Put up-workout therapeutic massage is related to a variety 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 price range to splurge on knowledgeable therapeutic massage after each class, utilizing a therapeutic massage chair can have comparable results. To search out the very best 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 variety 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 attempting every setting. When testing, we notice how comfy 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 acquired excessive scores for consolation, strain, ease of use, effectiveness, design, and general worth. Another excuse to belief our suggestions? We had a board-certified medical specialist in orthopedic bodily remedy and an athletic coach from our Overview Board overview this text for accuracy and easy methods to use a therapeutic massage chair successfully and safely.
What to Know Earlier than You Get Began
Whereas therapeutic massage chairs may be useful for relieving stress and stress, you shouldn’t use them when you have any severe 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 issues.
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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
Finest for taller individuals who have devoted area for a therapeutic massage chair, since this one is on the bigger facet.
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 gives severe aid at an amazing worth. This L-track therapeutic massage chair doesn’t simply goal the again muscle tissues after a tricky exercise—its kneading rollers labored their method 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 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 have 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 quite a lot of customers. There’s an adjustable headrest and an optionally available prolonged footrest with acupressure therapeutic massage rollers for taller individuals. Different handy options, like a distant holder that additionally matches a smartphone and a built-in lumbar heater, make this chair stand out as an amazing 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 gives a reasonably intense therapeutic massage that bordered on an excessive amount of once we tried sure settings.
Most Invaluable 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
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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
Finest for individuals who get pleasure from gentle strain, particularly when you’re searching for a totally 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 checklist. It’s additionally distinctive in that it gives 5 therapeutic massage varieties: shiatsu, kneading, knocking, tapping, and kneading and tapping. Every one targets totally different muscle teams, and we discovered that the entire settings have been comfy—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 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 price noting that we had some problem setting voice instructions up throughout testing. After utilizing the chair, we observed that the gentle strain felt soothing and enjoyable. One among 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 checklist.
Potential Flaws
- We predict the distant and management panel are fairly straightforward to make use of. Nevertheless, we don’t like that it’s a must 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 Invaluable Perception
“The warmth characteristic on the again is soothing and cozy: It seems like taking a scorching tub after being out within the chilly.”—Jennifer Montes, Verywell Match product tester
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Simple 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
Finest for individuals searching for an S-track chair who get pleasure from gentle strain.
Why We Love It
If all you need to do while you get dwelling from the fitness center is relax and loosen up, we suggest Actual Chill out’s Favor-03 ADV Therapeutic massage Chair. We recognize that the backrest is supportive and cozy at each angle, even whereas utilizing the chair’s zero-gravity settings. Six therapeutic massage applications—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 guide, an LED display that retains observe 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 offered loads of aid, though the air compression characteristic within the legs and arms wasn’t as intense as we might have preferred. 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 Chill out’s Favor-03 ADV offers lighter strain that is probably not for everybody. When you 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 Invaluable Perception
“This therapeutic massage chair is very easy to make use of. I like which you can 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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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
Finest for individuals who desire a therapeutic massage chair that gives intense strain, blends in with their present furnishings, and doesn’t take up an excessive amount of area.
Why We Love It
For intense strain that targets deep knots, stiff necks, and sore ft, we suggest 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 checklist, this one has a traditional design that’s paying homage 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 house’s decor.
Potential Flaws
- We want this chair had extra lumbar help, like others on our checklist. 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.
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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
Finest for individuals who want aid, however who don’t have the price range or area 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 improper with Homedics’ Shiatsu Elite II Again Massager With Soothing Warmth. This transportable cushion has nice lumbar help and heated therapeutic massage parts that present kneading, rolling, or particular spot remedies for sore muscle tissues. After we tried it, we have been shocked by how nicely it labored—in truth, it scored increased than some therapeutic massage chairs we examined.
We recognize that this cushion works for most physique varieties and may be connected to most chairs. The strain is stronger than we anticipated, successfully focusing on deep knots and common stress. 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 may also help.
Potential Flaws
- Since this cushion is on the thicker facet, we suggest utilizing it in deep chairs or armchairs.
