The Pros and Cons of Massage At Home

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably already aware of some of the many benefits of massage therapy. At PMR, massage is one of our core modalities, and massage therapy is a component of many of our holistic treatment plans. Among other benefits, massage therapy can help to reduce stress, alleviate pain, improve circulation, and improve the body’s natural healing processes. In particular, athletes, clients with chronic pain, and those experiencing significant stress tend to notice the most benefits following massage therapy.

We offer professional massage therapy at PMR, and our physical therapists can customize a massage plan that fits your unique needs, goals, and concerns. However, it is also possible to receive massage therapy at home, or to replicate massage therapy using a device, such as a massage chair—perhaps you’ve seen them on display at a local mall or in a catalog.

But how do these at-home alternatives really compare to traditional massage therapy? Whatever your needs might be, we’ve examined the pros and cons of different forms of at-home massage, with the aim of helping you to make a more informed decision.

At-Home Massage Therapy

Although we generally feel that massage therapy is best conducted in a professional environment, with the guidance of a physical therapist and a treatment plan, at-home massage may be a better alternative for some patients. For example, if you have limited mobility or live far away from a treatment center, the strain of traveling to your massage therapy sessions may undermine the goals of massage.

There are other advantages to at-home massage, as well. Because you’re most comfortable in your home environment, you may find it easier to fully relax there. You may also be able to book longer massage sessions at home than at some massage centers. However, keep in mind that most masseuses will charge significantly higher rates to visit you at home, and scheduling may also be more difficult.

Massage Chairs and Devices

You’ve likely seen them in stores or at a friend’s house, and maybe even tried one out for yourself: in fact, massage chairs have been popular for many years now, and similar handheld devices are also available. These devices have distinct advantages over professional massage therapy, namely that they’re less expensive in the long run, as well as more adaptable to your personal schedule.

However, though some massage chair models may provide relief from stress and pain, they’re no match for the real deal. The basic vibrations and movements of a chair can’t fully replicate the expertise of a trained masseuse, and studies have shown that the physical, human touch of a real massage has stress-reducing properties of its own.

For more information on massage therapy and how it might fit into your holistic treatment plan, give us a call at PMR today!