Can Massage Chair Make You Dizzy? – Reasons Why, How to Prevent It
Last Updated on September 25, 2023 by Emily
Do you have a massage chair in your home? If so, do you ever feel dizzy when you leave the chair after using it for a while?
Massage chairs have become a luxury purchase for many people. However, there are some side effects that you should be aware of before purchasing one. One potential side effect is dizziness.
Dizziness is an unpleasant sensation where one’s surroundings seem to spin or move around them; people often associate it with lightheadedness, nausea, or vertigo. There is one question that many people ask themselves when they go to get a massage, “Can Massage Chair Make Me Dizzy?” The answer is not always clear and can vary from person to person.
In this article, we will discuss why massage chairs may make you dizzy, what to do if it does happen, and how to prevent it from happening in the future!
Contents
Can Massage Chair Make You Dizzy?
The short answer is yes. Massage chairs can make you dizzy if programmed incorrectly or misused. It all comes down to your brain and how it receives the signals sent by the massage chair, which directly affects your body’s central nervous system (CNS). Your CNS controls many bodily functions like your breathing and heart rate. This system can be fooled into thinking it is in danger, which will cause the dizziness you experience while seated in a massage chair.
Not everyone will experience this symptom. Bit still, it’s possible for a massage chair to make you dizzy. If the chair has too much power or is positioned so that it causes your head to spin, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy.
It’s essential to be mindful of how the chair is positioned and start with a light massage. If you experience any dizziness or discomfort, stop immediately and consult a doctor.
How long does dizziness last after a chair massage?
Typically, dizziness will last about 15 to 20 minutes. However, some people may feel lightheaded longer than this, so be careful when driving or operating machinery after the massage. Some find it helpful to walk around for a few extra seconds before getting back into their car and heading home from the chair massage session.
Use your best judgment as everyone is different and experiences these sensations differently.
Reasons Why You May Feel Dizzy After Using the Massage Chair
If you’ve ever experienced feeling dizzy after a massage, you’re not alone; it’s one of the most common complaints we hear at our office! Over half of all patients who come in for a massage have reported experiencing some degree of lightheadedness afterwards.
You may feel dizzy;
- If you sit in the massage chair for too long. Make sure to only stay on the massager for thirty minutes at a time.
- If the massage chair is adjusted too high or sitting up too straight in the chair.
- If the airbag is not allowing you to breathe correctly or your head and neck are pushed down when the massage chair is in use.
- If you do not have proper blood circulation, you need to move around and stand up or change positions.
- If you do not drink enough water before getting on the massage chair and lack hydration.
- If you have a medical condition like high fever, heart disease, or diabetes and have not discussed the massage chair with your doctor.
- If you exercise too soon after using a massage chair, don’t let your body rest.
- If you take certain medications and have not discussed the massage chair with your doctor.
Prevent Dizziness from Massage Chair
If you are prone to becoming dizzy, you should start your massage session with the option of either sitting up or laying down. Most massage chairs have a position where you can lay back and completely relax.
If you are already feeling dizzy during the massage, never fear! Stop your chair and stand up if it gets to be too much for you. It will allow all of those sensations in your feet, legs, hips, and core caused by the machine’s movement to go back down to average speed. It may feel a little strange at first to have your muscles return to their average speeds, but the sensation should only last for a few minutes.
The best way to prevent the dizziness from a massage chair is to sit down for about 15 minutes. It allows your body time to adjust and get used to the new sensations. It also gives your muscles plenty of time to relax.
Helpful Tips for Avoiding Dizziness from a Massage Chair
- Find a chair that has lumbar support
- Sit up straight and don’t slouch while sitting in the massage chair
- Lean back into the massage chair to get the full benefits of it
- Make sure you are not over-heating when using your massage chair, so turn it off if necessary
- Don’t use your massage chair too much – limit usage to once or twice per day for best results
- Drink plenty of fluids before and after getting a massage to avoid dehydration
- Keep your back supported by propping yourself up with pillows while leaning against a wall or sitting on an exercise ball when watching TV
- Take breaks between sessions if needed – stretch or walk around for 5 minutes before resuming your session
Necessary Safety Precautions When Using the Massage Chair
- Be sure to avoid alcohol and other factors before chair massage that may cause dizziness, such as fatigue, dehydration, or physical exertion.
- If you feel sick or dizzy or have a headache, stop using the massage chair immediately.
- Do not use the massager if you are pregnant, which might pose a severe risk if you experience dizziness while using the product.
- Never force, twist, or stretch while using a massaging machine because it may cause dizziness
- Consult with your doctor before using a massaging machine if you have any pre-existing conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer etc.
Conclusion
At the end of your message, you may feel dizzy or lightheaded. It is a common occurrence that usually lasts for about an hour after using the chair. You can avoid feeling this way by making sure to drink water before and during the massage, staying hydrated throughout the day in general, avoiding alcohol consumption before or right after getting a massage, eat small meals at least three hours apart from each other when possible (this will help with digestion), make sure to stretch out any tight muscles beforehand so they are not stressed while receiving treatment on them and go slow if you have any joint mobility issues which could lead to more pain later on.