Orthopedic chairs

The term "orthopedic chair" can cover a number of different chair types, all offering orthopedic, or orthopedically supportive properties and features. These chairs support the back and body and promote a good and comfortable sitting posture.

Sometimes these chairs are referred to as "ergonomic" rather than orthopedic chairs.

A summary of orthopedic chair applications

The aim of all orthopedic chair types is to support or assist the body, either at rest, or in the performance of some activity. The design and function of each orthopedic chair will reflect the specific use for which it was designed.

Orthopedic chairs are usually designed for, and used in, one of two situations - the office or the home.

Orthopedic chairs in the home

In the home the orthopedic chair's objective may be comfort, relaxation or mobility assistance.

Orthopedic "lift chairs" offer assistance in helping their user to stand up from a seated position, i.e. requiring a chair that helps the body make this sitting to standing transition (and vice versa).

Other specialist "home application" orthopedic chairs can enhance relaxation by providing a massage or vibratory motion, or even heat from controllable embedded heat pads.

Alternatively, the "home" orthopedic chair may have no additional functions other than to offer good orthopedically designed support for the back and body.

Orthopedic chairs in the office

In an office environment the primary function of an orthopedic chair is usually the attainment of good posture whilst using office equipment, e.g. a computer. Such chairs take account of the user's need to have free and unrestricted arm movements whilst enjoying good back and limbar support.

These chairs are ergonomically designed and have a number of adjustable features. They are often desribed as ergonomic chairs, or ergonomic task chairs and you can find out all about them on ergonomic task chairs pages which start from this link.

The main types of orthopedic chair

• Orthopedic support chair
• Lift chairs or "rise and recline" (these are not chair lifts)
• Massage chair (massage and heat chair)

The three main categories of orthopedic chair are an orthopedic support chair, designed to support and maintain the correct alignment of the spine when seated, a "lift chair", designed to help the user make the transition from a seated position to a standing posture, and a massage chair, offering vibratory, mechanical, air or water muscle stimulation (with or without heat).

Each of these chair types provides a different orthopedic benefit and it is possible to combine more than one of these functions in a single chair.

The cost of an orthopedic chair will depend upon the function and complexity of the chair with some orthopedically designed office chairs being priced at less than £100 and some large massage and therapeutic chairs running to several thousand pounds.

Cost though, is not necessarily the most important factor in determining a chairs performance, however the more features and facilities included on say, a massage chair, the higher the price is likely to be.

Finding out about orthopedic chairs on this website

To find out about the different types of orthopedic chairs available and the health and pain relief benefits that they can offer, select from the menu items listed in the left hand column.

Some of these pages will have additional information (from internal links included within them) and they should combine together to offer a complete resource on all variations of orthopedic chairs and chairs designed to provide orthopedic assistance.

Separate sections cover (in detail) lift chairs, orthopedic office chairs and massage chairs, and provide contacts for online and high street retailers who sell these specialist products.

We also detail the features and types of individual who can benefit from each style of chair, and the lifestyle issues that may lead someone to consider the advantages of buying one of these orthopedically designed products.

A brief orthopedic chair summary

No one should buy any kind of orthopedic product based on a short description of what that product is intended to do, but the summaries below will enable anyone to identify what the main categories of orthopedic chair types are and the benefits, advantages and life easing properties that they can potentially offer.

Lift Chair

Lift chairs make the process of sitting down and standing up less troublesome and remove the need for assistance from a third party. This is achieved by an automated lifting and tilting movement of the chair and is controlled by the user.

Naturally, a lift chair has obvious applications when it comes to the elderly, but equally those with chronic back disorders, or long term dehabilitating illnesses may also enjoy the advantages of this type of orthopedic chair.


Massage chair

Massage chairs provide a massage or vibratory motion and can also have a heat function. Massage chairs, whilst having medical benefits to back pain sufferers, can be enjoyed by all ages and states of health and promote relaxation and the removal of tension.

Originally, these chairs were designer as medical aids, but today many are purchased as luxury items aimed solely at relaxation and relieving stress. These chairs cover an expansive range of prices and designs.


Orthopedic chair

Orthopedic chairs in general life, particularly in the work place, encourage a healthy spine, lumbar, skeletal and muscular posture and have proven advantages in protecting the body's long term well being. There are a number of "regular" orthopedic chairs and those used in the working environment can dramatically affect (or prevent) the onset of not just back pain, but tiredness and fatigue.

Most "home" orthopedic chairs have a higher elevation than regular chairs and may also have a more vertical or sculptured back support. Many of these chairs originated in nursing homes, but now see their characteristics incorporated into more modern and contemporary designs.

If you have back or muscular pain, physical injuries, a degenerative illness, or any other medical condition (permanent or temporary), discuss the purchase of an orthopedic chair with your doctor or consultant before coming to a decision on purchasing a product.