A massage chair is not a medical device. Its use is safe for most people, but not for everyone. Please read the following points before sitting down.
You should refrain from using a massage chair in the following cases:
- In the case of an infectious skin disease
- If there are open, unhealed wounds in the area to be massaged
- For fresh scars
- For recent fractures, sprains, or bruises
- In the case of an acute herniated disc
- In case of acute fever or severe discomfort
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- In cases of brain damage or following brain surgery
- Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair consciousness
In the following cases, you should consult your doctor before using a massage chair and pay particular attention to your body's reaction during the massage:
- For thrombosis and venous disorders
- In cases of pronounced varicose veins or acute phlebitis
- In the case of a blood clotting disorder, even if it is caused by medication.
- After a heart attack and in cases of heart failure
- In cases of osteoporosis
- For moderate to severe scoliosis
- In the case of spinal trauma
- After surgery, until your doctor gives you the all-clear.
- In the case of cancer
- In the case of autoimmune diseases
- During an acute gout attack
- In cases of epilepsy, a tendency towards seizures, or similar seizure disorders.
- During pregnancy
In some of the cases mentioned, a massage can be very helpful, while in others, certain massage options should be avoided. And often, the problem isn't the chair itself, but a single function. Depending on the model, the leg massage can be switched off, the gentle air pressure massage can be used instead, or the percussion massage can be omitted. We'll tell you what this chair can individually adjust – just ask us, and we'll go through the programs with you.
Pacemakers, defibrillators and other active implants
A massage chair is not a general contraindication. Manufacturers of heart implants list it in their compatibility lists in the lowest risk category, and the Swiss Heart Foundation explicitly states that the massage chair is "safe for use." However, you should still consider four points:
- Speak to your cardiologist beforehand. Specifically ask them to check the rate adjustment of your device: Motion-activated pacemakers can misinterpret strong vibrations or percussion massage as physical activity and raise the heart rate. This has been studied, is usually harmless, and can be taken into account during programming.
- Do not massage over the implant. The device and electrodes are usually located on the left side under the collarbone and extend over the shoulder and neck. Switch off the shoulder air cushions or reduce the intensity in the shoulder and neck area.
- Not in the first few weeks after implantation. Until the electrodes have become embedded, strenuous shoulder and arm movements should be avoided. Your clinic will advise you on the appropriate timeframe.
- Electrical stimulation and body analysis are excluded. Programs using electrical muscle or nerve stimulation (EMS, TENS) and body analysis via impedance measurement conduct electricity through the body and are prohibited by all implant manufacturers. The same applies to magnetic pads. We will inform you in advance which models have such functions.
For safe operation
- The chair is approved for weights up to 114 kg. Beyond that, the mechanism is no longer safe.
- The manufacturer does not recommend this chair for children under 14. Height is more important than age. This chair is designed for children 125 cm and taller. Anyone too short will slide too far in, and the casters will work on their head instead of their back. A comfort cushion maintains the correct distance; teenagers should only use it under supervision. It is not a toy and not suitable for pets.
- Keep hands, hair and clothing away from moving parts, especially on the backrest and footrest.
- Only connect to a grounded outlet with 220-230 V 50-60 Hz. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
- Unplug the appliance before each cleaning. Moisture must not enter openings, seams, switches, or ports.
- Do not use if cable, plug or cover is damaged.
- The heating function noticeably warms the seat and backrest. Those who don't have a normal tolerance for heat should leave it switched off.
How long a session should last
It depends on what your body is used to. Those who exercise regularly and have had massages before can enjoy longer sessions and run two or three different programs consecutively. If you're new to massage, start slowly: begin with short sessions and low intensity. Then give your body time to adjust. This takes weeks and months, not days. It's normal for your muscles to feel like they've just exercised after the first few sessions.
Stop for today if you experience radiating pain, numbness, or tingling.
What the armchair is not
A massage chair is not a substitute for diagnosis, treatment, or physiotherapy. If you have health problems, consult your doctor or physiotherapist, not the chair. Modifications or improper use can lead to damage and injury and void the manufacturer's liability.
