Massage Chairs for Older Adults: Strength, Balance, and Safety

A large portion of our clients are over 60. Consequently, our consultations often revolve around questions that younger people don't even ask: Will I be able to get out on my own? Is this still safe given the condition of my bones? Will this even do me any good at my age? This page compiles the research findings on these topics.

The short answer

The best study dates from 2025 and is encouragingly specific. Sixty-two people aged 65 and older used a stretching program built into a massage chair three times a week for four weeks. The control group performed a standard core workout. In the massage chair group, the short test of physical performance—measured by standing up, balance, and walking speed—increased from 9.42 to 11.58 points. Strength in the hamstrings increased in both legs, while it decreased in the control group. Fear of falling also decreased, and participants reported an improved quality of life. Equally important is the other side of the coin: Caution is advised for those with osteoporosis. The medical literature describes a case of a vertebral fracture following the use of a massage chair. Anyone with reduced bone density should consult their treating physician before trying out a chair for the first time. When it comes to choosing a chair in later life, two things matter more than any variety of programs: how easily you can get out of the chair and whether your favorite program can be started with a single button.

What Was Examined on the Massage Chair Itself

Strength, Balance, and Fear of Falling

The 2025 study was conducted in South Korea and involved 62 people aged 65 and older who lived in a senior living facility. One group participated in a stretching program using a massage chair, while the other group completed a standard core training program; both groups exercised three times a week for four weeks.

The most important measurement was the SPPB, a brief test consisting of three tasks: standing up from a chair, maintaining balance, and walking a short distance. It ranges from 0 to 12 points and is used in geriatric medicine to assess frailty. The armchair group improved from 9.42 to 11.58 points. In the control group, there was little change, and in some cases, scores actually declined.

In addition, participants experienced increased strength in their hamstrings, a slight increase in muscle mass, and a reduced fear of falling. The last point is often the most important in everyday life: People who are less afraid of falling are more active, and those who are more active fall less often.

Relaxation and Circulation

The six-month study conducted in 2022 involved 80 adults between the ages of 50 and 75—meaning the majority were in this age group. Twice-daily use over half a year measurably lowered DHEA-S levels, and afternoon cortisol levels also decreased. Participants reported significant improvements in their mood and sense of well-being.

What Applies to Massage in General

A widely cited study on therapeutic massage for older adults was published in 1999. However, it is not a report on findings, but rather a methodological review: The authors examine how research is conducted in this field and call for clearer definitions, standardized procedures, and specific details on which body regions were treated and for how long. Anyone who cites this paper as evidence of therapeutic effects is overinterpreting it. Above all, it demonstrates that there was a lack of high-quality research.

Since then, things have changed—and, of all things, it's the massage chair: The 2025 study meets exactly the requirements that were set in 1999.

What Matters When Making a Choice

Getting in. How high is the seat, how far do you have to lower yourself, and how easily can you get back up? Some models raise themselves to a higher position to make getting in and out easier. In the brochure, this is just a footnote, but in everyday life, it’s the difference between a piece of furniture and something you actually use every day.

Operation. A remote control with 40 buttons isn't used. What you need is a single button that starts your favorite program. Almost all models allow you to set a favorite, and we'll set that up during installation if you'd like.

Check both for yourself when you try sitting in the chair—don’t just rely on the spec sheet. Get in and out—twice, if you’re unsure. Every chair is set up in our showrooms, and no one will rush you.

When You Should Ask First

In cases of osteoporosis, when taking blood-thinning medications, after recent surgery, and for those with pacemakers, this issue should be clarified before trying out the chair. The reasons and documented cases are listed in “When to Exercise Caution with a Massage Chair.”

Sources

• Kim Y, Kang S, Kim M, Kim J, Youn BY. Effect of BFR-7211 on lower limb muscle strength in older adults: A randomized controlled trial. 2025. View study
• Baek JY, Lee E, Gil B, Jung HW, Jang IY. Clinical effects of using a massage chair on stress measures in adults. 2022. View study
• Weinrich SP, Haddock S, Robinson K. Therapeutic massage in older adults: research issues. British Journal of Nursing. 1999. View study
• Yeoh CJ, Kwan MK, Chan CYW. Case report: Use of an electric automated massage chair can cause an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. 2019. View study

You can find an overview of all the studies analyzed—including their design, number of participants, and results—on the " Studies on Massage Chairs" page.

This article summarizes research findings and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.