Most Invaluable Perception
“I used to be genuinely impressed by how efficient this therapeutic massage cushion is, for a transportable 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 strive these therapeutic massage chairs within the Verywell Testing Lab for ourselves, we nonetheless assume they’re price contemplating. They’ve options, settings, and costs which are 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
Finest when you’re on a price range, 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 Chill out’s Favor-03 ADV Therapeutic massage Chair, this chair additionally makes use of air compression to use light strain 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 can customise the energy, velocity, and goal space of your therapeutic massage. And at lower than half the worth of our high general decide, 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 might probably’t accommodate as many heights and physique varieties as a few of our different high picks.
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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
Finest for individuals who need to splurge a bit of 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 Internal Steadiness Wellness’ Jin 2.0 Deluxe Heated Therapeutic massage Chair has extra options that make it stand out from the remainder. For one factor, it scans your physique to supply 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 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 might probably 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 checklist.
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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
Finest 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 light strain 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 expect is certainly definitely worth the increased price ticket.
Potential Flaws
- This is likely one of the priciest chairs on our checklist, though we expect you get what you pay for.
- The 285-pound weight capability isn’t the bottom on our checklist, however we want it have been increased, contemplating this chair’s height-inclusive design.
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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
Finest for individuals with the price range 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 while you’re recovering from an damage. Human Contact’s Tremendous Novo Therapeutic massage Chair gives deep tissue, full-body immersion, and different modes which are focused towards leisure and restoration. We like that it has 38 applications—probably 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 primarily based in your particular person wants and preferences.
Potential Flaws
- This chair is the costliest on our checklist. Nevertheless, we really feel it’s definitely 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 last 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 primary 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
- Value: For a therapeutic massage that checks all of our consultants’ packing containers, you’ll probably 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 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 troublesome to seek 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 variety of therapeutic massage methods and have numerous adjustable settings so that you can select from. When evaluating chairs, take into account their options: What number of therapeutic massage modes have they got? Which therapeutic massage methods are used (kneading, rolling, and many others.)? Are you able to regulate the velocity, depth, and placement of your therapeutic massage?
- Consolation: Your therapeutic massage chair ought to really feel comfy and supportive, McLain says. Make certain it’s giant and durable sufficient to accommodate your full peak and weight. Ideally, it must also have a height-adjustable footrest.
- Extra Options: Each therapeutic massage chair on our checklist has some extra 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. When you can’t resolve between a number of chairs, contemplating their extra options may also help you select the correct one in your wants.
How We Chosen and Examined the Finest Therapeutic massage Chairs
To search out the very best 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 to date. 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. Through 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’s one). We additionally be sure to check out the lumbar help and any adjustable parts, 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 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 take into account how straightforward the chair and its controls are to make use of. Is the distant intuitive, or can we consistently have to consult with an instruction guide to seek out the correct settings? Is every thing labeled clearly, and is the consumer information written nicely?
- Effectiveness: After we’re completed testing the chair, we assess how efficient it was at relieving stress, ache, and soreness. Will we really feel extra relaxed than earlier than? How do our muscle tissues really feel?
- Design: Since most therapeutic massage chairs are giant and can keep in your house for a very long time, we additionally take into account how each is designed. Does it take up a number of area? Does it look modern and classy 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 expect the worth is truthful, contemplating how the therapeutic massage chair carried out in our take a look at, 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
Incessantly Requested Questions
Are therapeutic massage chairs price having?
Even the very best therapeutic massage chairs can’t exchange 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 when you have these signs usually.
Is it okay to take a seat in a therapeutic massage chair each day?
Most likely, in response to Bate and Walters, however hearken to your physique. Sitting in a therapeutic massage chair for too lengthy might probably 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 is dependent upon what sort of chair you purchase, how nicely it’s made, how usually you employ it, and the way nicely you maintain it. However usually 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 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.
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 twenty years of dance expertise, she is aware of how essential it’s to maintain your physique feeling rested and relaxed, so you’ll be able to sort out your health objectives.