Most people think of traditional massage therapy as the solution when it comes to relaxation and muscle tension relief. What if, however, you could get a lot of those same benefits all without having to go anywhere? The rise of advanced massage chairs has made “at home” massages a reality, so you can escape whenever you want to, on your own terms. But which option will best suit your lifestyle? In this blog we will help break down some of the pros and cons of having a massage chair vs traditional massage therapy, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle best.
The sheer convenience of a massage chair is one of the biggest perks it has. Having a massage chair in your living room means relaxation is only a few steps away. It’s available whenever you need a quick massage as a work break or to end your day with a deep-tissue session.
A massage chair is much quicker than booking an appointment, driving to a spa, and waiting for your therapist to be ready—stress relief is instantly available when you have a massage chair right around the corner. Massage chairs are able to make it easier for those of you who have very busy lifestyles to fit in regular relaxation in your daily routine.
Massage therapy can get expensive, particularly if you’re still paying for regular visits. A single massage session can cost anywhere from $60 to $150 or more depending on where you get your massage and what type you select. But over time these costs add up and can become something that not everyone is able to afford.
On the flip side, a quality massage chair has an initial investment to make, but it’s just one time payment for an infinite number of free massages. The Ogawa Master Drive AI 2.0 comes with a wide variety of programs to match various massage styles and can last for years. Significant long term savings can be obtained with a massage chair compared to regular massage sessions.
Massage chairs are more and more advanced in their technology and customizing. As you will see today’s models come with many features, allowing you to control the intensity, target specific areas, and do things like different massage styles such as Shiatsu, kneading, tapping and rolling. Heat therapy, body scanning for personalized massages, and even zero gravity recline options are all found on some of the chairs.
In traditional massage therapy however, the skill of the therapist and her (or his) availability are what your experience of the massage session is gonna be limited to. While therapists for the most part are trained to adjust pressure and techniques to your liking, yet some people feel better with a chair because they have more control over the experience. Think of it like this for example — if you know that you require a deep tissue massage after working out, your chair is there to give you that without having to coordinate with a therapist.
When you own a massage chair, it means you can get stress relief right away in a more comfortable and private way. Whether you’re about to start a tiring day, or you need to unwind before bed – by using a massage chair, you’re in the driver’s seat for your relaxation. For those who aren’t really comfortable within the walls of a spa or clinic, this privacy can be especially helpful.
Massage therapy is effective, but it’s a disinclined trip to a spa or clinic, in an unfamiliar space and with someone that you might not even know. Some may find this a bit of a barrier if you’re new to massage. On the other hand, to relax fully a chair provides comfort and familiarity.
The upside of having a massage chair is your opportunity to start being consistent with your wellness routine. With a massage chair at home, performing massage becomes part of your day to day life. And a consistent massage is found to alleviate muscle tension, lower stress, improve circulation, and better sleep.
Nonetheless, massage therapy can also be consistent, but since it includes making appointments, and sticking to them, it can be difficult to accommodate with a busy schedule. While, having a chair at home means when you want to relax you do it as flexibly as possible, making it a part of your routine.
Of course, there’s something special about the human touch as well, professional massage therapists are educated in how to find and discharge tension in a way that a chair might not always be able to perform. They can provide some people with a hands-on approach that they might prefer more.
Massage therapy is also helpful for those with specific injuries or chronic pain that may require work that is more specific. Techniques used by a therapist to ‘fix’ these problem areas are often more nuanced than even the best massage chair can achieve.
If you’re searching for a massage chair that is comfortable, flexible, and low in cost, check out our collection at Irelax. With our products, such as the Ogawa Master Drive, you can always enjoy the benefits of massage therapy without ever having to leave home. Enjoy a lifetime of relaxation, right in the comfort of your home!
