Massage Chairs As A Means To Ease Pain

Many massage chairs built today are technological marvels that incorporate several different types of massage in order to aid relaxation. So, when shopping for a new chair these separate features should each be understood in order to appraise which massage chair will bring you the benefits you desire.

Rolling: Rolling massage relieves tension and loosens muscles to prepare the back for deeper massage. It does so by pressing firmly on one side and then the other, gently traversing up the length of the spine.

Kneading: Kneading massage is a deeper therapy, working and stretching the muscles to enhance circulation. Typically it's performed in a circular motion and replicates the feeling of thumbs or fingers working along both sides of the spine thus easing soreness and working out knots.

Compression: Compression massage alternates strokes that push firmly on muscles along the spine as well as inward towards the spine which helps to increase mobility and flexibility while improving posture.

Percussion: Percussion massage emulates a tapping or chop-chop motion that provides tension-breaking vibrations and invigoration for the muscles. The percussion massage helps to relieve spinal pressure while invigorating the entire back.

HTT: Human Touch Technology, a registered trademark, so closely replicates the 3-dimensional motion of wrist and arm movements of a trained massage therapist that it is recommended by the American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists.

Reflexology: Stress relief via foot massage, reflexology uses thumb-like pressure that is often delivered via air devices located in the feet of some chairs.

Depending on the type of chair purchased, one, a few, or all of these features will be present. Some combine the massage techniques through personalization that it either manually controlled or automatic. Others have pre-selected massage programs such as shiatsu or Swedish massage.

In terms of dimensions, if you're large you'll need a large chair, but any chair you purchase is likely to be quite a bit heavier than a non-massage enabled recliner. It's best to make sure that delivery and assembly come with whatever purchase you decide to make. Finally, massage chairs are expensive so take the time to decide carefully on what you really want. Ideally you'll have a chair that serves you well for many years, and ultimately saves you quite a bit in visits to a chiropractor or masseuse.

Ted Huffman is a massage therapist based in Encio, California.
Testing done at: http://www.relaxtheback.com/
Massage chairs