Publish-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 when you don’t have the finances to splurge on knowledgeable therapeutic massage after each class, utilizing a therapeutic massage chair can have related results. To seek out the most effective 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 methods 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 making an attempt every setting. When testing, we notice how snug every chair is to take a seat in, how straightforward it’s to make use of, and the way a lot aid we really feel after utilizing it. Our high picks have obtained excessive scores for consolation, stress, ease of use, effectiveness, design, and general worth. Another excuse to belief our suggestions? We had a board-certified scientific specialist in orthopedic bodily remedy and an athletic coach from our Evaluate Board assessment this text for accuracy and methods to use a therapeutic massage chair successfully and safely.
What to Know Earlier than You Get Began
Whereas therapeutic massage chairs may be helpful for relieving rigidity and stress, you shouldn’t use them you probably 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 issues.
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 presents critical aid at an ideal worth. This L-track therapeutic massage chair doesn’t simply goal the again muscular tissues after a troublesome exercise—its kneading rollers labored their approach from our necks to our hamstrings, whereas 18 compressive airbags massaged our legs and arms.
We love that this chair is extremely snug to take a seat and recline in, even earlier than it’s turned on. Utilizing the included distant, it’s straightforward 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 had been shocked 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 speedy, 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-obligatory prolonged footrest with acupressure therapeutic massage rollers for taller individuals. 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 ideal worth for the value, 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 record.
- We discovered that the chair presents a reasonably intense therapeutic massage that bordered on an excessive amount of once we tried sure settings.
Most Useful Perception
“I actually by no means as soon as thought a therapeutic massage chair can 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 take pleasure in gentle stress, particularly when you’re on the lookout for a completely immersive expertise.
Why We Love It
iRest’s A306 Therapeutic massage Chair has three zero-gravity modes—probably the most of any chair on our record. It’s additionally distinctive in that it presents 5 therapeutic massage sorts: shiatsu, kneading, knocking, tapping, and kneading and tapping. Each targets totally different muscle teams, and we discovered that all the settings had been snug—not too gentle 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 sizzling 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 price noting that we had some issue setting voice instructions up throughout testing. After utilizing the chair, we observed that the gentle stress felt soothing and stress-free. Certainly one of our editors even discovered that she had higher circulation in her palms and ft. We additionally recognize that it has the highest weight capability on our record.
Potential Flaws
- We predict the distant and management panel are fairly straightforward 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 observed that the chair’s thick padding makes the seating, arm, and leg areas pretty slender.
Most Useful Perception
“The warmth characteristic on the again is soothing and comfy: It appears like taking a sizzling tub 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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Modern 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 individuals on the lookout for an S-track chair who take pleasure in gentle stress.
Why We Love It
If all you need to do whenever you get dwelling from the fitness center is relax and chill out, we advocate Actual Calm down’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 straightforward to tailor the chair’s options to your wants.
We love how straightforward it’s to make use of, with a clear instruction handbook, an LED display that retains monitor of which physique components 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 might have appreciated. Even so, we expect the chair’s spectacular capabilities, mid-range worth, and modern design make it a strong funding.
Potential Flaws
- Like iRest’s A306, Actual Calm down’s Favor-03 ADV gives lighter stress that might not be for everybody. Should you want 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 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 prolong to your glutes and hamstrings.)
Most Useful Perception
“This therapeutic massage chair is very easy to make use of. I like which you could simply see which physique half it’s focusing on on the LED display.”—Krisha Joshi, Verywell Match product tester
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No lumbar help
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Advanced 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 desire a therapeutic massage chair that provides 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 beneath the floor—and we reaped the advantages even on the bottom settings. The slim distant gives 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.
Not like many of the different chairs on our record, this one has a traditional design that’s harking back to a conventional 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 property’s decor.
Potential Flaws
- We want this chair had extra lumbar help, like others on our record. 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 could have to seek the advice of the chair’s instruction information till you get the hold of the controls.
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: Mounted | 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 finances 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 transportable cushion has nice lumbar help and heated therapeutic massage components that present kneading, rolling, or particular spot remedies for sore muscular tissues. After we tried it, we had been shocked 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 sorts and may be connected to most chairs. The stress is stronger than we anticipated, successfully focusing on deep knots and common rigidity. Whether or not you’re trying so as to add consolation to resort armchairs, workplace desk chairs, or your sofa at dwelling, Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager might help.
Potential Flaws
- Since this cushion is on the thicker aspect, we advocate utilizing it in deep chairs or armchairs.
