Why Massage Chairs Beat Massage Tools.

It’s fair to say that everyone enjoys being free of aches and pains and having their muscles feel loose and relaxed. They’re pretty universal goals.

Not everyone takes action to pursue them, of course. Too often, people simply accept their discomfort as a function of being active, aging, etc. That’s unfortunate because greater comfort is achievable. It’s also regrettable that many think their only options for relief from aches and pains are simple massage tools.

Raise your hand if you have any of the following home massage tools gathering dust in your home:

• Heating pads or microwaveable heat packs. Heat can increase the blood flow to an area, promoting healing. But these devices tend to be used only sporadically and provide modest improvements at best.
• Massage sticks or canes. Many people purchase these tools believing that “If I could just reach my stiff and sore back muscles, I’d take better care of them.” It’s an admirable objective, but, in practice, the owner typically places the stick or cane within arm’s reach of their chair or bed initially, only to have it gradually move farther and farther away until it ends up unused in a closet somewhere.
• Foam rollers. Rollers certainly can manipulate the back and shoulder muscles to a degree, but only in a relatively ineffective linear fashion. In time, most people find that the effort required to properly position themselves on the roller and move back and forth isn’t worth it. It may even be impossible for those with...