Finding time for self-care can be challenging. Chair massage offers a convenient, effective way to experience the benefits of massage therapy without the need for lengthy appointments or full-body sessions. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, improve circulation or ease muscle tension, chair massages provide an accessible solution for both physical and mental wellness.
“Even though it’s not a full-body treatment, chair massage can still be very effective in bringing balance to muscles and relieving tension,” says Amanda Nordhof, a licensed massage therapist who performs chair massages at the Dempsey Family Education and Resource Center at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital.
Reducing stress through chair massage
In just 10-20 minutes, massage therapy can help to lower cortisol levels, aiding in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Massage therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing tension in overworked muscles while also lowering heart rate and calming the mind.
“As social beings, many of us are touch-starved,” Nordhof says. “A chair massage can provide a sense of safety and connection that helps free up mental and emotional energy.”
At the Dempsey Center’s chair massage program, many of Nordhof’s clients are caregivers for loved ones in the hospital or medical facilities, often under significant pressure. “People come in feeling scattered from stress or waiting for a loved one who’s in surgery,” says Nordhof. “And in that short time, you can see them return to themselves. It’s amazing to watch someone step away from a chair massage feeling more present and able to rejoin their day in a calmer, more collected way.”
Massage benefits for pain management and circulation
While massages are often seen as a luxury, they can play a vital role in pain management and injury recovery. A short session can help release tight muscles, reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Spot treatments for tight muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back can quickly alleviate tension-related pain.
“If someone comes in with a crick in their neck from sleeping funny, we can often release that tension in minutes,” assures Nordhof.
One of the primary benefits of massage therapy is increased circulation, which can help speed up the healing process. Chair massages achieves this through techniques like kneading and accupressure which physically push blood out of an area, creating space for fresh blood flow and nutrients.
This improved circulation also helps with pain management by breaking up tissue adhesions and promoting lymphatic drainage. “It’s like a meat tenderizer for stiff muscles — it softens tight areas and restores flexibility,” Nordhof says.
Are chair massages as effective as full-body massages?
It depends on your goals. While a full-body massage allows for deeper, more comprehensive treatment, chair massages provide effective spot treatments in a shorter time frame. “Table massages let us work with full-body movement patterns, but I’ve seen chair massages completely relieve shoulder pain and decrease stress in just 10 minutes,” Nordhof notes.
Chair massages are particularly beneficial for individuals who experience tension in the upper body. If someone has persistent pain or discomfort, a table massage might be more suitable for addressing full-body imbalances, but chair massages remain a great option for quick relief.
Since clients can remain fully clothed during a chair massage, it is often a more comfortable and accessible option for those hesitant about full-body or table massages.
How often should you get a chair massage?
If you have access to regular chair massages, Nordhof recommends weekly sessions for optimal benefits. Even just once a week can make a noticeable difference.
For those dealing with chronic pain, regular massages can offer cumulative benefits. Nordhof notes that consistency is key, stating that “if you could get a chair massage weekly or even a couple of times a week, there would be more benefit.”
Why chair massages are an accessible wellness option
Chair massages are gaining popularity in workplace wellness programs as employers recognize their benefits in reducing stress and increasing productivity. Employees who receive regular chair massages report lower stress levels, improved concentration and fewer physical complaints related to desk work.
These massages provide an affordable, convenient alternative to traditional massage therapy. They are particularly beneficial for people who are uncomfortable disrobing for full-body massages and individuals that have mobility issues and feel uncomfortable laying down for long periods of time.
Chair massages offer a powerful and accessible way to experience the benefits of massage therapy in a short amount of time. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, ease muscle pain or improve circulation, a quick chair massage can be an effective tool for physical and mental well-being.
The Dempsey Family and Education Resource Center offers chair massages every Thursday for patients and their family or caregivers. Contact the center at (614)788.6115 orDempseyCenter@OhioHealth.com to learn more about the Dempsey Center’s offerings.
Topic:Healthy Living
Categories:Physical Therapy,
