Massage chairs are proven to deliver numerous health benefits to the body and mind. It can relieve stress, discomfort, and pain and even improve your overall health.
Introduction
Therefore, anyone can technically use a massage chair. However, is that also the case with pregnant women? After all, they need considerably more care, as their mental and physical health becomes more vulnerable to complications than usual.
Stretching and massage sessions with professional practitioners are recommended for pregnant women. However, masseuses aren’t the only sources for therapy now. With massage chairs, you can receive the treatment whenever you want to at the comfort of your home. The only concern is whether these machines are safe to use for pregnant women. If so, what exactly can they do for them?
What to Know Before Using a Massage Chair When Pregnant
Massage chairs can provide the same service that masseuses can, so pregnant women can use them. However, since they are merely machines, there are some things you need to understand in advance. This way, you know what you can get from using it and what you should or shouldn’t do with it.
Health Benefits
According to Caring for Kids, one out of ten pregnant women is at risk of developing depression. If ignored, this can lead to low birth weight for the baby and postpartum depression, preterm, or miscarriage for the mother. One of the ways to prevent this is through massage therapy. Prenatal massage using massage chairs can effectively help lower stress levels and the risk of developing anxiety or depression.
Several discomforts come with pregnancy, such as headache, backache, fatigue, swelling, and leg pain, among many. This is mainly because your growing uterus exerts pressure on your body because of the space required. Using a massage chair can help relieve some of your pain and make you feel less uncomfortable. Elevating your feet with the help of the recline position can also reduce swelling.
Overall, using a massage chair during pregnancy can make you healthy, both mentally and physically. Another great news is that you can expect shorter and safer labour when you’re in your best condition. You can also use the massage chair to recover or improve your flexibility and range of motion after birth. Even so, there are other factors to consider, which is why you’re recommended to talk to your doctor first.
Possible Risks
Massage chairs come with features that may or may not put pregnant women at risk when using them. However, note that it will only get dangerous in the worst-case scenario. For instance, triggering the acupressure points in your body is said to lead to severe complications, including premature labor. The truth is, the pressure exerted by massage chairs aren’t intense and steady enough to cause such circumstances.
The heating function causes another possible risk for pregnant women when using a massage chair. The warmth from these pads can increase your temperature and supposedly spike your baby’s heart rate, leading to cardiovascular diseases.
However, like the previous case, the heat from massage chairs will also be mild and won’t lead to anything dangerous. Still, there’s nothing wrong with being extra mindful of overheating.
Safety Measures
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or history of preterm labor or miscarriage, you’re advised to avoid using massage chairs. That’s also the case if you’re suffering from preeclampsia, sciatica, severe headaches, backaches, and swelling. Massage therapy can help relieve body aches, but pains during pregnancy are tricky. You may irritate the area or worsen your condition if you’re not careful.
Even if your doctor has already given their statement that you’re safe to use a massage chair, be mindful still. For instance, if you’re experiencing severe morning sickness that day, all the vibrations and jostling around might make you nauseous. You must also be careful not to put too much pressure on your body, especially your belly. Most importantly, 15-20 minutes is enough for one session, so don’t overuse the machine.
3 Massage Chairs That Pregnant Women Can Safely Use
Now you know that massage chairs are safe to use even when you’re pregnant, although you must follow some precautions. This is why not all models may be suited for this purpose. Some massage chairs are gentle, while others may be too intense for the comfort of pregnant women. Some models also come with features that can further enhance the healing benefits of the machine.
1. Human Touch ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair
Original Price: $3,499
You can trust the Human Touch ZeroG 5.0 Massage Chair when delivering a gentle massage treatment. It utilizes a 3D mechanism, and you can even adjust the intensity to soft to make the session more comfortable. This massage chair comes with lumbar heating, but you can deactivate this feature if you want to. Its ottoman is even retractable, and it allows zero gravity positioning.
2.Osaki 4D Encore Full Body Massage Chair
Original Price: $7,999
Discounted Price: $5,499
If you want enhanced relaxation during pregnancy, try using the Osaki 4D Encore Full Body Massage Chair. It has airbags on the shoulders, arms, waist, pelvis, and calves, which have broader coverage than the previous model. You can also enable or disable its heating pads and zero gravity recline. There are even five levels to choose from for the massage intensity, depending on which is most comfortable for you.
3. Synca JP1100 Made in Japan Ultra Premium 4D Massage Chair
Original Price: $9,999.99
Discounted Price: $8,999.99
Another massage chair that can deliver a gentle treatment to your body is the Synca JP1100. It comes with two body sensors, so you can ensure that you’re getting a personalized and consistent massage. The dual therapeutic heaters on the erector spinal muscles and soles can be turned on or off and controlled independently. It can also perform power stretch, a feature perfect for pregnant women to relax their bodies.
In Summary
Yes, massage chairs can be used by pregnant women. In fact, they can even deliver several health benefits. However, they come with risks, so you must follow safety measures while using them. The Human Touch ZeroG 5.0, Osaki 4D Encore, and Synca JP1100 are perfect for this case. Reach out to us at Massage Chair Heaven via live chat or call 1-833-627-7245 if you have any inquiries.
