtree Metropolis, Georgia
- Tom Walters, PT, DPT, CSCS, a board-certified orthopedic bodily therapist primarily based 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
Steadily Requested Questions
Are therapeutic massage chairs value having?
Even the perfect therapeutic massage chairs can’t change a talented therapeutic massage therapist, Bate says. However they’ll provide among the identical advantages, like much less stress, muscle stiffness, and ache—so, sure, we predict it’s value investing in a single, particularly if in case you have these signs typically.
Is it okay to take a seat in a therapeutic massage chair each day?
In all probability, in line with Bate and Walters, however take heed to your physique. Sitting in a therapeutic massage chair for too lengthy may probably worsen your ache as an alternative of relieving it, Walters says—so for those who begin to really feel any ache or discomfort, take a break.
What number of years does a therapeutic massage chair final?
It relies on what sort of chair you purchase, how properly it’s made, how typically you employ it, and the way properly you handle it. However typically talking, you’ll be able to anticipate your therapeutic massage chair to final between 5 and 20 years.
Why Belief Verywell Match
Lindsey Lanquist is an skilled health and life-style 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.
Further reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin
Sarah Felbin is a author and editor who’s at all times diving into the newest well being and health analysis. With over twenty years of dance expertise, she is aware of how necessary it’s to maintain your physique feeling rested and relaxed, so you’ll be able to deal with your health objectives.