Most Useful 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 extremely 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 suppose they’re price contemplating. They’ve options, settings, and costs which might be similar to many fashions we examined:
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Constructed-in lumbar heater
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Expandable footrest
Key Specs
Therapeutic massage Observe: Mounted | Dimensions: 57 X 30 X 46 inches | Weight Capability: 300 kilos | Zero-Gravity: Sure | Heated: Sure
Who It’s For
Greatest when you’re on a finances, however don’t need to sacrifice on options.
Why We Love It
For a feature-packed, budget-friendly choice, 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 Calm down’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 which you could customise the power, velocity, and goal space of your therapeutic massage. And at lower than half the value of our high general choose, you may be assured you’re getting a nice worth.
Potential Flaws
- Some customers notice that the chair is not as adjustable, which means it will possibly’t accommodate as many heights and physique sorts 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 little 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 Stability 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 record) 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 will possibly 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 record.
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 desire a bigger chair that doesn’t skimp on high-tech options.
Why We Love It
Human Contact’s Quies Therapeutic massage Chair comfortably accommodates individuals 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 whole 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 expect is unquestionably well worth the greater price ticket.
Potential Flaws
- This is among the priciest chairs on our record, though we expect you get what you pay for.
- The 285-pound weight capability isn’t the bottom on our record, however we want it had 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 individuals with the finances 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 good distance whenever you’re recovering from an harm. Human Contact’s Tremendous Novo Therapeutic massage Chair presents deep tissue, full-body immersion, and different modes which might be focused towards leisure and restoration. We like that it has 38 packages—probably the most of any chair on our record—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 velocity and cadence to imitate the texture of human palms. There’s additionally a lumbar heater, heated leg and foot massagers, and compressive airbags that assist soothe every part 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 record. Nevertheless, we really feel it’s well worth the funding, contemplating what number of customizable settings it has.
- For the value, 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 last record 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 snug to take a seat in.
What to Search for When Purchasing 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 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 prolong 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 the fact that they are often troublesome to seek out at lower cost factors.
- Therapeutic massage Settings: The consultants we spoke with agree—your therapeutic massage chair shouldn’t simply vibrate. As a substitute, it ought to use a spread of therapeutic massage methods and have plenty of 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 methods are used (kneading, rolling, and so on.)? Are you able to regulate the velocity, depth, and placement of your therapeutic massage?
- Consolation: Your therapeutic massage chair ought to really feel snug and supportive, McLain says. Be certain that it’s massive and durable sufficient to accommodate your full peak and weight. Ideally, it must also have a height-adjustable footrest.
- Further Options: Each therapeutic massage chair on our record 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. Should you can’t determine between a number of chairs, contemplating their further options might help you select the proper one in your wants.
How We Chosen and Examined the Greatest Therapeutic massage Chairs
To seek out the most effective 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 up to now. Our editors who check therapeutic massage chairs typically 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 primarily based on the next key standards:
- Consolation: As we sit in every chair, we assess how snug 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 make certain to check out the lumbar help and any adjustable components, if the chair has them.
- Strain: As soon as we flip the chair on, we strive all the settings to see how intense the therapeutic massage feels. We notice how customizable every therapeutic massage setting is, in addition to whether or not the chair lets us select between totally different therapeutic massage methods (like kneading and tapping).
- Ease of Use: All through the testing interval, we contemplate how straightforward the chair and its controls are to make use of. Is the distant intuitive, or can we continuously have to seek advice from an instruction handbook to seek out the proper settings? Is every part labeled clearly, and is the consumer 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 massive and can keep in your house for a very long time, we additionally contemplate how every one is designed. Does it take up lots of house? Does it look modern and classy or cumbersome and clunky?
- Total Worth: After we’ve examined all the chairs and evaluated them in each different class, we test the value tag. If we expect the value 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 Alternative 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
Continuously Requested Questions
Are therapeutic massage chairs price having?
Even the most effective therapeutic massage chairs can’t change a talented therapeutic massage therapist, Bate says. However they will supply among the identical advantages, like much less stress, muscle stiffness, and ache—so, sure, we expect it’s price investing in a single, particularly you probably have these signs typically.
Is it okay to take a seat in a therapeutic massage chair every single day?
Most likely, in keeping with Bate and Walters, however hearken to your physique. Sitting in a therapeutic massage chair for too lengthy might doubtlessly worsen your ache as a substitute of relieving it, Walters says—so when you begin to really feel any ache or discomfort, take a break.
What number of years does a therapeutic massage chair final?
It will depend on what sort of chair you purchase, how effectively it’s made, how typically you employ it, and the way effectively you maintain it. However typically 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 individuals 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 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.