1. Define Your Needs: Think about how the massage chair will
meet your long term needs. There is a tremendous variety of choices of
models, makes and features. Start with the areas you are looking for
daily relief. Are there certain problem areas, you want to focus on?
Next, match the areas with the type of massage that would be most
effective. If you are
looking for full body massage, see what massage therapy techniques you
would enjoy most. If you know the massage types you want this will help
get the best massage chair for your needs.
2. Back Pain Relief: What are the important areas on your back? Do you
need more attention on lower back or is shoulder and neck coverage more
important. Some massage chairs have grasping which is good around the
shoulder and neck areas. A thorough kneading massage in the lower back
relieves muscles. Make sure the massage chair reaches the lower lumbar
areas to ensure relief. To relieve pressure off the cervical discs, a
finger press massage is very relieving. The finger press massage uses
the rollers going up and down adjusting each disc as it goes. These are
just a few features in massage chair recliners.
3. Massage Therapy: Massage chairs have many massage therapies
available. Choose from Shiatsu, Swedish, Hawaiian, Acu pressure,
Reflexology, Deep Tissue and many more. It is important to familiarize
yourself with the different types as each provides certain benefits.
Also, massages can be light and gentle to more invigorating depending
on your needs and comfort. Most massage chair recliners offer multiple
massage therapies, so make sure the most important ones are covered.
4. Lower Body Massage: Massage chairs have rapidly advanced the
technology and effectiveness of lower body massages. Most massage chair
concentrated really on the back, neck and shoulders. This was
accomplished using rollers to imitate human hands. The lower body
presents more challenges. These companies have developed a mechanical
paddle system and air massage using air compression. Some chairs are
mixed with both, but the best massage chairs use one or the other. The
paddle system is limited to the calf areas. Air massage is much more
flexible since the massage is delivered via air bags. These chairs have
air bags for the arms, hands, feet, calves, thighs, hips, buttocks
providing superior coverage.
5. Warranty Coverage: Warranty coverage varies as much as the variety
of massage chairs on the market. First, sort your list down to
reputable manufacturers. Find out if the manufacturer has national
retail accounts, this ensures that there warranty means something.
Typical warranty coverage includes parts; labor, in home service vs.
service center, shipping expenses. Interestingly, Fortune 500
manufacturers like Panasonic and Sanyo have short warranties from the
manufacturer, but then sell extended warranties to match the rest of
the massage chair industry. How long does the manufacturer cover parts?
If you need service, can a technician come to your home or do you need
to send your massage chair to a service center. This is important, as
sending around 200 lbs of massage chair is not an easy task. Also, how
long will the manufacturer pick up any shipping expenses to repair the
massage chair?
It is an exciting time to be looking for a massage chair. The
technology is so advanced and the features are very effective. Research
into the various massage therapies and find the ones that will most
effectively work for you. When you start to find some models, check
around for others that match what you want in a chair. The best is
always to try the massage recliner, and then you can test its
effectiveness directly. Shop around to find the best deal; do not
forget to factor in taxes and shipping. Most of all, find a massage
chair to meet your needs today and tomorrow.
The Article Author:
Looking for the Best Massage Chair for your health therapy needs. Find the premier massage chair brands from Omega, Takasima, AcuTec and Human Touch. Peruse a Massage Chair Review and more.