Off topic: Massage chairs for joint pain

I never found massage to be particularly helpful for my inflammatory pain. Maybe it is just me, but my pain is derived from the bones and tendon insertions, so massaging the muscles was not relaxing or pain relieving. Sitting in those chairs were a waste, so I never considered buying one. For me, it is heat and activity that make the difference. The reason ultrasound works is because it is penetrating heat. So, when things are bad, it is a heating pad or a hot shower for me. While in the shower, I do range of motion and stretches.

Jan

Thanks for the input Jan,
I also do the stretches in the shower/tub or when I get out once the muscles are warm but I was hoping that these new fangled chairs with built in heat, stretching doo-hicky, compression etc could help...unfortunately I felt nothing while sitting there...he had it on full strenght and it was like a mild tickle...
So back to the drawing board...Sure would like to find something that helps...
Sharon

Yeah, I WANTED to like them too, but they just made me feel "bruised" after sitting in them. Like when I've camped on the ground and there are rocks and sticks under my sleeping bag. I think they are more for folks with tight muscles from strain.

You can just put a heating pad where you need it for better results. I have one heating pad that is like a shawl that is great for my shoulders and neck. http://www.amazon.com/Sunbeam-...oulder/dp/B001JCXJTW

Jan

Not bad...kinda cute!
I have these old 'grain' pillows filled with oats or rhye or some other grains and I put them into the microwave oven for 2-3 minutes...then I wrap them around my neck, legs or put them under the hips etc...fabulous...I've got 3-4 of them in different sizes and shapes (yes, I know...some women have 'other things' in different sizes and shapes...I have pillows that I heat up to ease my aching joints! )
There are also these gel pillows that I heat up but they are a bit dangerous because if you overheat them, they explode...You can make the grain ones yourself by sewing a pound or 2 of grains inside a cotton pillow case...just avoid using popcorn...bad idea.
Hubby says that he will finance all of the oats that I want now that he doesn't have to pay 4500€ for a chair!
Sharon

What I like about the heating pads is that they stay warm way longer than those ones you have to microwave. I guess you can consider that a good thing though, since it forces you to get up and move around once in a while, where the heating pad just lets you sit there and stiffen up.

Jan

Never thought about it that way but you do have a point....and no power cords either!
Sharon

Personally I love my massages, but I have to get them from a massage therapist not a chair. The chair ones also leave me feeling bruised. I get a monthly massage and it really does help reduce my pain. I get what is called a "deep pressure" massage. Its not deep tissue (also leave me feeling bruised), rather a constant pressure on a spot until the spot releases. If my therapist even decides to move I will have to follow her. lol

Hi ladies, I suffer from ankylosing spondalitis for about 13 years. I ended up in the ER because when I was complaining of the pain which was in the sacro area, I was also having major flare ups from my UC and so they were blaming the inflammation was due to my guts and I was just exaggerating. Anyhow after weeks of excruciating pain I got diagnosed with ankylosing spondalitis arthritis. I was on a wheel chair for over a month. I invested in an electronical bed. This has been the best investment I made. Not only was I not getting any sleep from my frequent runs to the bathroom because of IBD but I could not find any position to rest. All the pillows in the world couldn't help and well after 6 months of recliners and pillows, my rhuemy mentioned the bed and said that with a letter from him stating that this was a medical condition I could claim for it. Unfortunately my husbands ins. Didn't cover it but I claimed for it on my income taxes. As Jan mentioned the heating pads worked the best for me to! Just be careful and make sure you don't fall asleep with it on. Like many of you we all suffer from this friendly illness... And are all sleep deprived, I was treating my colar bone because I also have my clavicual that's inflamed extremely painful, that breathing becomes a challeng. Anyhow fell asleep and woke up with a beautiful water blister!!! A bad burn that scared me. Anyhow they're great, affordable and has become part of my decor in the living room lol! As for the chairs, their to painful for me. Again like Jan said I feel like I'm getting a beaten it's far from relaxing to me, but see what works for you. Things got bad for me but I don't want to bore you with it.
P.S I'm new to this site and I feel when I reply to someone my reply is to long. I'm not sure I'm using this properly????

Welcome L.DL,
You are doing great..
Yes, all of us are suffering from various off-shoots of this disease...unfortunately it doesn't end with the colon but keeps giving us 'challenges' elsewhere...I need heat, massage and hot water to be able to function because the NSAIDs are not doing it for me anymore...I am getting some massages from an Osteopath-physiotherapist...he is doing a good job but I am a long way away from being able to sleep, sit, stand or walk...this is getting to be a pain!
I need to get a hold of my diet again too...I used to keep away from carbs, especially flour and rice, now that is all that I seem to be able to eat (since the occlusion)...so that may be having an inflamatory effect on me too...
If I can cut them out again I would be curious to see if it helps or is something else the culprit?
Sharon
ps...I love a good massage that goes deep into the muscles and tissues...

Hey Jan... thanks for the link to the heating pad! I put it on my Amazon wish list and my daughter bought it for me as a Christmas present. I love it!

If you want to try out a massage chair for an hour or so why don't you go and get a pedicure? I know this sounds crazy but all of the salons in my area, even the really cheap ones, have massage chairs for when you have your feet done.
Generally when I go the girls doing the pedicure want to turn it on for me to experience the relaxing massage. I always have to grab the control for them and say "No thanks". I tried it once and it felt like someone was trying to punch my kidneys through my abdominal wall. Other people have different experiences though but it might be a good way to see what happens after an hour or so. Plus you will come out with fantastic looking toes!

Jaype,
I can sit in those chairs for hours at a time and ask for more everytime that they finish their cycle...I am an addict!
My mom had 2 that I used whenever I was at her place...don't remember the brands or types...here the pedicures don't have them, just wooden stools so that sucks but I tried one while on holidays (had them in the lobby) but there was no brand name on them.
No place here to try them so I am still looking for a 'heavy weight boxer' type that can pound my poor tired muscles.
I have noticed that from one type to the other there is a major difference.
Sharon

I have a flex steel recliner that has massage and heat. It has 3 speeds so you can choose the right one. It is so great for my lower back pain and arthritis.

Thanks Judy,
I am tempted to order one now that the sales are on...the one that I saw recently at a tradefair was 4000€ on sale (about 5500$) and about 5xs over budget...at the moment it is on sale for 1000€ (around 1500$) and closer to my pocket book...thinking of taking the plunge being that these pains just won't quit...hubby tried the foot massage thingy that is sold seperately and loved what it did for his feet so I figure I can get one with both...
I need something to make all of this pain go away.
Sharon

I rather believe in conventional method of massage. I regularly take sessions of massage at fitness center.