How to Buy the Best Massage Chair for your Needs?
Making a large purchase can be a bit stressful, and when you’re buying a massage chair that has more features than your phone and can cost three times as much, you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.
This is why we are here.
There are several brands and styles of massage chairs and each function is designed to meet a specific concern. So how do you decide which chair gives you the ones you need and what’s the difference between the plethora of styles and designs available?
First of all, you have to start by understanding the basics. We’ll walk you through what to look for when buying a massage chair, and cover each of the major facets of this article that can influence your decision. When you buy a massage chair, this guide is with you.
What Constitutes a Massage Chair?
The massage chairs have been around much longer than you think. Massage therapy is a practice that has existed for thousands of years. We’ve even seen it in places like ancient Greece and Egypt. Since then, massage has been used to treat pain, injury, reduce stress, treat mild anxiety, increase relaxation, lower blood pressure, and much more.
From acupressure and reflexology to shiatsu and deep tissue, massage has as many styles and techniques as it has wonderful features in our massage chairs. Appearing around the 1950s in their most recognizable form, massage chairs have evolved from a simple wheel and crank mechanism to advanced technology that uses electronically controlled rollers that can adjust your size and shape.
The modern Massage Chair is an impressive blend of innovations and new design features that all contribute to the goal of helping you relax and enjoy a soothing massage whenever the mood strikes you.
Now let’s dig a little deeper and take a look at the new features that you will find in most modern massage chairs.
Characteristics of a Massage Chair
Massage chair: 2D, 3D and 4D massage rollers
Massage chair manufacturers are always looking to improve the depth and precision of the rollers for a deeper and more precise massage experience. With this in mind, you will see that there are armchairs that offer options in three dimensions: 2D, 3D, and 4D. Each of these roller mechanisms is designed to penetrate at different levels.
Also Read Buying Guide for Best Massage Chair under $500
Massage chair: 2D massage rollers
A casual user or someone who is not looking for an exceptionally deep massage will most likely appreciate a massage chair with a 2D system. The 2D massage system is the traditional design that has been around the longest. It works the surface muscles and the back without reaching the depth of the underlying muscles. These rolls are the least intense.
Massage chair: 3D massage rollers
A 3D massage system goes even further and is found in the majority of massage chairs marketed today. It works deep in the muscles of the shoulders and back, penetrating the muscles and thus becoming more intense.
These rollers can move further away from the track for the purpose of massaging areas that are typically overlooked by the average massage chair, including the upper neck and shoulder area.
Massage chair: 4D massage rollers
For maximum penetration level and precise massage, 4D rollers provide users with deep tissue massage. These 4D reels can spin and hit different angles that 3D reels cannot. The intensity of the massage is relatively constant between these two options.
When considering these options, keep in mind that many massage chairs can be adjusted using a remote control to control the intensity of the massage, giving you the freedom to choose how far you want the heads to go. rollers protrude. However, this function will not be able to make the 2D massage more intense than its capabilities, and 3D and 4D massage will remain strong.
There are two types of massage tracks: S-Track and L-Track. Additionally, some newer massage chairs are starting to combine these two tracks to create an even more full body massage experience.
Massage chair: S-Track massage
The original design of the track is the S-Track. The S-Track follows the curvature of the spine and focuses on different areas of your back. The L-Track uses the same rail design in combination with a longer rail length to go deeper into your massage.
Massage chair: L-Track massage
While some chairs designed for the S-Track allow you to reach the neck, the L-Track stands out for its ability to reach the glutes and hamstrings. The L-Track, which owes its name to the shape it takes on the inside of the chair, stretches from the neck area to the lower back, then under the buttocks and thighs.
This feature can be very useful for someone who wants to take care of their lower back and legs and is willing to pay a little more for this feature as S-Track models are generally less expensive than the majority of chairs. L-Track.
Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Almost all best massage chairs on the market offer a recline function. However, not all of them can recline in a weightless position. This position, introduced by NASA, is achieved when your legs are elevated to a level higher than your heart. The purpose of this position is to relieve some of the pressure exerted on your joints by gravity and to rest your body weight on the back of the chair, which deepens the massage.
