We have all been there, at that point in our lives when, after long days of hard work in the office and endless daily commutes, we try to unwind on our couch only to find it uncomfortable or lacking in sufficient support.
It is no surprise that the thought of investing in a recliner might sound like a luxury we deserve, we can’t help but wonder if it’s worth the investment especially the concerns about long-term comfort and support linger in the back of our minds.
However, I believe otherwise, as the myths and misinformation revolving around leg blood circulation and recliners are to be blamed.
Henceforth, I have decided to dive deep into research to separate fact from fiction by providing you with a comprehensive guide about “Are Recliners Bad for Leg Circulation” by equipping you with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.
How Leg Circulation Works
It is extremely important that you first understand how blood circulation in our legs works because there is no straightforward way to shun the misinformation that revolves around recliner use cases without a solid foundation of knowledge.
In simpler words, leg circulation works like a two-way highway for blood as most of the job is done through arteries carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the legs, while veins return oxygen-depleted blood back to the heart.
However, this particular “highway for blood circulation” is subdivided into a network of arteries, veins, and capillaries.
This intricate system ensures that all tissues in the legs receive the oxygen and nutrients they need all while working in conjunction with muscle contraction, as they squeeze the veins and help propel blood back towards the heart.
Now technically speaking, this flow happens as a to-and-fro cycle from our lower body to the torso endlessly throughout the day in ideal situations, however, due to any form of obstruction, prolonged periods of inactivity, or underlying medical conditions, the efficiency of this system can be significantly reduced.
Understanding Recliner Mechanics
On the flip side, understanding the anatomy of our leg circulation and good blood flow is only half the journey in this pursuit of a comfortable and healthy lifestyle.
Technically, a recliner is a piece of furniture with an adjustable backrest and footrest, and goes without saying that the degree of recline can vary depending on the model and individual preferences.
Depending on your budget and preferences it could either be a mechanized or manually operated seat that allows for various reclining positions. Some recliners even offer additional features like massage or heat therapy.
Nevertheless, the functionality of such intricate machinery remains the same as the focus is solely on providing comfort and relaxation to the user as the primary goal is to create a soothing and enjoyable experience by incorporating ergonomic principles.
Such attributes help promote proper posture and support all while offering a versatile seating option that can be used for catching the episode of your favorite TV show on Netflix or even napping and that’s exactly why Its adaptability makes it a popular choice for many households.
Are Recliners Bad for Leg Circulation?
The impact of recliners on leg health isn’t a simple matter. Various factors, including individual health and specific recliner features, contribute to the overall effect.
To understand the full picture, we need to examine both the potential benefits and drawbacks, which are discussed below:
The Positive Impact On Leg Circulation Of Recliners
Recliners are a work of wonders, considering the fact the whole heaps of benefit it provides, here are some surprising benefits that often go unnoticed.
Kickstarts Blood Circulation
While some individuals might claim that recliners tend to cause blood congestion in the lower torso, if you use a recliner properly at a correct degree of reclining of the backrest, you can improve circulation in your legs and feet.
It can help reduce leg swelling and promote blood flow back to the heart.
In fact, there are reports where people have noticed that it relieves pressure on your veins and arteries, allowing for natural blood flow which proves that the claims of recliners being bad for blood circulation is nothing more than a myth.
In fact, many healthcare professionals recognize the potential value of recliners in promoting overall health and well-being, when used appropriately.
Helps With Edema
Elevating your legs above heart level while reclining at a 45-degree angle or higher can significantly alleviate leg and ankle edema by enhancing blood flow and lymphatic drainage, thereby reducing fluid accumulation.
Alternatively, you could also recline the backrest at 135 degrees with slightly bent knees, and supported feet can optimize fluid drainage and reduce swelling by utilizing gravity’s natural pull.
Additionally, it also helps in pumping the fresh oxygenated blood directly to the lower limbs which ensures the tissues and muscles are nourished and kept in an ideal state.
From these claims alone, we can easily conclude that if recliners were bad for leg circulation then doctors wouldn’t recommend them to patients with circulatory problems in which case the numerous accounts of improved blood flow and reduced edema wouldn’t exist.
