Most people want a massage, especially when they start to experience pain in different parts of the body. However, not everyone has time to make an appointment and go to a massage therapist.

Maybe you've been thinking about buying a massage chair, but you're not sure if it's worth the money or if the massage would be comparable to that of a professional massage therapist. In that case, this massage chair vs. massage therapist article is just for you.


Physical contact

From the moment we are born, our sense of touch develops through constant stimulation. In a sense, our understanding of physical contact helped us a lot when we were in our developmental years. So, can massage chairs be a good substitute for the feeling of "human touch"? Absolutely! Is it as good as the human touch? No, the only reason for this is because it is only a mechanical device and of course it cannot fully copy what a human can do.

Your massage therapist also provides you with pleasant human interaction or conversation. This is also possible in the massage chair, as you can call your favorite person. And some premium massage chairs have speakers and Bluetooth so you can listen to your favorite music. Some prefer silence for complete relaxation.

Adjusting the massage

Today's high-tech massage chairs scan the body and change the position of the massage rollers, electronically automatically adjusting the length of the legs to match the height of the user. Precisely for this reason, today it is no longer a problem whether you are small or tall, as the chair adjusts all functions according to your construction. All high-end chairs have pre-programmed massage programs, which are designed to focus on precisely selected parts and press on the most pleasant points (we did more research). If you want to focus on a specific area of the body or to a specific point, in manual mode you can choose which area you want to massage, you can also choose the intensity, speed and massage technique. Most of the chairs are equipped for whole body massage, i.e. also for hand, leg and sole massage, and for additional comfort they offer heating. They are an excellent alternative to a massage therapist.

Almost all more advanced massage chairs today offer a position of weightlessness or zero gravity (Zero Gravity). This position was inspired by NASA and is the most comfortable position for humans. The weightless position means that the legs are above the heart, which improves blood circulation. Massaging in a weightless position increases the benefits of massage and reduces pressure on the spine.

The massage therapist can also adjust the massage according to your height and weight. Massage therapists help you relax, relieve stress, and exercise tired muscles. You can always ask them to focus on selected areas, from the soles of the feet to the top of the head. They are trained and know which areas need to be massaged to relieve certain pains.


Privacy and comfort

Privacy is one of the most important factors why people invest in a massage chair. Some people may find it uncomfortable to have a therapist massage certain areas or feel uncomfortable having to undress. If you feel uncomfortable during the massage, it can prevent you from relaxing and thus the body massage is no longer as pleasant and effective. One of the best advantages of owning a massage chair is that you can treat yourself to a regular massage at any time. If you wake up at 3am and decide you want a massage, you won't get any complaints from the chair. It's ready to go whenever you need it.

In terms of comfort, massage chairs are the best option as they allow you to enjoy a massage in the comfort of your own home, whenever you want. You can start and end your day with a pleasant massage. Both you and your family members can enjoy a massage whenever and wherever you want. You will have to plan the massage in advance with the massage therapist, according to your schedule. You will also need to get dressed and go to the place where the masseur works. Maybe this is not a problem for you, but it is still much easier and comfortable to have an electric massage chair at home.

Cost comparison

What about the costs? Money is almost always an issue, no matter who you are or how much you earn, so what's more cost-effective?

A good massage chair can cost thousands of euros, depending on the features, model and brand. If you want a high-quality massage chair, you'll have to shell out a bit more, but you'll still save money in the long run. Compared to human massage, which costs from €50-100, which is much more expensive in the long run than buying a high-end massage chair.

You can pay for the massage chair in a lump sum or pay it in installments, monthly. The good thing about massage chairs is that they come with a manufacturer's warranty to protect your investment in case something goes wrong.

Professional massage chairs have an average lifespan of 15-20 years, of course depending on use, care and quality. So, in summary, massage chair therapy is much cheaper than having to pay a massage therapist every time you need or want a massage.


Massage variety

Massage therapists work to relax muscles, reduce tension and focus on problem areas to remove muscle knots. Below are some of the techniques you can expect when visiting a massage therapist: circular massage, friction, kneading, tapping.

Like massage therapists, massage chairs offer a variety of massage techniques. Here are just a few of the massage techniques you can find in massage chairs: kneading, tapping, pounding, grasping, Shiatsu, squeezing, twisting, knocking, fluttering, pressing, vibrating.

Electric massage chairs have a variety of options to choose from and vary from model to model which options for adjusting intensity and/or speed they will offer. Options such as heating, compression with air cushions, weightless position and foot massage allow you to tailor the massage to you. You can start an automatic or manual massage program depending on your needs. Today, the chairs are really technologically advanced in that they recognize your structure by scanning and adapt the massage to you exactly according to your body structure.

Conclusion

Massage chairs are incredibly convenient for people who don't have a lot of time and want a massage in the comfort of their home, whenever they want. Top quality massage chairs are available with a wide variety of functions, programs and prices. If you have an expert massage therapist, you are sure to get an exceptional massage. Although it comes close, even the best massage chair is not quite the same as the human touch you receive from a massage therapist. The biggest downside to getting a massage from a professional therapist is that it can cost you more time and money in the long run. You will also need to drive to their business and accommodate their schedule.


These are just some of the differences between a massage chair and a massage therapist. By looking at the pros and cons of each option, you will be able to choose which one is best for you.

Also read our other articles such as Health benefits of using a massage chair, or How to choose a massage chair? If you are still not sure about the purchase, read 7 reasons why to buy a massage chair.

You are cordially invited to our salon at Kolodvorska cesta 16a, in Kočevje, where our experts will suggest the top model that will be the most suitable for you, according to your wishes. We cannot describe the feeling of a real massage in a massage chair, so come and see for yourself. We know that the massage will enchant you and you will forget all your worries!

Massage chairs and other massage devices can be seen on our website Trgovina Jana.