This optimal position allows for a more relaxing and deeper massage of the whole body. There are several massage chairs that automatically recline in this position when you choose a specific program.
Some chairs also have one-touch weightlessness and two levels of weightlessness. There are even a few chairs that offer inversion therapy that elevates the legs even higher for better circulation, which can be very helpful for people with swollen lower extremities.
Why A Weightless Massage Chair is Better Than A Traditional Chair?
As you can now guess, the absence of gravity is a feature that makes a massage chair well worth the price.
These chairs are able to recline you into a position that is not only ideal for a deeper massage, but this position can also help your spine and joints to decompress, thereby relieving some back pain and stiff joints.
The zero gravity position is also considered to be the position that puts the least pressure on your lower back.
Foot and Calf Massage
The foot massage and calf became the favorite of many users and is now quite often in medium-sized massage chairs high.
If you are up all day or have a demanding job, a foot massage can make your evening even more enjoyable. Check out the massage chairs available here that offer a foot reflexology feature.
There are several chairs that offer an advanced reflexology foot massage and several that also offer an airbag calf massage. This treatment can make the pain go away and increase circulation in the lower limbs.
Many foot and calf massagers can also be adjusted in intensity and some offer an automatic leg rest adjustment feature. This way you can be sure that the placement and strength of the massage are exactly what you want it to be.
Heating Function
Heat and massage offer similar benefits, and when combined, these two therapies can reinforce each other to provide an even better experience.
They both work to improve blood circulation, and massage can help rid the body of accumulated toxins. Together, improving blood circulation helps release toxins even better.
Plus, massage and heat improve muscle flexibility, which can help reduce pain and limited mobility. Arthritis, deep tissue injuries, inflammation, and muscle stiffness can all be relieved with a heated massage.
There are several masking chairs offered by our major brands that offer heat therapy. The standard for massage chairs is lumbar heat, where the heating elements are located in the lower back.
There are also a few massage chairs that have full body heaters and even electric blankets.
Air Cushion Massage
An air compression massage often works the user’s extremities thanks to a system built into the chair. This type of compression massage can help relieve stiffness and increase blood circulation. Compression massage can also stimulate the lymphatic system to remove toxins from the body, just like a traditional massage does.
You can usually adjust the level of intensity of the air squeeze massage and sometimes target them like the back rollers using the manual controls.
You can also find massage chairs that use airbags to hold you in place for a stretching program or provide you with hip compression.
Difference Between Air Massage and other Massage Techniques
Airbags provide a compression massage, as opposed to kneading, rolling, or tapping the rollers. While airbags can simulate these techniques by inflating and deflating rapidly, rollers typically perform these actions.
During the massage, the airbags inflate around the targeted area, such as your arm or hand, and compress it by squeezing and releasing it. The intensity of the massage varies depending on the degree of inflation of the airbag.
Body Scanner Technology
The technology of the body scanner offers users the massage as precise and accurate as possible, customized to the size and shape of your body. Body scanners work by using advanced sensors and technology to record the size, shape, and curves of each user. This allows the chair to customize the massage according to your needs and ensure that the rollers hit all the right points.
You can always adjust the intensity and placement if you want to make changes as well.
The body scanner is a standard feature of most massage chairs on the market today. It would be difficult to find an armchair that is not equipped with this function.
Space Saving
Space-saving technology is designed to reduce the space required to fully recline the massage chair. There are several models that can fully tilt in just a few inches.
Some massage chairs only require a few inches of recline, while others need about a foot. So it is important to look for chairs that have the space-saving feature if your space is limited.
Bluetooth and Apps Functionality
As we enter the age of smart devices, many manufacturers are starting to manufacture their chairs with Bluetooth functionality and apps to enhance user enjoyment.
There are several massage chairs that offer built-in speakers and sync technology that lets you listen to your favorite music, audio book, or podcast right from your chair.
