A massage chair can be a wonderful way to relax and relieve tension. But what happens if you experience pain after using a massage chair? Is this normal, or should you be concerned? In this article, we’ll get to the bottom of this question and clarify when pain after using a massage chair is normal and when you should seek medical advice.
Pain after using a massage chair can be normal, particularly if your body isn’t used to massages. However, this pain should subside after a few days. If the pain is severe or persists for longer, you should consult a doctor. It is important to choose the right massage chair and to follow the usage recommendations.
Is pain after using a massage chair normal?
Why might pain occur after a massage?
Pain after a massage, also known as ‘massage soreness’, is not unusual. This is because massages – particularly deep-tissue or intense kneading massages – can put a lot of strain on the muscles. The massage stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic flow, which can cause toxins and lactic acid to be released from the muscles. This can lead to muscle soreness, similar to that experienced after an intense workout.
How long should the pain last?
Mild pain or muscle soreness following the use of a massage chair should usually subside after one to two days. This type of pain is a sign that the muscles are responding to the massage and recovering. However, if the pain persists for longer than three days or is particularly severe, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
What can you do to relieve the pain?
There are several ways to relieve pain after a massage:
- Drink plenty of water : This helps flush the released toxins out of the body more quickly.
- Gentle stretching exercises : Light stretching exercises can help to relax the muscles.
- Warm baths : A warm bath can soothe the muscles and relieve the pain.
- Rest : Give your body time to recover.
When should you see a doctor?
Although mild pain after a massage is normal, there are certain signs that indicate you should see a doctor:
- Persistent pain : If the pain lasts for more than three days.
- Severe pain : If the pain is very severe and restricts your range of movement.
- Swelling or bruising : If there is swelling or visible bruising.
- Accompanying symptoms : If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, dizziness or nausea.
Using a massage chair correctly
To avoid pain, it is important to use the massage chair correctly. Here are a few tips:
- Adjust the settings : Set the massage intensity to a comfortable level.
- Do not use for too long : Do not use the massage chair for longer than recommended. Most manufacturers, such as NAIPO , recommend a session duration of 15–30 minutes.
- Regularity : Start slowly and gradually increase the frequency of your massages.
Our MGC-8900 offers 5 massage intensity levels. To begin with, you can select the lightest setting, which, whilst not very intense, is pleasantly relaxing. You can gradually increase the duration and intensity of the massage as your needs grow. This model allows for massage sessions of 10, 20 or 30 minutes.
Thanks to the flexible guide-rail technology and the manual adjustment options for specific areas of the body, your massage experience is significantly enhanced.
Which massage chairs are recommended?
There are many massage chairs on the market offering different functions and intensity levels. One brand that is often praised for its high-quality massage chairs is NAIPO. NAIPO massage chairs are known for their user-friendliness and the wide range of settings that allow you to tailor the massage to your individual needs. Our massage chair test shows how the models compare.
MGCHR-A150 : Good value and functional
Our MGCHR-A150 is an extremely good-value massage chair, costing just 698 euros – comparable to a high-quality small sofa. Not only does it impress with its attractive design, but it also offers a gentle back and hip massage, ideal for muscle relaxation and improving blood circulation. This is particularly helpful for mothers recovering after childbirth. Thanks to this model’s gentle massage functions, severe pain is unlikely, though mild muscle soreness is possible during the first few days of use.
MGC-1900B : The upgraded model
The MGC-1900B builds on the MGCHR-A150, expanding its functions to include a leg massage and a greater number of air cushions. It also features a reclining function, allowing you to relax even more effectively. Despite the additional features, the price remains affordable at just 1,299 euros. Here too, mild soreness after use may be normal, particularly if your body is not used to regular massages.
MGC-A350BR : The Best-Seller
Our MGC-A350BR is our best-selling model and offers all the basic functions of a high-quality massage chair: Zero Gravity position, foot massage, heating function and various automatic programmes. The price remains affordable for ordinary households, however. You can select the appropriate automatic programme depending on your state of relaxation. The various massage intensities and programmes are designed to start gently and adapt to the user’s needs to avoid excessive discomfort.