It should also be noted that medical professionals prioritize patient well-being and wouldn’t suggest something potentially harmful and it goes without saying that the anecdotal evidence, while not definitive, adds weight to the argument that recliners can be beneficial.
Beneficial For Pregnant Women
Another huge piece of evidence that backs up the benefits of recliners in terms of leg circulation lies in the fact that pregnant women often find relief from swollen ankles and leg pain by using recliners. The elevated position can help reduce fluid retention and improve blood flow.
During pregnancy, the lower back and pelvis may experience strain due to the added weight and shifting center of gravity, particularly vulnerable to poor circulation due to the growing uterus pressing on blood vessels.
As the circulatory system adapts to the demands of pregnancy, using a recliner is a surefire method to provide valuable support by alleviating back pain and reducing pressure on the legs, which are often strained due to increased weight and spinal stress.
A recliner also works wonders when the body of an individual person goes through significant changes, the weight distribution method of those power recliners acts as a lifesaver.
Then What’s The Fuss About Recliners Being Bad For Leg Circulation?
Now, you would be wondering, if the use case of recliners is full of sunshine and scientific evidence backing up their effectiveness, why does the controversy persist? Well, here is why,
Moderation Is Key
As the saying goes, excess of everything is bad and just like everything else overreliance on recliners for comfort can lead to a sedentary lifestyle. It’s important to balance relaxation with regular physical activity to maintain good health.
In fact, relying solely on recliners for health may not be sufficient. A comprehensive approach that includes exercise, diet, and other lifestyle factors is essential and to make matters worse, prolonged inactivity in any position can lead to muscle stiffness and reduced movement of blood.
Discomfort like muscle stiffness, spasms, or aches are often incorrectly blamed on recliners. Instead, these symptoms are frequently a consequence of inactivity and insufficient exercise, both of which can restrict blood circulation in the lower body.
Underlying Health Concerns
A recliner cannot help you cure or treat underlying medical conditions that affect circulation. If you have varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, or other circulatory issues, a recliner is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Neither does it reverse the effects of a sedentary lifestyle. While a recliner can provide temporary relief, regular exercise and movement are crucial for maintaining healthy circulation.
It shouldn’t be seen as a magic bullet that will instantly resolve all your circulatory problems or replacement for regular exercise and movement, which are essential for maintaining healthy circulation. In fact, it’s more of a tool that can complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
Poor Angles Hurt
Recliners only work well, if you have angled them in a way that supports your natural spine curvature and promotes good posture, and slouching or hunching over can impede circulation to the legs and negate the benefits of a recliner.
It should also be angled with consideration for your individual needs and any underlying health conditions, in a manner that allows for periodic movement and stretching, of course.
And if you fail to achieve the goal, you might as well imagine sitting in a regular chair with your legs dangling, as the benefits of the recliner are lost.
The whole point of a recliner is to elevate your legs and improve circulation, which is not achieved with poor posture.
One Size Isn’t For All
This is the element I always love to emphasize since it is the most overlooked and most of individuals tend to forget that recliners come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, each catering to different needs and body types.
In fact, you would be surprised to know that what works for one person may not be suitable for another, so choosing the right recliner is crucial.
Considering the fact there are so many attributes that affect the way a recliner impacts your circulation, it’s essential to choose one that provides adequate support and promotes ideal blood flow.
As per my professional advice, I would suggest that you look for features that help promote healthy blood flow through adjustable lumbar support, proper leg elevation, and breathable materials.
In Conclusion
As mentioned above, the use of a recliner is only considered harmful or detrimental if the recliner is not properly adjusted to support your body and promote good posture. Incorrect angling can impede circulation and negate the potential benefits.
However, after reading my guide on “Are Recliners Bad for Leg Circulation?” I am fairly certain you can confidently dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding recliners and leg health, neverthelss, feel free to comment below if you have any queries in your mind, I would be much obliged to sort you out.
I am a furniture expert with a passion for recliners. With years of experience in the industry, I offer invaluable insights and creative ideas for selecting the perfect recliner to suit any space and your needs.