What You Need To Know Before Buying a Massage Chair
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: Are you are looking for back pain relief? If so,
what parts of your back is most important? Massage chairs have rollers
that can provide full back, shoulder and neck coverage. Many have width
adjustments to expand or contract the rollers. Also, the stroke length
is important. The stroke length is the amount of travel the back
rollers have when moving up and down the chair back. Typical stroke
lengths are 23 inches to 31 inches. To get the proper coverage of the
back define what areas are must haves for a shiatsu massage chair
3. Massage Therapy: Are you looking for deep tissue massage that
penetrates beyond the superficial muscle layers? Shiatsu massage uses
the body's acupressure points combined with kneading and tapping for
whole body relief. Swedish massage uses longer strokes, kneading,
squeezing and heat. A gentle Hawaiian massage using sway, stroking and
light tapping may take you to the islands while you relax. The
technology integrated into many shiatsu massage recliners is
incredible. Have fun and find the massage therapies you enjoy most and
look for massage chairs that have these capabilities.
4. Lower Body Massage: Do not forget your lower body. Shiatsu massage
chairs have very effective lower body massage therapies. There are two
technologies to consider for the footrest. The mechanical paddle
systems or the air massage system. The mechanical paddle system is
basically a motor driven paddle system which is used to massage the
calves. The paddle system is limited to just the calf massage. The
paddle system provides a vigorous tapping massage. The air massage
system is driven by a compressor and delivers a compression massage to
throughout the lower body. The air massage system uses a squeeze, hold
and release massage while also stimulating reflexology points. There
are some chairs which combine both technologies. The lower body
massages have improved tremendously over the last few years.
5. Warranty Coverage: Warranty is your future protection, so it makes
sense to know enough to get the coverage you require. Massage chair
warranties include parts, labor, in home service vs. service center,
and shipping expenses. Parts are what areas of the chair are covered
and for how long. Labor is when technician time is involved, how much
does the factory cover and how long? In home service is having a
technician come to your house and repair the product.
Finally, more
companies are adding this service; make sure the manufacturer covers in
home service. Also, shipping expenses for parts or for the entire chair
is another factor to evaluate. Some companies are really strict and the
chair must be in the original packaging or else you can buy the
packaging from them! These are the main warranties areas to know about.
Make sure you go with a known brand of massage chairs.
I would hate to
tell you the stories we have gotten from people who bought a fly by
night outfit. One good test is if the massage chair company has retail
accounts. If they do not, then who has leverage to make sure the
warranty is honored? Most warranties cover parts, labor, in home
service vs. service center, and shipping expenses. The difference is
what they cover and for how long. Fortune 500 companies make you buy an
massage chair industry. Compare warranties and costs and find the right
protection for you.
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, Sanyo, AcuTec and Human Touch. Read a Massage Chair Review and more.