MGC-5866 : Technologically advanced
The MGC-5866 is based on the MGC-A350BR and has been technically upgraded. The foot massage rollers have been expanded to three rows, and the number of air cushions has been increased to ensure better foot care. Its stylish and elegant design makes it particularly popular with you. With this model, the massage functions are calibrated to offer even intensive massage options, which may occasionally lead to muscle soreness. However, this soreness is usually temporary and a sign that the muscles are working and recovering.
MGC-8600 : The high-end chair
Our MGC-8600 is a high-end model featuring state-of-the-art technology, which is very popular amongst young people. In addition to the standard functions, it offers a kneading massage for the calves, a wider range of adjustable massage intensities and additional automatic programmes. The air cushions cover almost all areas of the body. This chair will appeal not only to you, but also to your children. With intensive use or unfamiliar exertion, you may experience mild soreness, which usually disappears after a few days.
MGC-8900 : The top-of-the-range model
Finally, we present our MGC-8900, our most expensive model, which nevertheless offers the most advanced massage technology. It utilises 3D Flex-Rail massage technology, which gently adapts to the body and is ideal for you. The dual-motor technology allows two areas of the body to be massaged simultaneously, providing an experience that closely resembles that of a real masseur. In addition, it features an aromatherapy function for an even more comprehensive relaxation experience. The advanced features of this model are designed to minimise pain, but you may experience some initial discomfort whilst your body gets used to this new type of massage.
Conclusion
Pain following the use of a massage chair is normal to a certain extent, particularly if the body is not used to massages. However, this pain should subside after a few days. It is important to use the massage chair correctly and to listen to your body’s signals. If the pain persists or is particularly severe, you should consult a doctor.
FAQs
1. How can I avoid pain after using a massage chair?
Set the massage intensity to a comfortable level to ensure the treatment is pleasant and not too intense. Do not use the massage chair for longer than the duration recommended by the manufacturer to avoid overuse. Start slowly with shorter sessions and a lower intensity, especially if you are new to using massage chairs. Gradually increase the frequency and duration of the massages so that your body can get used to the treatment and the risk of pain and muscle soreness is minimised.
2. Are massage chairs suitable for everyone?
Massage chairs are generally safe and offer soothing relaxation for most people. However, there are certain health conditions where caution is advised. People with pacemakers, severe heart problems, osteoporosis or other serious health conditions should always consult their doctor before using a massage chair. Your doctor will be better placed to assess any individual risks and ensure that using the massage chair does not have any adverse effects on your health.
Important safety note: Not suitable for use by people with pacemakers.
3. How often should I use the massage chair?
Most manufacturers, such as NAIPO, recommend using the chair for 15–30 minutes per session, once or twice a day. This recommended duration and frequency ensures that you can enjoy the benefits of the massage without overworking your muscles or risking unwanted side effects. It is important to follow these recommendations to achieve the best results whilst ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the massage.
4. Can I use the massage chair if I have back pain?
Yes, a massage chair can be very helpful for back pain. The targeted massage functions can relieve tension, improve blood circulation and relax the muscles. However, make sure that the intensity of the massage is comfortable and contributes to your well-being. If the back pain persists or worsens despite regular use of the massage chair, it is advisable to consult a doctor. A healthcare professional can determine the cause of the pain and recommend suitable treatment options.
5. What are the benefits of a massage chair?
A massage chair can contribute to improving your health and wellbeing in a variety of ways. It can relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, reduce stress and thus promote relaxation. Furthermore, regular use of a massage chair can help to relieve pain, increase flexibility and improve general well-being. These positive effects make the massage chair a valuable addition to any home, particularly for people seeking relaxation after a long day at work or intense physical activity.
If you’d like to compare the models directly: the overview of all NAIPO massage chairs shows ranges, prices and features at a glance.
Related: Is it normal to experience back pain after using a massage chair?
Written by NAIPO Editorial Team · Massage & Product Experts from Hamburg
Product experts, service technicians, and massage enthusiasts at Alsterwell GmbH — specializing in massage technology for over a decade, with our own workshop and showrooms for test sitting.
Fact-checked by David Eberst · Co-founder of NAIPO
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