Whether you underwent minimally evasive or major back surgery, it will still take time before you fully heal. You may temporarily feel stiff, uncomfortable, or in pain after the operation.
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, if you’re having these issues, a massage chair can help you. However, your body isn’t in its best condition since you got back surgery. The question is if using the machine is safe and is of any help.
In order to answer that, a study was conducted on this subject and later published in the National Library of Medicine. According to the results, the pain scores of the participants decreased by two, and their disability improved by 14%. There were also other notable effects observed. However, massage only provided short-term benefits.
If you look at the positive side, the therapy can at least make you feel better after the surgery.
It’s important to note that while massage chairs could help improve your condition, don’t use them immediately after the surgery. After all, your body is still weak, so any intense pressure or activities are prohibited, including massage. Move your body bit by bit, and don’t overdo it, or you’ll only feel worse.
Why Use a Massage Chair After a Back Surgery?
You should only use your massage chair once scars have formed on the incision area.
This would take roughly six to eight weeks, depending on your condition and the type of surgery. Therefore, you should have this conversation with your doctor before trying anything. Even if they give their go signal, stick with gentle massages, as you shouldn’t exert too much pressure on your back yet.
Massage can alleviate post-surgery pain
It’s natural to feel slight discomfort or pain even if a month or two has passed since the surgery. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t do anything about it.
Pain killers might help, but there’s only so much they can do. If you’re already in a condition fit for a massage, you should receive the treatment. In no time, you’ll feel better and be able to rest more comfortably, which is what your body really needs.
Massage improves flexibility
Since you can’t move around much after the surgery, you may have problems with your range of motion once you’re healed. The scar tissues and guarding muscles around the incision area may add to your stiffness.
Doing light stretches with your massage chair can help with this. The treatment increases the temperature of your muscles and keeps them stimulated, resulting in an increase in their elasticity.
Massage relieves stress and improves mood
The discomfort and pain and changes in your lifestyle after the back surgery could cause increased stress levels. When recovering from any type of operation, you must maintain a positive attitude.
After all, sleeping is essential for healing. If you’re stressed, your mind won’t be able to rest, and you can’t sleep well. This could interfere with your recovery and slow it down.
Cortisol is the hormone responsible for making you feel stressed and anxious. During the treatment, the brain promotes the release of dopamine, endorphin, and oxytocin.
These neurohormones produce feelings of calmness, happiness, and contentment, reducing cortisol. Therefore, a quick and gentle massage chair session can help decrease your stress levels.
Massage speeds up healing and recovery
Massage doesn’t only make you feel better and lowers the chances of worsening your condition. It also has proven effects in speeding up recovery from surgeries. According to Physio.co.uk, massage reduces the barriers that slow down healing. That includes removing waste products in the lymphatic system, breaking down collagen fibers, and increasing oxygenation.
While massage may not completely heal your post-surgery problems, it can at least lessen your suffering. The best you can aim for is to recover faster. That way, you can go back to your daily life without feeling uncomfortable or in pain every time you move.
Then again, use your massage chair responsibly. Don’t insist if your doctor advises you against it. Also, be patient, regardless of how long it takes for your body to fully heal.
2 Massage Chairs for Those Who Had Back Surgery
Even if your doctor allows or advises you to use a massage chair, not just any model will do. Some may not allow intensity adjustment, so you can’t control the pressure during the treatment.
This could be a potential risk and worsen your condition. Here are some massage chairs that are generally safe for you to use.
However, if possible, you should discuss this with your doctor first or use a recommended model.
Kahuna Kappa 4D Massage Chair
Original Price: $10,499
Discounted Price: $9,499
One of the few massage chairs offering chiropractic care is the Kahuna Kappa 4D Massage Chair. Specifically, it has two preset chiro programs that you can choose if you’re in the post-surgery phase. If you want to gradually go through with the massage, you can start with the yoga and stretching courses. Alternatively, you can create your own manual massage program to tailor the perfect treatment for your condition and needs.
Infinity IT-8500 PLUS Massage Chair with Inversion Therapy
Original Price: $6,999
Discounted Price: $5,499
If you want a massage chair to help manage your pain, check out the Infinity IT-8500 PLUS Massage Chair with Inversion Therapy. It offers inversion therapy, designed to relieve pressure on your spine, therefore alleviating pain in your back. You can also use this for stretching if you’re having issues with your range of motion after the operation.
It even allows you to play relaxing music during the treatment, which adds to its stress-relieving benefits.
In Summary
Technically, you could use a massage chair after back surgery, but not immediately after it. Give your body some time to rest and recover first before you do so. Also, don’t go for intense massages yet to not overwhelm your back with the pressure. Receiving the treatment can reduce pain, relieve stress, and speed up healing.
To place your order, visit Massage Chair Heaven or contact us at 1-833-627-7245 or via live chat.
Similar article : Is It Bad to Use Your Massage Chair After a Meal ?
