Massage Chair: FSA Eligibility

What is a massage chair?

A massage chair is a chair fitted with motors, nodes and rollers to imitate the motions of a masseuse on the back. There are two techniques of massage that massage chairs are modeled after, Shiatsu and Swedish massage. Shiatsu massage provides pressing, sweeping, patting, rolling, and rotating movements to release tension. Swedish massage uses long gliding strokes and kneading motions to stimulate circulation (Veritashealth.com).

What are the benefits of a massage chair?

Massage is known to relieve tension and stress built up in the body. It can also be used medically by those suffering from back pain. Massage chairs typically have a remote to control settings to choose levels of pressure, area of massage and type of massage. Massage therapy helps with pain relief because it helps relax tender and painful muscles, tendons and joints (Harvard Health Publishing).

If your administrator will allow and only with appropriate documentation that shows the chair is necessary for treatment, mitigation, cure, prevention of treatment of a medical condition,the excess cost of a massage chair deducted from a regular chair may be eligible for reimbursement. Contact your benefits administrator to find out more details.