With your phone or smart device paired with the chair, you can also enjoy a synchronized massage. This technique, which is usually found on chairs equipped with Bluetooth technology, allows you to enjoy some relaxing tunes while receiving a massage adapted to the rhythm of the music.
Adjustable Intensity
People like different massages on different days. This is why most chairs on the market today allow you to adjust the intensity, speed, position, and duration of your massage. The goal is to offer as much personalization as possible so that each user is satisfied with their experience.
When choosing your massage chair, you will need to consider all of the above features and how you want them to be used, along with a few other things to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
Which characteristics from the list above are most important to you? Make a list that you can keep handy when you compare chairs. Also, which parts of your body need the most attention, and what types of massage do you enjoy? There are several techniques and programs that can help you solve various problems. We will cover them below.
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is one of the best-known types of massage. It is ideal for those who do not get frequent massage and have an average tolerance for pain. These are long massaging movements that warm the muscle to release tension and break knots.
This type of massage is generally used in most massage chairs and is commonly used as a sleep or relaxation function.
Deep Tissue Massage
The deep tissue massage is a more intensive version of a Swedish massage. It targets deep muscles and connective tissue and is particularly effective in treating areas where muscles are chronically tense or contracted, such as the neck, lower back, and shoulders.
Although it promotes relaxation, it is not uncommon for these massages to be intense. Massage strokes make knots deeper in muscle tissue, which is more difficult to access. It also focuses on chronic pain or muscle tension to improve relaxation after the massage is complete. It can be very difficult to manage and is best suited for people who tolerate pain better.
Reflexology
Many massage chairs use reflexology in the footrest, which adds to the overall massage experience. Reflexology is a great way to improve relaxation and relieve tension in your feet, which in turn improves overall well-being.
Junetsu Massage
The Junetsu massage technique is exclusive to Panasonic and is a highlight of their Real Pro Ultra series. Junetsu is the Japanese word for “ ultra-fine kneading “ and consists of one-second circular movements, similar to those of the thumb, and is used by professional massage therapists around the world.
The Junetsu quickly relaxes tense muscles and the circular motion reverberates through the connecting muscles to invigorate you to the bone.
The Junetsu is the perfect massage style for the person who prefers to knead but wants a more localized massage. The quick movements can quickly relieve stress and revitalize your muscles, so you are ready for the rest of your day.
Shiatsu Massage
The shiatsu massage is sometimes described as the equivalent of acupressure. The Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure” and uses stretching, pressure, and rotation to get a full-body restoration effect that can reduce stress, muscle pain, and tense muscles.
Kneading Massage
The kneading massage is a great way to relieve tension and pain by lifting and stretching muscles and promotes better blood and lymph circulation. Kneading also helps deliver vital nutrients to the spine area and remove toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.
To achieve these results, your massage chair can use kneading on your back in small circular motions on both sides of your spine, and this technique is present in almost all massage chairs.
Vibration Massage
The vibration massage is an ancient and effective method to relieve pain and improve circulation. Many massage chairs are equipped with vibrating plates, usually in the seat, which delivers an intensity adjustable vibration massage.
Rolling Massage
This style focuses on the muscles just next to the spine by applying constant pressure with the rollers, sliding up and down your back. This warms up and relaxes those usually very tense muscles and does wonders in preparing your back for a full massage.
Stretch Massage
Stretching is a great way to relieve knots in the muscles and loosen up the muscles to prepare for the rest of the day. Most massage chairs use their built-in airbag system to strategically hold you in place so you can stretch out deeply.
This style of massage can help you relax your body and prepare you for a deeper massage or relax stiff muscles so that you feel better when working hard.
Compression Massage
A compression or squeeze massage is a great way to relieve tension in the hips and thighs. Usually, the massage chair inflates airbags in the hip area to compress different parts and relieve stress and joint pain.
Pressure massage can also be used in conjunction with the back rollers to ensure that you get the most out of your massage.
Now you can visualize the massage chair of your dreams.
You just have to consult our selection of massage chair.
