Massage therapy can offer amazing relief from physical pain and stress. The improved blood circulation helps nutrients reach tissues, resulting in a stronger and healthier system. As muscles relax, they become less tense and stress levels decrease, resulting in a healthy nervous system. Furthermore, massage therapy helps the lymphatic, digestive, and respiratory systems. It's both good for the body and the mind.
However, massage sessions are not easy or cheap for everyone to get. Massage therapy sessions at a spa can cost at least $100 each. Massage guns cost around $349, while massage chairs cost around $10,000. Even though the upfront costs of these devices are more than a massage session, they will save you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn more about how massage guns and massage chairs are beneficial and to find out which one is best for you.
Comparing massage guns and massage chairs
| Massage Gun | Massage Chair | |
| Price | $350 | $10000 |
| Size & Weight | Small & Light Device, 1 kg | Huge & Bulky, 50-100 kg |
| Portability | Can be taken to gyms and on trips | Static Furniture; cannot be moved easily; must be connected to a power outlet |
| Ease of Use | You must hold the gun and focus on specific muscle areas. Certain body regions, such as the upper and lower back muscles, may be more difficult to reach. | Set a massage program, sit back, and relax while receiving a complete body massage. |
| Massage Type | Percussion is the only type of massage you can get from a massage gun. | It is versatile and offers all kinds of massages like rolling, kneading, percussion, and vibration. |
| Target Muscles | Massage guns can be used to target certain muscles on the body, such as the upper thighs, biceps, triceps, glutes, and chest. | Massage chairs may be unable to deliver adequate massages to muscles on the front of the body, such as the chest, quads, and front delts. |
| Buy Now | Buy Now |
What is a massage gun?
A massage gun is a hand-held tool that simulates deep muscle tissues with vibration and percussion. Massage guns are used by those who want to relieve muscle tightness after a hard workout. These devices can also be helpful in injury recovery and pain relief. Additionally, some people use massage guns before going out to warm up their muscles and get their blood flowing.
Whether you work in retail, corporate, or other industries, you can benefit from a massage to relax your muscles after work. This is when a massage gun can come to your rescue. Massage guns can be quite useful for those who simply want a relaxing massage to unwind after a long day at work. People who have stiff necks, shoulders, and backs from sitting at a desk for long periods also love massage guns. Massage guns are a convenient and effective way to find relief and relaxation.
How to use a massage gun
Check the manual before you start using a massage gun. It's good to understand how the massage gun works to use it more effectively.
Simply turn it on and press it against the areas where you feel pain and soreness. Avoid the bony parts of your body or injured areas. The back-and-forth oscillations gently produce a pleasant, light vibration inside the target tissues.
Similarly, early massage guns vibrate the muscle to help it relax and improve blood flow. Modern technologies go beyond vibration and go an inch or more into the target muscle.
Benefits of massage guns
There is a long list of massage gun benefits for all people, whether you are a gym go-er, a work-from-home hustler with too much stress, or just someone who likes a good massage session at the end of the day. A massage gun can take away your pain and relax your muscles.
A massage gun works by emptying extracellular fluids of muscle tissue and into the circulatory and lymphatic systems, much like a traditional massage. It relieves muscle tension and stiffness by relaxing tight muscles, breaking up scar tissue and adhesions, and reducing muscle soreness.
The following are just some of the amazing benefits of massage guns:
- Relaxation and overall mental and physical well-being
- Increased lymphatic and blood circulation
- Improved muscle mass and strength
- Treats muscle aches and pains
- Sports performance improvement
- Pain management during rehabilitation and post-injury care
- Stimulation of the nervous system
- Lactic acid release
- Breaks up scar tissue
- Increased adaptability
- Injury prevention
What is a massage chair?
Massage chairs came onto the market in the late 1980s. The intent behind designing the chair was to give a complete therapeutic massage. From back massage to foot and hand massage, you get to enjoy full-body relief from stress and pain.
A massage chair contains numerous components that work together to provide a relaxing therapeutic massage. Massage rollers, massage tracks, airbags, air compressors, heating pads, foot rollers, and other components collaborate to complete an autonomous massage chair's mission. Before purchasing a massage chair, you should understand how it works.
How to use a massage chair
Start gently and take your time if you're new to it. Beginners are sometimes overwhelmed by the many massage programs, intensities, and speeds available on a massage chair. Beginners also tend to have tighter muscles. Therefore, go slowly and get your muscles adjusted to sitting in the massage chair to avoid any issues.
Learn how to alter the settings on your chair to get the most out of it. A massage chair comes with several massage programs and other amenities. Not all of the options will be necessary for your job. Only by delving into the settings, finding your problem areas, and figuring it out for yourself will you be able to determine what you require.
15 minutes is more than enough time for a professional massage. It's the perfect amount of time to help you relax and to decrease discomfort and muscular soreness. Everybody can benefit from a 15 to 20 minutes massage chair session.
You can use a massage chair daily. However, it is entirely dependent on your physical capabilities. In general, using a massage chair four to five times per week is recommended.
Benefits of massage chairs
There are many benefits of using a massage chair. It is beneficial to both your physical and mental well-being. Generally, a massage chair should provide the following benefits, though they may not be the same for everyone:
- Relieves Pain
- Reduces headaches
- Reduces post-workout recovery time
- Reduces heart rate and improves blood circulation
- Enhances the immune system
- Increases mental well-being
Do you need a doctor’s advice before using massage devices?
Yes, it's recommended to consult a doctor before starting new massage therapy, especially with at-home devices. Every person has a different body and muscle strength. Therefore, everyone can respond differently to massage devices.
If you don’t fully understand your body or your past injuries, you may get hurt. It is wise to consult your therapist on it to ensure that the use of either a massage gun or massage chair is suitable for you.
Bottom line
The bottom line is that both massage devices are useful in their own way. It depends on you, your routine, and your body's needs. For example, a massage gun is handy for people who travel or move around a lot. It is beneficial for the ones who need a portable massage device.
On the other hand, the chair is a little more expensive, but it can be useful for people suffering from chronically sore muscles. You can find relief by sitting down and relaxing in your own home. Ultimately, the choice is all yours to make. Either way, you have Zarifa to help you with both of the massage devices you need. Be it a gun or chair, let Zarifa help you in getting your perfect massage device at an affordable price.
All Zarifa USA products are HSA and FSA-eligible. This means you can contribute your health savings funds towards the purchase of any of our products!
